The Real Story of How I Left Traditional Nursing

Spoiler: it wasn't by applying to jobs online.

I'm on the far left. Our unit won a hand hygiene campaign with a The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly theme.

One random day in 2017, I decided to hang my hospital cap.

A day like many others, I elevated my feet on the counter while charting on patients. My legs were aching in full-length compression stockings.

Twelve hour night shifts and pregnancy had done a number on my veins.

Despite several costly procedures, I continued to struggle with leg pain and swelling. I decided to wave the white flag of surrender.

I considered my options.

Medical device nurse? Too much travel.

Ambulatory surgery center? Still a lot of prolonged standing.

Clinical nurse liaison? Also, a lot of travel.

Eventually, I found a really niche healthcare job with minimal standing: Restorative Nursing.

As a Restorative Nurse I assisted geriatric rehab patients discharged from physical therapy. We assisted them with range of motion exercises, stroke interventions, etc., to preserve independent function.

I loved it. Then management changed. Then I had a second baby. Then a little thing called Covid-19 happened. I stayed away from nursing homes for a while.

When I was ready to return to work, I reached out to a friend who worked in recruitment. She had seen me in action as a Restorative Nurse and suspected I would do well in sales.

Turns out she knew me better than I knew myself. I flourished as a healthcare recruiter.

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If you're feeling stuck right now, know that the right job is probably just around the corner. You just need to extend your feelers a bit so the right opportunities come to you.

Tip #1 - Your Network is Your Net Worth

I know the above saying is dumb, but it's true. Your next job opportunity will likely stem from someone you know, not a job posting online.

Once you've identified 1-3 target positions, reach out to people in those types of roles.

Ask them to describe a typical day. Ask about certifications. Ask about the company they work for, and if they know anyone hiring. If it's their own company, even better, since many offer internal referral bonuses.

Your outreach should look something like this:

Dear [Name]

Your profile captured my interest, as I would like to learn more about transitioning to a career in X. I have read about X in 301 Careers in Nursing by Joyce Fitzpatrick and other places, and yet I realize there is no substitute for experience. My reconnaissance tells me you're an expert.

Would you be so kind as to speak with me for 10-15 minutes at a date and time convenient for you so that I may ask you some prepared questions? I'd be very grateful. If your schedule does not permit this, would you kindly refer me to a suitable colleague? Thank you in advance.

Respectfully,

Your name

Another approach is to identify 1-3 target companies and reach out to active employees in a similar fashion. Even if this contact person is not a nurse, they can still share insight into the general culture and health of the company.

Yet another approach is to reach out to former colleagues, preceptors, classmates. See where they are working now and if anyone is hiring. Even a short conversation could yield a nugget of wisdom or helpful lead.

Tip #2 - Explore Your Zip code

Go to networking events, living hiring events, volunteer events, club meetups. The more people you meet, the better.

The goal here is to widen your net by putting yourself in as many new environments as possible. We're only six degrees away from Kevin Bacon, so it's possible you're only 1-2 degrees from someone who is hiring in your geographical area.

The world is smaller than we realize.

“Opportunities don’t float like clouds in the sky. They’re attached to people.” — Reid Hoffman 

Tip #3 - Practice Generosity

One way to keep positive energy flowing toward you is by giving things away often and freely. Karma is funny like that. One could also argue that helping others is its own reward.

Can you mentor someone in your field? Help a colleague write their resume? You become a person of integrity when you value relationships over transactions.

A few more examples:

• Offering mock interviews

• Sharing job leads with people in your network

• Making introductions between professionals

• Writing thoughtful LinkedIn recommendations

• Endorsing skills you’ve genuinely seen firsthand

• Helping someone optimize their LinkedIn profile

• Sharing insider industry advice with newer professionals

• Create a free guide related to your subject matter expertise

Generosity in professional spaces works best when it’s low-pressure and genuinely useful.

Tip #4 - Maintain a Solid Digital Presence

This one is a given, but make sure your resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letter are up to date. Clean up your other social media accounts or set them as private.

You never know who might be looking at your online footprint. When I was a recruiter I checked LinkedIn profiles 90% of the time before picking up the phone.

Have an updated, professional LinkedIn headshot. Stay active on the platform to show hiring managers you're engaged.

Connect with industry experts and weigh in on what they're discussing. Just remember to be respectful and provide constructive feedback. The goal here is to establish credibility -- not to air grievances or throw employers/employees under the bus.

Tip #5 - Don't Give Up

My final tip is to not give up. If you're interviewing and not getting offers, see it as redirection, not rejection. For some reason (unbeknownst to you at this exact moment in time), it wasn't meant to be.

Results happen when you detach from the outcome.

Continue to connect with others and be generous with your time/insight/expertise.

Still feeling restless? Obtain a new certification... take up a hobby...exercise. You'll expose yourself to more people and expand your network. You'll feel more confident in your skin. Every move you make will be a positive step in the right direction.

In Closing

The future is in your hands. You are not a powerless victim!

Keep working hard. Let things happen organically. Treat it like a game, because it is.

I know you will find the right thing.

I am rooting for you.