Where is your nursing career going?
For some of us, we can answer that question with confident clarity. For others, we don’t even want to read further as we’re already feeling a freaked out sense of overwhelm. Depending on where you are with respect to your nursing job, the question above can evoke a wide spectrum of feelings.
Let me share a little secret: it’s all going to be OK.
Here’s a quick story that will highlight for us the importance of getting extremely clear on our career alternatives.
Lost in the Woods
My husband and I went out one Saturday, looking for our Christmas tree. We wanted to go to the same tree farm that we went to the year prior, and both of us thought we knew where that was.
Well, first we went on this one road… both of us thinking the farm was there. It was not. Then we decided to pull over and look up the address on the internet. It was an easy find and we started to follow the directions on the site.
About twenty minutes and over 15 miles later, my husband had pulled over again. He was fuming. In fact, he was so mad, I was worried he would pull off at one of those trees on the side of the road stops. It had turned out we turned south on a particular road, instead of north.
A Lifelong Reminder
After it was all said and done (and my husband had actually cooled off and started speaking and smiling again), I realized that this little adventure was actually a wonderful gift. We would never, ever (and I mean NEVER) forget where that tree farm was again. Next year… I bet we find it lickety-split! (It took a little bit longer for my husband to smell the roses on that one, LOL).
Nursing Career Alternatives Need Clarity
So remember that scary little question at the start of the post: ‘Where is your nursing career going?’, well part of the reason that this question may cause a knot to form in your belly is because the answer is not so clear.
What I suggest for today’s blog is a clear road map. An exact vision for your nursing career goals. And, even more important, asking yourself ‘How would it actually feel to live this nursing job?‘
Jot down your career goals. Make a list of things you enjoy about your current nursing job. Ask yourself, what would it take for me to work in a career I love? What would it feel like to jump out of bed, thrilled to get to work? Where would I work that I would do it for (gulp) free?
If you’re unsure of your career alternatives and what would most fit you, relax. Exhale. It’s OK. Just take the time to do the pre-work before you go to make any changes. Taking the time to ‘be’ (feel, think and envision) will make it much easier to ‘do’ your new nursing job.
Let’s hear from you! What nursing role do you currently work in? Have you ever wanted to make a change? What clear steps do you need to take to get yourself there? Leave a comment below and thank you for reading.
Looking to combine Medical-Surgical nursing care knowledge with holistic and integrative health, mind-body medicine. My focus is nutrition, prevention, patient advocacy and wellness educator role.
Wonderful, Angela. This sounds like an interesting blend of art and science. Happy to hear you are doing what you enjoy. Keep following your dreams. -Elizabeth
I just completed my masters degree in Health System Administration. I am trying to figure out what my next step is. I am a RN working on a geriatric psychiatry unit. I know that I do NOT have an interest in Nurse leadership or Management. I would like a more behind the scenes type of job. I think part of the issue is that I do not have experience other than nursing, such as finance, budget, leadership etc… I know I will figure out what I want to do eventually!!
Tricia,
You are totally on track. The first thing we need to do to figure out our next step is to assess where we are currently at. The next step: state clearly what we do NOT want o do. You’ve got that pretty clear!
So what I suggest you do next is this. Take your do not want statements and turn them into ‘want’ statements. If I do not want X, then what I do want is Y. Do that with your gut, not your head (yes, I know that is hard) and you will start to create that clear vision of your ideal job.
Keep that vision close to you and you’ll start moving towards the job of your dreams!
Let us know how it turns out. Thanks for reading,
Elizabeth
I think you are selling yourself short… If your a nurse your a leader. You may have practiced some management skills also as part of your current job.
Thanks for the positive message: “Ask yourself, what would it take for me to work in a career I love? What would it feel like to jump out of bed, thrilled to get to work? Where would I work that I would do it for (gulp) free?”
I am a new nursing graduate and that is exactly the job that I am looking for, the job that I call “my dear job”.
Hi Enio,
Thanks for coming by, reading the blog and taking the time to share your comments.
As a new graduate, the sky’s the limit! Your dream job is out there. Be sure to reflect on your unique talents and skills, the things you would like to see in your dream job, and how it will feel when you find it. When you can envision how that dream job will feel… you will bring it closer to you each day.
Enjoy the day,
Elizabeth
I’ve been an RN for 25 years & have spent the last 21& in home care. I enjoy working with people in their homes but the paperwork has me burnt out. I haven Associates Degree, started years ago going for the BSN but didn’t finish. I’m having trouble getting another job. Please give me some direction.
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
Thank you for coming by and asking your question. I hear you- paper work can be a drag. Good news is, it sounds like you are pretty clear on what you want to do. And, I think there is room for even further clarity.
I’d suggest you write down all of the things you do love about your job. And why. How do they make you feel? What unique talents and skills do you use in your role each day? If you were to be doing your dream job, what would you take from this one?
The more clear you can get with the vision of your ideal career- the easier it will be to open up and receive it. I’ll be publishing a book this spring that will speak more to career shifts, so stay tuned. In the meantime, you may want to get on my mailing list so that you are notified of any thing I am offering related to career goals.
Thanks for reading,
Elizabeth
I’m feeling “burned out” working in the emergency department. I want a slower pace, less stress, and I need help finding this. Any thoughts?
Hi Scott,
Thanks for coming by and reading the post. You are taking the right first step. Well two, really. Asking for support is always a plus. We all can move ourselves closer to our goals with a bit of guidance. And- I love how you shared what you want in a new role (slower pace, less stress).
Most people are only able to state what they do not want in a job; so you are well ahead of the game. The next thing you can do is take those wants and create a clear vision of yourself in a new role. Even if you don’t know ‘what’ the role is yet (or how you will find it).
Can you imagine yourself in a slower paced job, feeling less stressed? How would you feel? What would you have time to do? Where would you experience positive emotions? Start to visualize yourself in a new role and be open to opportunities, resources, signs or people that may ‘show up’ for you.
I can also tell you that my new book coming out will speak more to career joy and finding the role that is perfect for us. Until then (it will be this spring) check out ‘Nursing from Within’, as it talks about tapping into the inner nurse- our authentic self.
Enjoy the day,
Elizabeth
I have a year of experience working as a pediatric nurse on an acute respiratory floor. I’m looking to combine my medical skills with my other passion for being active outside with kids, and education. I have worked at several summer camps in the past. Im trying to find a job that is year-around and involves interacting with kids and helping them enjoy being active outside. Anyone know of a job like this?
Great question, would love to hear if anyone reading knows of anything like this and can help Tiffany out.
Otherwise, Tiffany, keep being clear on what it is that you want. Let go of trying to figure out ‘how’ it may happen (easier said, than done- I know) and open up to any possibilities and opportunities. If we can keep the vision of what it is that we want first and forefront- we can achieve anything.
I appreciate you coming by and reading the blog. Enjoy the day -Elizabeth
I’m in an RN residency at an ER. I feel so unprepared and like the dumbest one there. Every nursing job I’ve had has taken its toll on me, it’s only my 2nd year out on the field, but I’m beginning to think my ambitious goals of becoming a CRNA or remaining an nurse are drowning along with me.
Akamai, Thank you for your comment. I appreciate your honesty. Let me tell you… you are not alone. I actually felt the exact same way. In nursing school and then in orientation. I never wanted to become a nurse, actually. And so all of the science, pathophysiology, and physical body stuff was really (really) hard for me. So it’s OK to feel this way. I would not give up on your dreams and goals just yet. Can you seek out the support of a colleague? Can you read any more books or do anything else to prepare? I would recommend taking one action step per day to help you feel more confident with your work. Let us know we can continue to support you. Trust me… we need you! You’re doing great work. Keep it up and do the best you can to avoid feeling discouraged.