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Nursing

Career change options for nurses: Building your skills to match your ambition

If you are thinking about career development it is important to do some self-analysis, so what do you need to take into account?



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If you’re a registered nurse, at some stage, you’ve probably thought about changing your career or at least up-skilling – learning new skills so that you can add expertise and variety to the role. Let’s face it; nursing is an intensive profession.

If you feel like you are ready for something new, then a career change may be for you. It might be the case that you’ve been nursing for a while and you’re ready for new horizons: expanded knowledge, different challenges, an increased salary.

As a nurse, you’re already at an advantage when changing careers. There are so many different pathways you can pursue. You could move into healthcare leadership, informatics, governance, education, clinical practice, a different area of allied health or public health.

But first, you’ll need a postgraduate degree. Further education can help you achieve your goals in many ways. Not only does it broaden your knowledge and deepen your understanding of how best to utilise your passion and skills, it gives you an advantage in the increasingly competitive field of health care.

Assess your goals

Before you start, do some self-analysis of your career to date. Ask yourself a few key questions to help determine the best path.

Crucially, are you still passionate about the work you do? List the things you like and dislike about your current job.

In the ‘dislike’ column, how would you improve each element? For example, if you dread admin, you might be drawn to health management, easing the burden on staff so that they have more space available to improve patient outcomes. 

Nurses naturally wish to help people but try to drill down into additional elements that bring you satisfaction. Is it helping others to cope with the emotional and psychological effects of illness? If so, you might look towards a career as a counsellor, social worker or occupational therapist.

If you find yourself mentoring younger nurses and possess strong communication skills and clinical experience, you could become a nurse educator. Tired of bureaucracy? You could transfer your skills to public health, working on improvements in policy for the betterment of staff and patients alike.

Knowledge that opens doors

Belynda Abbott started her career as a registered nurse and now works as a clinical nurse consultant at Metro South Health in Brisbane. In this role, she mentors, coaches and teaches staff, empowering them to pursue evidence-based practice and self-guided learning and research. She also puts into place quality initiatives that improve patient care in the neuroscience ward at Metro South Health.

Belynda has some wise words for anyone thinking of upscaling in the nursing profession. 

"Have a think about what you’re passionate about. What is it that you love doing in an ideal job? Is it working with patients? Providing education? Doing research? Is it being a leader within a particular environment? Then, once you’ve identified that, find a coach or a mentor, someone you can chat to about your passion and who can advise you along the way."

She also credits her Master of Healthcare Leadership for forging her career trajectory. 

For Belynda, changing careers meant choosing between continuing professional development (CPD), in the form of short courses or on-the-job training, or studying towards her master’s. She chose the degree because, she says, ‘it gave me the theories and knowledge behind the science of what I do as a nurse. It opened my mind.’

It also opened doors.

"A master’s gives you confidence,’ she explains. ‘By increasing your knowledge, you have the confidence to speak to other professionals, not only within your industry but outside it. This means you become innovative in your thinking and approach."

When Belynda finished her studies, she found that it had a direct benefit on her career. 

"I’m the type of person who actively seeks opportunities, and it’s through the learning and knowledge from my degrees that I was able to do that. With knowledge comes confidence, and that’s powerful because it empowers you to seek opportunities. And by seeking those opportunities, your leaders see your capability. They see your capacity for change and that opens other doors."

Nursing gives you an advantage

Common pathways for nurses include nursing education, mental health, health management and public health. That’s because nursing is an incredibly flexible profession that has all the building blocks for growth and success, as Belynda highlights.

"It’s quite incredible what our profession can do when required. We step up to the mark with solutions and answers to any challenges that come our way. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve had nurses working in quarantine hotels, screening clinics, vaccination clinics, hospital environments, and in public health. The resilience within nursing is incredible."

Nursing salary

The annual salary for a registered nurse in Australia is between $85,000-$95,000, while for a nursing practitioner, it’s around $140,000. For nursing unit managers, it’s around $133,000, and for directors of nursing, annual salaries can reach over $160,000.

Fitting study into your life

There’s a final important consideration when looking at a career change: how to fit study around work and family time. For Belynda, with a full-time job and young children, online study was beneficial.

"With kids, it was good to be able to juggle study by doing it in the afternoon, when I got home from work, or on weekends. The flexibility made it a little bit easier, but you still must be motivated and self-directed in your learning. Even then, the universities I studied at provided online platforms where you could connect with like-minded people and find support on your journey," she says. 

Ready to make a change in your career? Explore nursing courses below. 

The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.

Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
#1 in Australia for academic reputation in Nursing (QS World University Rankings, 2022) Top ranked for Excellence in Research in Australia for Nursing & Midwifery (QS Stars Rating, 2018-2021) Australia's #1 performing university under 50 (QS Top 50 Under 50, 2020) UTS Online's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education is for nurses that want to build their expertise in interdisciplinary education, collaboration and leadership to influence workplace outcomes in healthcare settings. Students will develop the skills to lead and manage change while implementing effective approaches for building evidence-based teaching and learning capacity in their workplace. This course is delivered 100% online in a collaborative learning environment where students engage in interactive activities that address real-world challenges relevant to their practice. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, you will have the opportunity to progress to one of the following courses: Master of Advanced Nursing (available to registered nurses only) Master of Education (Learning and Leadership)
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Creating a Culture of Teaching and Learning in Healthcare
  • Designing Innovative Learning
  • Specialty Clinical Practice
  • Plus Electives
Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Leadership & Management
Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Leadership & Management
100% online and part-time Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time. One of Australia's top 10 nursing schools You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics. JCU’s online Graduate Certificate of Nursing will help prepare you for the healthcare system of tomorrow. Australia's healthcare landscape is changing. Governments, industry and healthcare providers are working smarter to meet rising costs coupled with the increasing demand on our health system. You’ll develop advanced knowledge and specialist skills in your chosen nursing field. You’ll be able to take on nursing leadership roles in your area of practice, receive increased professional recognition and boost your potential to seize new opportunities in your nursing career. The Leadership and Management major gives you the confidence and knowledge to embrace management or leadership positions in healthcare, with two specialist units of study.
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Leading and Managing in Health
  • Ethics and Health Management
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Persuasive Communication
Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Education
Graduate Certificate of Nursing Majoring in Education
100% online and part-time Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time. One of Australia's top 10 nursing schools You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics. JCU’s online Graduate Certificate of Nursing will help prepare you for the healthcare system of tomorrow. Australia's healthcare landscape is changing. Governments, industry and healthcare providers are working smarter to meet rising costs coupled with the increasing demand on our health system. You’ll develop advanced knowledge and specialist skills in your chosen nursing field. You’ll be able to take on nursing leadership roles in your area of practice, receive increased professional recognition and boost your potential to seize new opportunities in your nursing career. The Education major, with its two specialised units in healthcare education, gives you the ability to take on educational practice roles in clinical or non-clinical environments.
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Principles of Education for the Health Professional
  • Teaching in Practice Settings
  • Clinical Coaching
  • Persuasive Communication
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Education
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Education
100% online and part-time Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time. One of Australia's top 10 nursing schools You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced nurse academics. Australia’s health system is changing to meet more demand than ever before. James Cook University’s Online Graduate Diploma of Nursing will equip you with the critical thinking skills and theoretical knowledge to apply advanced nursing concepts in the clinical setting. This online course will prepare you to lead nursing practice and optimise patient outcomes in a hospital setting. The Education major, with its eight specialised units in healthcare education, gives you the ability to take on educational practice roles in clinical or non-clinical environments.
Graduate Diploma 16 months 8 Units
Units
  • Principles of Education for the Health Professional
  • Teaching in Practice Settings
  • Clinical Coaching
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Contemporary Healthcare Education
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
Master of Nursing Majoring in Education
Master of Nursing Majoring in Education
With a rapidly ageing population, changes in technology, changes in management demands, and the evolution of nursing knowledge and practice, there are growing opportunities for qualified senior nurses and nurse leaders in Australia. JCU Online’s Master of Nursing gives you the qualifications and skills you need to evolve your career as fast as healthcare itself is changing. It will allow you to take on more complex roles and deliver better patient care. The Education major, with its four specialised units in healthcare education, gives you the ability to take on educational practice roles in clinical or non-clinical environments. Transform your practice and improve your clinical skillset Develop key skills to help you succeed in clinical contexts Understand the latest in healthcare informatics Designed by passionate nursing professionals Fast-track your career with 100% online study Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Advisor
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
  • Quantitative Research in Healthcare
  • Qualitative Research in Healthcare
  • Implementing Practice Development in Healthcare Contexts
  • Professional Portfolios for Career Advancement
  • Principles of Education for the Health Professional
  • Teaching in Practice Settings
  • Clinical Coaching
  • Contemporary Healthcare Education
Master of Nursing Majoring in Leadership & Management
Master of Nursing Majoring in Leadership & Management
With a rapidly ageing population, changes in technology, changes in management demands, and the evolution of nursing knowledge and practice, there are growing opportunities for qualified senior nurses and nurse leaders in Australia. JCU Online’s Master of Nursing gives you the qualifications and skills you need to evolve your career as fast as healthcare itself is changing. It will allow you to take on more complex roles and deliver better patient care. The Leadership and Management major gives you the confidence and knowledge to embrace management or leadership positions in healthcare, with four specialist units of study. Transform your practice and improve your clinical skillset Develop key skills to help you succeed in clinical contexts Understand the latest in healthcare informatics Designed by passionate nursing professionals Fast-track your career with 100% online study Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Advisor
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Informatics for Health Professionals
  • Effective Clinical Governance
  • Persuasive Communication
  • Synthesising Evidence for Healthcare
  • Quantitative Research in Healthcare
  • Qualitative Research in Healthcare
  • Implementing Practice Development in Healthcare Contexts
  • Professional Portfolios for Career Advancement
  • Leading and Managing in Health
  • Ethics and Health Management
  • Business and Finance for the Health Manager
  • Conflict and Dispute Resolution in Healthcare
Master of Nursing (Leadership)
Master of Nursing (Leadership)
Award-winning study model VU's award-winning postgraduate Block Model recognises the complexity of students' lives while giving a consistent, manageable and connected online learning experience. Earn your Master of Nursing (Leadership) faster than on-campus with our unique study model. No exams or textbooks to purchase The online units have been designed with a student-centred approach that spans from the overarching learning outcomes to engaging activities and self-determined assessments. Support 7 days and in the evenings Get the support you need, when you need it, during your course. VU's support network has a single focus on ensuring you are entirely supported to succeed. VU Online’s Master of Nursing, with a specialisation in Nursing Leadership, is designed for registered nurses to transform the delivery of healthcare services in Australia. Across eight core units of study – from Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health to Nursing Informatics – and four specialised units in Nursing Leadership, students will acquire skills that are in demand for senior nurse leaders. The Nursing Leadership specialisation provides registered nurses with the knowledge to develop expertise in the provision of nursing leadership and a comprehensive understanding of management, including financial management. Graduates with a Master of Nursing (Leadership) will be prepared to shape the development and provision of healthcare services, specifically clinical leadership and successfully managing teams. Each course is delivered 100% online, giving students the flexibility to fit study around their busy personal and professional lives. VU Online takes a personalised 1:1 approach to online learning, which makes learning highly interactive and supported. With 25 years of experience delivering postgraduate courses in Australia, VU has equipped thousands of students from all walks of life with the knowledge and skills to successfully achieve their unique career goals including promotion, salary increase and leadership and innovation in nursing.
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health
  • Care Coordination in Practice
  • Leading Improvement and Innovation
  • Evidence and Research for Practice
  • Complex Care Coordination
  • Nursing Informatics
  • Professional Development in Practice
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Nursing Management
  • Nursing Leadership and Management
  • Financial Management for Nurses
  • Research Project: Nursing Leadership
Master of Mental Health Nursing
Master of Mental Health Nursing
SCU's Master of Mental Health Nursing is developed against the latest mental health industry standards set by the Australian College of Mental Health Nursing (ACMHN). You can use your qualification upon completion as part of the pathway to becoming a credentialed mental health nurse. At SCU, you will be learning from highly skilled, clinically active mental health academics, and you will gain advanced knowledge to help people with a lived experience of mental illness. SCU's degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to forge a successful career as a mental health nurse, ensuring you are prepared to respond to the challenges and opportunities of the healthcare industry. Course is accredited by the ACMHN Gain immediately implementable skills  Online study seamlessly fits into shift-work Dedicated one-on-one support
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Contemporary Mental Health
  • Mental Health Across the Lifespan
  • Mental Health in Community, Non-Government and Primary Health Settings
  • Acute Mental Health
  • Leading Evidence-based Practice in Health
  • Physical Healthcare in Mental Health
  • Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Contexts
  • Building a Professional Portfolio
  • Applied Leadership in Mental Health Clinical Practice
  • Developing Skills in Contemporary Psychotherapies
  • Critical Review in Health
  • Plus Electives
Master of Nursing (Chronic Disease and Ageing)
Master of Nursing (Chronic Disease and Ageing)
Award-winning study model VU's award-winning postgraduate Block Model recognises the complexity of students' lives while giving a consistent, manageable and connected online learning experience. Earn your Master of Nursing (Chronic Disease and Ageing) faster than on-campus with our unique study model. No exams or textbooks to purchase The online units have been designed with a student-centred approach that spans from the overarching learning outcomes to engaging activities and self-determined assessments. Support seven days and in the evenings Get the support you need, when you need it, during your course. VU's support network has a single focus on ensuring you are entirely supported to succeed. VU Online’s Master of Nursing, with a specialisation in Chronic Disease and Ageing, is designed for registered nurses to transform the delivery of healthcare services in Australia. Across eight core units of study – from Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health to Nursing Informatics – and four specialised units in Chronic Disease and Ageing, students will acquire skills that are in demand for senior nurse leaders. The Chronic Disease and Ageing specialisation provides registered nurses with a fundamental knowledge base to devise innovative care interventions and models of care for residents, patients, families and carers. Graduates with a Master of Nursing (Chronic Disease and Ageing) will acquire person-centred strategies to plan, assess, implement, evaluate, support and care for older individuals living with complex comorbidities or chronic health conditions. Each course is delivered 100% online, giving students the flexibility to fit study around their busy personal and professional lives. VU Online takes a personalised 1:1 approach to online learning, which makes learning highly interactive and supported. With 25 years of experience delivering postgraduate courses in Australia, VU has equipped thousands of students from all walks of life with the knowledge and skills to successfully achieve their unique career goals including promotion, salary increase and leadership and innovation in nursing.
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Promoting Cultural Competence and Community Health
  • Care Coordination in Practice
  • Leading Improvement and Innovation
  • Evidence and Research for Practice
  • Complex Care Coordination
  • Nursing Informatics
  • Professional Development in Practice
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Innovation in Aged Care Practice
  • Health and Wellbeing for the Older Person
  • Research Project: Chronic Disease and Ageing
  • Plus Electives
Master of Mental Health Nursing
Master of Mental Health Nursing
SCU's Master of Mental Health Nursing is developed against the latest mental health industry standards set by the Australian College of Mental Health Nursing (ACMHN). You can use your qualification upon completion as part of the pathway to becoming a credentialed mental health nurse. At SCU, you will be learning from highly skilled, clinically active mental health academics, and you will gain advanced knowledge to help people with a lived experience of mental illness. SCU's degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to forge a successful career as a mental health nurse, ensuring you are prepared to respond to the challenges and opportunities of the healthcare industry. Course is accredited by the ACMHN Gain immediately implementable skills  Online study seamlessly fits into shift-work Dedicated one-on-one support
Master's 24 months 12 Units
Units
  • Contemporary Mental Health
  • Mental Health Across the Lifespan
  • Mental Health in Community, Non-Government and Primary Health Settings
  • Acute Mental Health
  • Leading Evidence-based Practice in Health
  • Physical Healthcare in Mental Health
  • Supporting Behaviour Change in Mental Health Contexts
  • Building a Professional Portfolio
  • Applied Leadership in Mental Health Clinical Practice
  • Developing Skills in Contemporary Psychotherapies
  • Critical Review in Health
  • Plus Electives

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