2 answers
Katherine
Student
Easton, Massachusetts
1
Question
Updated
152 views
How do I build a future that feels like my own?
As an incoming freshman nursing student, I know that the definition of success in the industry is finding a role that provides care but also has substantial pay scales as well, which is why many in the industry head to hospitals or private practice. However, I want to build a successful future where I give back to my community, while caring for myself financially and mentally. I do not want the burnout I see from so many, but feel called to this industry and to serve others due to my own life experiences. What tips do you have for building my own future and not what society labels as successful?
Login to comment
2 answers
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
266
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
I really hope you get some responses from nurses, but here's one from a physician:
You are the only one that can define "success" for yourself. Success has the domains of financial security - but not necessarily monetary wealth. Success includes the ability to feel proud of your accomplishments. Success to me suggests that there is not one top of the mountain, but a life that includes many peaks (which necessarily means there are some valleys and detours along the way).
So, ask yourself why a lot. Why do you feel you should choose a career of helping others? Why the physical and emotional support of nursing? Why is one topic really interesting, yet another topic people think you should know about is boring?
In my experience, people who feel happy with their lives have managed to do work that supports their core values, and which allows them to grow in other ways. Sometimes that growth is within the profession and sometimes that growth is extra-curricular. Why not be a nurse who uses art or music in her work? Why not learn financial planning to help patients not only with their medical issues, but with some of the stressful aspects of managing their lives?
I have friends who are nurses who have become hospital administrators, cruise ship nurses, critical care transport nurses, international nurses, nurse educators, nurse practitioners... My point is that nursing is a wonderful choice, and within nursing there are zillions of choices you should explore. Keep your mind open to new challenges and opportunities while not burning bridges as you go.
You are the only one that can define "success" for yourself. Success has the domains of financial security - but not necessarily monetary wealth. Success includes the ability to feel proud of your accomplishments. Success to me suggests that there is not one top of the mountain, but a life that includes many peaks (which necessarily means there are some valleys and detours along the way).
So, ask yourself why a lot. Why do you feel you should choose a career of helping others? Why the physical and emotional support of nursing? Why is one topic really interesting, yet another topic people think you should know about is boring?
In my experience, people who feel happy with their lives have managed to do work that supports their core values, and which allows them to grow in other ways. Sometimes that growth is within the profession and sometimes that growth is extra-curricular. Why not be a nurse who uses art or music in her work? Why not learn financial planning to help patients not only with their medical issues, but with some of the stressful aspects of managing their lives?
I have friends who are nurses who have become hospital administrators, cruise ship nurses, critical care transport nurses, international nurses, nurse educators, nurse practitioners... My point is that nursing is a wonderful choice, and within nursing there are zillions of choices you should explore. Keep your mind open to new challenges and opportunities while not burning bridges as you go.
Bill Juram
10
Answers
Updated
Bill’s Answer
Kudos to you for your well-articulated question and the depth of thought behind it. I do not have any nursing experience and will provide an answer only from a more general perspective.
Regardless of where your career takes you, I believe true career success is about seeking excellence in your field. That doesn’t mean perfection. It means striving to be the best you can be, learning the fundamentals, and keeping up with new developments. That foundation will position you to pursue a wide range of opportunities within nursing.
Second, as you allude to in your question, not everyone’s picture of success looks the same. You may decide what is best for you and not worry about what others are doing or think about you. I don’t recommend closing yourself off from other points of view, but rather to take them with a critical ear, pull out what is useful to you, and toss off what isn’t.
Finally, most people’s career paths aren’t a straight line. Many end up happy in careers that were different than they first targeted, for any number of reasons. A strong nursing background will position you for many different roles, settings, etc. Try to sample as much as you can through speaking with nurses, volunteering, and internships or externships. Your school’s career office may be able to help with that. Don’t worry if you change your mind along the way. Life is a journey.
Good luck with your career in one of the most important roles for our society.
Bill.
Regardless of where your career takes you, I believe true career success is about seeking excellence in your field. That doesn’t mean perfection. It means striving to be the best you can be, learning the fundamentals, and keeping up with new developments. That foundation will position you to pursue a wide range of opportunities within nursing.
Second, as you allude to in your question, not everyone’s picture of success looks the same. You may decide what is best for you and not worry about what others are doing or think about you. I don’t recommend closing yourself off from other points of view, but rather to take them with a critical ear, pull out what is useful to you, and toss off what isn’t.
Finally, most people’s career paths aren’t a straight line. Many end up happy in careers that were different than they first targeted, for any number of reasons. A strong nursing background will position you for many different roles, settings, etc. Try to sample as much as you can through speaking with nurses, volunteering, and internships or externships. Your school’s career office may be able to help with that. Don’t worry if you change your mind along the way. Life is a journey.
Good luck with your career in one of the most important roles for our society.
Bill.