Are you considering a career change from nursing? You are not alone. Around 35% of nurses have considered a career change from nursing in the UK.
Many people change their careers multiple times in their lifetime, and it is no exception for nurses. Whether you have just graduated with a nursing degree or want a change after years in the profession, you have options. Knowing the most common career changes for nurses is an excellent place to start, so you can work out your own interests.
Read on to learn some of the most common career changes for nurses, begin your career-changing process, and get your dream job.
nurse career change considerations
Knowing where to begin when considering a career change from nursing in the UK can feel overwhelming. Before you start looking at the different nursing jobs, there are several factors to consider that can narrow down your search.
- Your interests
- Your priorities
- Career pathways
- Comparing career salaries
Do you want to stay in a clinical setting, or would you prefer a leadership role? Some of the most common career change options for nurses involve clinical jobs, leadership roles, research positions, or working in education. Consider what you like about your nurse role or where your interests lie.
When considering a career change from nursing in the UK, it is also important to consider your priorities. Why do you want to change career paths? Some of the main reasons nurses consider a career change is too much pressure or feeling undervalued, so you might not want to go straight into further education after finishing your role.
If this is your priority, you might want to consider changing employers or finding a career with a better work-life balance. For others, it is finding a similar role with shift work and patient interaction.
It can also be essential to look at the career pathways for different jobs for nurses. You can also spend time comparing career salaries to see what interests you the most.
common career changes for nurses
You have an extensive range of skills as a general nurse, from teamwork and empathy to critical thinking and problem-solving. You will realise these are invaluable skills in many fields when applying for jobs. It means you have a range of different options if you are considering a career change from nursing, but here are some of the most common options.
Midwife
Some nurses want to stay in the clinical field but specialise in an area that interests them, such as midwifery. You can focus your support on pregnant mothers who need professional guidance, but the role remains diverse. If you already have a nursing degree, there are shorter midwifery programs that you can consider, such as an 18-month midwifery course.
Physical therapist
One of the most common career changes for nurses is switching to physical therapy. It is because you have the base knowledge and skills from your nursing degree to complement training to become a physical therapist. You will be helping patients with their mobility, reducing pain, and preventing disability.
You will need to complete a physiotherapy degree to change careers and become a physical therapist.
University nurse lecturer
One of the most popular career changes for nurses in the UK is to become a higher education lecturer in nursing. You can share your knowledge with the future of nursing, ensuring they feel confident to begin working in the healthcare field.
You will need to have worked in the area students are studying. It is also helpful to complete a postgraduate certificate in learning and teaching or have a Ph.D. or master's degree.
Social care worker
If you still want to work with people and provide invaluable support, you might consider becoming a social care worker. A social care worker has a variety of tasks to complete, but all focus on supporting people's physical, emotional, and social needs. You will need to complete social care training as part of this career-changing process.
Teacher
Another career change for nurses in the UK is to become a teacher, such as a primary school teacher. You can complete a one-year postgraduate certificate in education with a nursing degree. It also helps to get experience working with children or in a school setting.
Mental Health Nurse
Some general nurses want a career change from nursing, but they want to stay in the mental health field. One option is to become a mental health nurse, so you change your focus on how you apply your nursing skills. You also have the option to pursue therapy training, such as becoming a CBT therapist.
Agency Nurse
You may also benefit from changing your work setting as a nurse, so you get a different nursing perspective to determine if you want to change career paths. A great option is to become a temporary nurse, also known as an agency nurse, which can allow you to work in different environments and have more control over your schedule. It is also a perfect role for when you are transitioning career paths.
other career options
There are many other career options you might want to consider if you know you want a career change from nursing. These include:
- Health consultant jobs
- Careers in sales
- Counselling
- Chemist
- Healthcare manager
- Healthcare IT
- Police officer
Spend time considering your interests, comparing career salaries, and determining what career path is best for you. You may become a healthcare assistant or agency nurse before switching careers. The good news is you have many options when changing careers from nursing.
the most common career change for nurses
Your interests and priorities change throughout your lifetime, which means your career might too. However, the good news is that you have many options if looking at career changes for nurses. An excellent place to start is to transition to a different clinical role, such as an agency nurse.
Are you ready to consider a career change? Randstad is here to help with various jobs for nurses, including temporary agency roles. Search our jobs today to learn more.