Nursing Education Program Designed For People Switching Careers

By Rick Wells, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Many career choices don't offer significant job security. Others may not offer much job satisfaction.

A career change to nursing might be a solution. One of the fastest growing nursing education programs is designed for people switching careers.

"I wanted to be a lawyer, but I didn't want to be a lawyer bad enough to go to law school," said Susan Reeder, who is a Registered Nurse at St. John Medical Center. 

Reeder works with new moms and their babies as a lactation consultant.

"The story of the birth of your child is the most powerful story you have," said Reeder.

Reeder loves being part of that story.

Lindsey and Kevin Starr have a new baby girl. Reeder's job is to help new moms through any questions or concerns they have about breast feeding, and although retail sales and nursing are vastly different careers, she says they're also similar -- evaluating customer/patient needs and fulfilling them.

"The demand has skyrocketed," said Kathy Bell, a Registered Nurse who is the Director of Nursing Professional Development at St. John.

Bell says nursing schools are developing accelerated programs as fast as they can -- programs designed to serve the growing number of people who have college degrees on one thing and want to switch to nursing.

"When things happen in your life that change you physically, mentally or spiritually, you need help with that transition, and this is a place where a lot of transitions happen for people. They are adding a whole other person to their family," said Reeder.

Reeder says things she learned in her first career have made her better at her second.

The shortage of nurses is expected to reach a million nationwide within ten years. If it looks like a career choice or career change for you, learn more about career opportunities.