Can't find my niche

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Oct 25, 2014

I was a nurse for 17 years and never did figure that one out. I couldn't find a work-life balance and came to believe there was no such thing.....for me, anyway. I held 13 different nursing jobs during those years (some of which were part-time and per diem) and didn't stay at any one of them for more than 2 1/2 years.

It doesn't have to be that way for you. I don't know what your financial situation is like, but if at all possible, try to keep work to part-time, or a 3-day, 12-hour shift arrangement so you can spend adequate time with your family and avoid burning out. You also need to find your bliss---what would you really like to do? Maybe it's not even in nursing. Maybe it is. Only you can decide that. Don't go for a job that doesn't speak to you; life is too short for bad jobs.

Have you thought about home health? Hospice? Private duty? Psych? Long-term care or assisted living? Nurse consultant? Clinical instructor? CNA instructor? Also, ask yourself what your strengths and weaknesses are, and where you might be able to use those strengths. You can find the right balance; it just takes some thought and careful planning. You're young and you have an entire life and career ahead of you. Good luck. :)

joanna73, BSN, RN · Oct 25, 2014

I've been a nurse for almost 5 years and had various jobs before I was a nurse. While I'm certain that I enjoy working with seniors, my current management position does not suit me for various reasons.

I've only had two nursing positions and if there were more jobs available, more of us would probably be inclined to move. However, it's just not that easy to move between specialties.

I wish you well. I'm not sure if that 'ideal' job exists.....

Try making a pro/con list and writing out your values. I find sometimes seeing my thoughts in print helps gain perspective.

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Oct 25, 2014

Well said Viva. Some nurses never find a niche and is the jack of all trades. There is nothing wrong with that. Some people love the variety.

sistrmoon, BSN, RN · Oct 25, 2014

What about working float pool? Then you could try various specialties within one job? Of course that wouldn't even touch the many out of hospital opportunities.

TheNurseyNurse · Oct 27, 2014

Become a Rapping Nurse!

Wave Watcher · Oct 27, 2014

School nursing would be great once your child is of school age. :-) I am a school nurse and I love my weekends, holidays, snow days, spring break, fall break, Christmas break and summers OFF. I also still get paid year round. Now, you will probably take a cut in pay....most school districts do not pay great but if you can live with the smaller paycheck it might be a great fit for you. Good luck!