When I entered nursing, I had no idea of the opportunities that awaited me. From the bedside to the halls of Congress, I’ve enjoyed every phase of my nursing journey. I frequently reflect on what enables me to remain in the profession for close to 5 decades. Thankfully, I continue to do so with an unwavering sense of excitement and commitment to the profession and society. Trust me, it hasn’t always been easy. However, the opportunity to collaborate with dynamic health professionals, serve society, and receive mentorship from the best in nursing has made it even more worthwhile.
As I prepare to enter the next phase of my professional life, moving from practice to preferment, I hope that the next generation of nurses will experience a sense of fulfillment in a dynamic and sometimes stressful profession. I recognize that things have changed tremendously since I started my nursing journey, but today’s nurses have the power to shape their career like never before.
For those who are in the profession for the long haul, I offer my A-Z strategies for enhancing longevity, meaning, and satisfaction in nursing. Throughout my career I’ve employed all of them. They tell the story of my how.
- Always keep your resume, curriculum vitae, and professional photo up to date in case opportunities present themselves and you need to respond in a timely manner.
- Be aware that burnout is a professional possibility. Learn to recognize the early signs for yourself. Be thoughtful in how you approach solutions, realizing there may be consequences for you personally and professionally, as well as for those you serve.
- Cultivate partnerships that can help you advance professionally and use your passion to advance health.
- Do not give up if you don’t land the desired job or opportunity on your first try. Continue to press on and use the “meantime” to develop a new skill set or pursue new networks.
- Engage in meaningful conversations during evaluations even if it’s something you prefer not to hear. Consider this your chance to identify opportunities for potential growth and development.
- Find a mentor who can help you navigate the complexities and rewards of being a professional nurse.
- Gain expertise in locating resources that can help you engage in evidence-informed decision-making.
- Honor the legacy of nurse leaders whose contributions to the profession continue to inspire us.
- Invest in your own professional development; don’t solely rely on your employer to provide opportunities for your professional growth and advancement.
- Join and be active in your professional organization.
- Keep an idea notebook to record and track ideas you wish to pursue when time permits.
- Leverage the expertise of community members when trying to improve health outcomes.
- Maintain a professional demeanor, including when on social media.
- Never underestimate the power of support staff in helping you provide quality care and services.
- Open your mind and be willing to try new things and take an occasional risk.
- Prioritize self-care as if your life depends on it. It does.
- Query senior nurses to learn about their journey to become a nurse leader.
- Reinvent yourself for the long haul in nursing.
- Stop periodically to assess how well you exemplify the true essence of nursing.
- Thank those who have supported you as you advanced from student to professional nurse.
- Use your expertise to advocate for better access to affordable and equitable healthcare.
- Volunteer with organizations to offer your expertise and enhance your service acumen.
- Welcome the wisdom in the room. It can come from unexpected sources.
- X out naysayers who are unable to help you navigate the rigors of professional nursing due to their own professional burnout.
- Yearn to make a difference in whatever position or setting you serve
- Zoom in on all that nursing has to offer.
Janice Phillips, PhD RN FAAN, is a nurse author and heath equity champion.
