Another post for the blogging carnival hosted by Scrubs Magazine. This is excellent news for you, the reader. You’ll be able to collaborate and connect with so many more nurses. When we gather in this way, as one collective unit, we are empowered and supported. Enjoy!
I’m thrilled to be writing to this topic today: career changes. Nursing is so awesome in that we can do something different any time we want a change in our career. Feeling sick and tired of your current role? You’ve got options in nursing!
On my Living Sublime Wellness Blog Talk Radio Show, I get to interview nurses from all walks of life. I’ve talked with nurse entrepreneurs to nurse association presidents; from Reiki Nurses to nurses at the bedside; from nurse writers to nurses who use tarot in their work- I’ve seen, heard, and talked about it all.
So if you’re feeling it’s time for a change you’re in luck! Nursing is fantastic and unique in that you don’t have to stay stuck in the same role for your entire career. You can make a change.
You might be asking: “How do I ensure successful change?” I’m so glad you’ve asked. Here are several ways in which to ensure a smooth transition:
- Get perfectly clear about what it is that you want. Often in life we are very certain of what we don’t want, but possess less clarity around what we do want. In order to change careers with success you want to be moving towards something, not away from your current situation. When we think/talk/act upon what we don’t want- we get more of it. The simple laws of attraction teach us that we get more of what we think and speak about. So if you want to change your career, be very clear about what it is you do want in your new role… that way you don’t get another role similar to the previous one you are looking to be rid of!
- Do what energizes you. Have you ever procrastinated? It’s only natural to avoid something you don’t want or don’t enjoy. When looking to make a career change follow your energy. Choose something that excites you. Think about this: what would you do for work that you would be happy to do even without getting paid for it? Start thinking about the things you enjoy and using these reflections as clues to where you would love to work next.
- Use your unique talents and skills. As you look to make a career change think about what it is that you do well. Reflect on what it is about your current role you do enjoy. And you may even find some hints from childhood. Ask yourself this question: what did I do as a child that I loved to do? What did my parents have to drag me away from? Where did I spend all of my energy and my time? When you figure out what it is that you uniquely do well- you can use this as you transition from one nursing role to another.
I think that the best thing you can do for you and for your patients- if you’re no longer happy or healthy in your work- is make a change. But you don’t have to leave nursing altogether. There are many, many ways you can continue to be a nurse. You just have to figure out what “nurse” means to you.
I’ve had success with changing my nursing role, several times now. So if you’d like some help or need someone to bounce ideas of off, consider contacting me for a discovery session. You can reach me either by email: coachscala (at) livingsublimewellness (dot) com or by phone: (410) 929-0081. Thanks for reading and have a healthy day!
This post is part of the Scrubs Magazine Blog Carnival. If you’re a nurse blogger and would like to participate, then what are you waiting for? Supporting each other and collaborating has never been this easy. Check out the third round of nurse bloggers hosted over at The Gypsy Nurse.
Enjoyed your advice. Especially the tip about “what would you do for work that you would be happy to do even without getting paid for it?” How many people actually do this? I mean think about it. I encounter so many people that don’t like their job. They always make a effort to rationalize “I really don’t like it, but at least I have one .
This thought will leave you shortchanged in fulfilling your potential. Your are right. Life is too short to do something you don’t love!
Hi Erica,
Thanks so much for taking the time to come by and read and comment on the blog! I agree with your comments… I’ve lived your comments! This is why I know that it isn’t worth it. Life is to be fun. I want to have fun every day of my life. We spend so much time at work. How can we live a life full of joy if we are not enjoying ourselves!?! Thanks for sharing your reaction to the post. Have a healthy day,
ELizabeth
I have only been a nurse for 2 years and I have been stuck in long term nursing, the one place I never wanted to be. I would love to get out of it, but how? I put out 10 applications a week to hospitals in the area, about 5 different ones. They all want experience. I am thinking of getting my BSN but why spend all that money when I don’t enjoy nursing right now. I feel stuck and unhappy and while I agree we should all get paid for what we love, we also need to keep a roof over our head and food on the table. I am trying to figure my next move.
Hi Jessica,
Thank you for your comment. I can understand your frustration; feeling stuck is never comfortable. I appreciate you sharing where you are at with us here and being vulnerable in that way to voice what is going on with you.
I recently read a post on a LinkedIn discussion board with a nurse feeling the very same thing. She was putting in applications, following up and doing all of the work that she could possibly do on her end. I will share with you what I shared with her- you may have to stop.
The energy we are putting out there can be felt. If you feel stuck, frustrated, or unhappy- then others can feel that vibe. Even those we do not think we are interacting with. Sometimes the best action is inaction. And I KNOW this is hard to here- trust me, I am a ‘doer’. But I have found that when I take pause, do something else, go have fun and allow my energy to be revived and replenished the most amazing opportunities seem to come my way.
So you are doing your part- you are putting yourself out there and following up. Now trust that the right timing and right opening is coming your way. Allow things to move towards you. Sometimes that scattered energy of constant ‘doing’ makes it hard for the right thing to show up.
I hope this helps. Thank you for reading. Enjoy the day,
Elizabeth
I am a young soon to retire (3 years away) nurse working in LTC. I really enjoyed my tenure as a Licensed Nurse but in the past couple of years the demand placed on nursing staff has become more stressful and more demanding with less pay. Residents coming in have become more aggressive with multiple behavioral/physical illness and the expectations from family members and administrators are unrealistic. What I once felt was a career has become a job I dread getting up for. Because I still need to earn an income I need a place to go, just not in the clinical arena. Often told that I am one of their best nurses but still feel unappreciated and stressed. Not sure what to do. Any suggestions for someone looking forward to retirement but still needs to work?
Hello Audrey,
Thank you for coming by, taking the time to read the blog and comment. I surely can understand where you are coming from. We go into nursing to connect with people, provide care and be that advocate for those in need. What we feel called to do for a career can feel like a job.
While I cannot tell another person what is ‘correct’ for them in terms of job decisions, I can offer support. A question like yours, asking for career transition advice, is one that will take too long of a response to answer on this blog. It takes time, patience and introspection to figure out the next step on our career path. I am happy to provide support and guidance; feel free to reach out to me if you like.
Otherwise, in the meantime, I can offer this. Take time to pause to listen to your inner self. Let go of worry, doubt and fear that may be holding you back from doing what you really love. Allow yourself to appreciate the joy of nursing, even if it is hard to do at this time in the job you find yourself in. Be yourself and listen to the inner guidance. You will come to the ‘right’ answer in time. Sometimes it just means reaching out and asking for help.
Enjoy the day,
Elizabeth