Suggestions on Career Pathways

llg, PhD, RN · Oct 18, 2012

So ... basically ... what you are saying is that you need to figure out "what you want to be when you grow up." OK. There are lots of books and stuff that can help you with that.

You seem to have already identifies what you don't like about nursing. And you seem to want to build on your nursing education and experience -- rather than go into another field entirely. That makes sense -- and seems like a good start to a plan to a me. You just need to figure out what career path within (or nearby) nursing would fit you best.

I have a couple of suggestions to help you move forward:

1. It's time to focus on things you do like rather than those things you don't. What do you like about nursing? What do you like about working in the health care industry? What types of subjects, topics, etc. interest you?

2. Start making lists of things you like, things that interest you, etc.

3. What aspects of health care are you good at? Start making a list. Are you good at dealing with frustrated people, conflict, etc.? Are you good at teaching? Are you good with numbers? Are you good at technical skills (working with your hands), etc?

4. If you don't know what you are good at and/or what you might like -- try out a few things on a small scale (without giving up your current paycheck.) For example, if you think you might like teaching ... are you good at teaching? ... get involve in precepting or in other educational activities at your hospital. Find out if you actually like it and are good at it before making a big investment in that path. If you think you might be interested in management, can you get involved in some projects/committees on your unit? etc.

As you get involved in things on your unit to "try out" a few things, think of it the way your would think about trying on clothes. Do those types of activities seem to "fit" you? Are they are good match for your likes and talents? Also, use such opportunities (and every other opportunity you can find) to get to know nurses outside your usual circle of acquaintances -- nurses in other departments, nurses in specialized roles, etc. (Staff Development Specialists, Infection Control, Quality Management, special program coordinators, research coordinators,etc.) Most people would be more than willing to share what they do for a living with someone like you, exploring different career paths. The more people you meet and talk with, the more ideas and perspectives you will have to work with.

5. There are some career planning books for nurses. Go to Amazon.com and take a look at a few. One of them might suit you.

6. If you are thinking about education or management -- don't fall into the trap of thinking about only 1 kind of educator or manager. For example, when young nurses think "education," they usually think of working for a school of nursing. However, there are many educators (like me) who work in Staff Development or Continuing Education (like me). We earn hospital salaries, but have the advantage of working almost only on the weekdays -- no nights, weekends, or holidays. Similarly, not everyone who is in nursing adminsitration or management is the manager of an inpatient unit. There are a lot of people managing individual programs, working in Quality Assurance, etc. Then there are Discharge Planners, Case Managers, etc. Tons of choices. Think broad. That's where having a book that lists lots of possibilities can help you.

That's enough for now. Good luck!

Columnist · Oct 18, 2012

Moved to Nursing Career Advice.

geminiBSN75 · Oct 18, 2012

Have you thought about Case Mgmt? I believe that ins companies hire them. There is an section in here on Case Mgmt. Good Luck. I hope you find what you are looking for.