How to Use Your Healthcare Experience to Become a Nurse

Experience, like critical care, emergency, and trauma could give you an edge when going for your RN, especially when it comes to deciding where to specialize. Here are some nursing specialties where your current experience may help you most. Click to find out more about them and how you can get there.

Critical Care Nurse
Emergency Nurse
Flight/Transport Nurse
Infusion Nurse
Labor and Delivery Nurse
Medical-Surgical Nurse
Military Nurse
Missionary Nurse
Nurse Anesthetist
Perianesthesia Nurse
Perioperative Nurse
Poison Information Specialist
Telephone Triage Nurse
Toxicology Nurse
Trauma Nurse
Travel Nurse
Wound and Ostomy Nurse

Many nursing schools offer bridge programs for people with previous healthcare experience. While programs vary by state and school, they’re all designed to help you become an RN without repeating the training you already have. Here’s what you’ll want to look for:

• Paramedic to RN Bridge Programs
• LPN/LVN to RN Bridge Programs
• Military Medic/Corpsman to RN Bridge Programs
• Online Bridge Programs

If you need a program with maximum flexibility, an online option might be for you. Pros include:

• You won’t have to worry about waiting lists.
• Your first semester begins when you want it to.
• You can go at your own pace, in your own space.
• You’ll probably save money.

Find an online program


Once you are a Registered Nurse, you might want to look into programs that’ll help you get an advanced degree more quickly, too:

RN to BSN Programs
Even if you work as an RN with a diploma or associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree is becoming the standard. Since healthcare employers constantly look for more qualified and skilled candidates, a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) will make you more competitive and increase your earning potential.
Find RN to BSN programs

RN to MSN Programs
More and more schools are offering RN to MSN bridge programs. And with an advanced degree, your role with your patients will become more involved. You can be a part of their entire care plan, prescribe medication, and even be your own boss. You’ll also have the option to teach the next generation of nurses, helping combat the nursing shortage even more.
Here are some areas you can specialize in with your MSN

There are organizations that offer scholarships, grants, and loans, especially for those with other healthcare experience making the to move to nursing.
Search for scholarships in your area

You also might be able to get financial assistance like Loan Repayment and Tuition Reimbursement from the healthcare facility where you work.
See the types of financial assistance available