What do you do if your nursing career growth feels stagnant?

Having worked as a nurse for 21 years and coaching international nurses for 5 years, I understand how demotivating and heartbreaking career stagnation can be. Additionally, I am a mother of three and have given up my career several times. To escape stagnation, I believe the first step is to identify the CAUSES of stagnation, THEN assessing one's personal and professional needs. To make a career growth plan, you sometimes need to fix the cause of stagnation first, and sometimes you just have to wait! Examples: - wellbeing causes (are you burned out?) fix them - family commitment (have you kids?) wait for the right time for you - workplace environment (gaslighting) move on quickly! So first step assess the causes, second step assess needs!

I believe in starting with this approach: Assessing my skills and goals. Pursuing further education or certifications. Networking with colleagues and leaders. Seeking feedback for improvement. Setting clear, achievable goals. Exploring new job opportunities or settings. Staying updated with industry advancements. Considering leadership roles. Finding a mentor for guidance. Staying positive and persistent in my efforts.

Mentorship is very important in overcoming the challenges of any profession, nursing included. They do 3 major things: guidance, support and insights. Mentors pave a way and make it easier to overcome stagnancy. All you need is to connect and learn.

You can earn all of the certifications you want, but can't achieve your career goals, why is that? Unless you know how to market yourself, there will always be someone who can surpass you! It isn't always about knowledge and competency, but rather how you communicate your knowledge and quality and how you show your caracter! Mentors and career coaches can help you communicate your value in a way that cuts down on time, effort, and stress required to achieve your career goals. A Career Coach and Mentor will show you how to raise your profile to become more competitive in the marketplace. By hiring a career coach, you will get a big return on investment in terms of salary and quality of life.

Mentorship truly is a beacon of light when navigating the complexities of our careers. Finding someone who embodies the path we aspire to travel is invaluable. Their guidance can illuminate opportunities we may not have seen and provide support when we feel lost or uncertain. A mentor's wisdom and experience can be a compass, helping us chart our course through the healthcare landscape. Embracing mentorship is not just about learning from others but also about building a network of support and camaraderie. It's a journey enriched by shared experiences and the collective wisdom of those who have walked the path before us.

It's common to hit a plateau, but how we respond makes all the difference. Researching new trends in nursing, such as AI and machine learning, can expand your horizons and position you as an expert for businesses embracing these technologies. Choosing a skill and developing with the trends ensures you're future-ready in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Remember, stagnation is just a temporary setback – with determination and strategic action, you can reignite your passion and propel your career forward.

To achieve career growth in nursing, continual education is an absolute must. Pursuing certifications like CCRN can open doors to new opportunities, reignite your passion, and keep you ahead of your competition. With a lifelong learning approach, we can shape our nursing careers with unwavering confidence and unwavering purpose!

Reinvigorating your nursing career means diving into fresh learning opportunities and new experiences. Consider branching out into specialized training that challenges you or pursuing certifications in areas like emergency or pediatric care. Engage in professional networks and seek mentors who can offer guidance and open doors to different pathways. Additionally, attending conferences and participating in workshops can provide valuable insights and new skills. Embrace the evolving landscape of healthcare by staying curious and proactive about your professional development. This approach not only expands your skill set but also reignites your passion for nursing.

Oh the power of networking! It is difficult to feel the sense of your contribution or work in your profession if you do not network. It is very important, and must be intentionally done. Networking opens up opportunities for growth and connection with like-minded professionals who can spur you on. We should leverage networking if we want to overcome stagnancy

Revitalizing your nursing career through networking is all about connection and curiosity. Dive into local and online professional groups where discussions and webinars bring peers together. Engage deeply by asking thoughtful questions and sharing your insights, which will make you memorable. Attending conferences, even virtually, can broaden your horizon and introduce you to leaders in the field. Don’t forget the power of social media platforms like LinkedIn, where commenting on posts and sharing your experiences can lead to meaningful exchanges. Every conversation is a step towards a richer, more vibrant career path.

I can assure you, as a career coach for international nurses, that changing countries sometimes is what you really need! You've got a chance to start over in your favorite place on earth! My move from Italy to the UK was a big relief because I was finally able to pursue the career in research that I was unable to pursue in my country. I also felt unvalued as a professional in Italy, while in the UK I was awarded with my team as a top cardiac team. Imagine my satisfaction and mental shift regarding my career prospects after starting over in a place that recognized my value! Therefore, I encourage you to consider a change in environment sometimes as drastic as moving abroad! You may be able to flourish because of that!

Feeling stuck in your nursing career can be disheartening, but exploring new shifts could be just the rejuvenation you need. Embracing a different shift pattern, whether it's night shifts that offer a quieter environment to hone your skills or evening shifts that allow more daytime activities, can significantly alter your work dynamics. Each shift comes with its unique pace and challenges, presenting fresh opportunities to learn and grow. Perhaps a change in when you work could reignite your passion for nursing, giving you new perspectives and energy to advance in your profession.

Self-care is essential for sustaining career momentum in nursing. It's not just a luxury, but a necessity. Setting boundaries, nurturing hobbies, and practicing mindfulness are all vital components of maintaining our well-being in this demanding field. When we prioritize self-care, we recharge our energy and enhance our ability to provide quality care to others. It's like putting on our oxygen mask first before assisting others. Take time out for yourself.

Feeling stagnant in your nursing career can be tough, but self-care is a powerful antidote. Start by carving out moments for reflection to reconnect with the reasons you chose nursing. These moments of clarity can reignite your passion and highlight areas for growth or change. Engage in activities outside work that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s a nature walk, yoga, or a creative hobby. Also, consider professional development through courses or workshops to refresh your skills and inspire new ways of thinking. Balancing personal enrichment with professional growth not only enhances your career but also enriches your overall wellbeing.