Navigating a nursing career

FigureI had a conversation with a nurse who had been in practice for about 6 years at the time of this writing. She expressed uncertainty about what she wanted to be when she grew up—a sentiment I have heard many times. She considered graduate school and becoming a nurse practitioner, but did not know where she wanted her career to take her. I advised her to broaden the question from what she wanted to be, to envisioning the experiences that would bring fulfillment in a larger context than role alone. Focusing solely on achieving a role can lead to disappointment if that role fails to meet personal expectations or changes in unacceptable ways. Instead, consider a more strategic approach. Advancing professional education and obtaining credentials are important and open up career options, but what a nurse wants “to be” does not end there. The goal is to create a career path for the entire professional journey. The moments that define the journey are most valuable, not the unwavering focus on pursuing a singular role. Honing abilities as an educator, speaker, author, clinical expert, or leader through networks that promote skill growth and competencies can enhance the professional journey. The “day job” may be home base, but there is no reason to avoid exploring avenues that might offer access to experiences not available at work or in one's usual role through professional contacts or organizations. Examples include presenting at a conference, volunteering as a nurse on a mission trip, or serving on a disaster relief team. Stretching beyond one's comfort zone is intrinsic to growth. Experiences, even those that are short-lived, can be enriching and provide new insights. It is not always a specific nursing role that brings fulfillment, but a life well lived that includes activities that offer personal and professional enjoyment. The key is being receptive to discovery and open to opportunities. For me, I viewed my full-time hospital role as home base, but I never kept all of my proverbial eggs in that basket. I built networks that extended beyond my employer, which fostered new connections, skills, and fresh insights and enhanced my professional quality of life. I had to make deliberate choices, such as using vacation time for outside professional pursuits and dedicating time after work for preparing lectures; writing articles; or volunteering to teach in a wilderness medicine program, EMS, or emergency care course for ski patrollers. Fulfillment in nursing comes in many forms. Be intentional in forging your own path. Until next time, LINDA LASKOWSKI-JONES, MS, APRN, ACNS-BC, CEN, NEA-BC, FAWM, FAAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NURSING2025