Yvonne Smith, PhD, APRN-CNS, professor and chair of the Baldwin Wallace University Department of Nursing, explains why a career pivot to nursing is "exceptionally smart" and how BW's ABSN degree program offers a 15-month path to a fulfilling and in-demand career.
The nursing profession offers unique advantages that make it an exceptionally smart career pivot. First, the demand for qualified nurses continues to grow steadily amid persistent workforce shortages across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of registered nurses to increase 6% through 2033, with approximately 194,500 openings annually on average. This sustained demand creates job security rarely found in today's volatile employment landscape.
Beyond stability, nursing provides remarkable flexibility. Nurses can choose from diverse practice settings — hospitals, clinics, schools, corporations, public health agencies or entrepreneurial ventures. They can specialize in pediatrics, emergency care, mental health, community health or dozens of other areas. This versatility allows career-changers to align their new profession with existing interests, skills and values.
As professor and chair of Baldwin Wallace University's Department of Nursing, I've witnessed countless professionals reinvent their careers through our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. BW's program specifically serves those seeking a meaningful change — individuals with degrees in business, education, psychology and numerous other fields who discover their calling in healthcare.
For those concerned about transition time, accelerated programs like ours provide an efficient path. In just 15 months, professionals with non-nursing bachelor's degrees can complete the clinical training and coursework necessary for licensure. This accelerated timeline minimizes income interruption while maximizing educational investment.
Financial considerations also make nursing an attractive pivot. The median annual wage for registered nurses exceeds $81,000, with advanced practice roles commanding significantly higher salaries. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement, sign-on bonuses and competitive benefits packages to attract qualified nurses.
The collaborative nature of the nursing profession often surprises career-changers. Modern healthcare depends on interdisciplinary teams, and nurses serve as vital connectors between physicians, therapists, social workers and other specialists. Previous professional experience — whether in communication, project management, data analysis or customer service — becomes invaluable in these healthcare settings.
Importantly, nursing offers something many professionals find missing in their original careers: meaning and purpose. Our nursing students frequently express how fulfilling it is to directly impact others' lives during vulnerable moments. They appreciate making tangible differences daily rather than working toward abstract organizational goals.
At Baldwin Wallace, we've designed our accelerated program specifically for career-changers. We recognize the unique strengths, life experiences and perspectives these students bring to nursing. Their diverse backgrounds enhance patient care and contribute to healthcare innovation.
For those considering a pivot to nursing, I encourage thoughtful exploration. Shadow nurses in various settings. Speak with nursing professionals about everyday realities. Research program requirements and consider how your existing skills might transfer to healthcare environments.
The nursing profession welcomes career-changers who bring fresh perspectives, diverse experiences and genuine compassion. While the transition requires dedication and hard work, few career pivots offer comparable stability, flexibility, financial reward and personal fulfillment. As healthcare continues evolving to meet society's changing needs, nurses with varied backgrounds and skills will remain essential to quality patient care.
This column by Yvonne Smith, PhD, APRN-CNS, originally appeared on cleveland.com, where Smith also noted that the most recent group of BW ABSN graduates (December 2024) earned a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
