It’s been a challenging couple of years for those in the healthcare industry. The COVID-19 pandemic increased pressure on what was already a difficult industry to work in due to understaffing and tough conditions. Now, 66% of acute and critical care nurses have said they would consider leaving the profession, which could lead to even more problems in the future.
It’s understandable to want a change after years of challenges, but does a change have to mean leaving nursing altogether? Different options could help you continue your career path and rediscover your love for your career again.
Are you ready for a change?
There are many signs that it might be time for you to change your job. If you’re feeling consistently overwhelmed or unhappy at work, then it’s time for something to change. Nursing comes with some long shifts and a lot of responsibility, which can lead to stress and impact your work/life balance, too.
It’s a good idea to think about what you want from your job. There may be some elements of your current role that you love, that you may be able to enjoy again in a new role.
Consider a different nursing role
If you’re feeling dissatisfied with your current role, it could be the area of nursing you’re in that needs to change. If you work in ICU or ED, you might want to look at a different area of nursing instead. You may need to take on some additional training, but a change of pace and scenery could be just what you need to continue your nursing career and eliminate some of the stress.
Explore different types of nursing
As well as exploring different nursing roles, you might want to consider nursing in a different setting. There are roles available in private practices, schools, specialist healthcare, and others. You could find suitable nursing jobs retirement community roles that will help you bring your skills to a different care setting. There are more possibilities than you realize with nursing, which could lead to an exciting and fulfilling role.
Think about a teaching role
While you may not want to focus directly on patient care anymore, you can help mentor and develop others into nursing roles through teaching. Teaching can be a fantastic way to share your knowledge and experience, helping future nurses to complete their training so that they can then deliver care to others.
As someone who has the practical experience, you’ll be in a great position to share your knowledge with others to provide a more informed teaching experience.
Look at caring roles
Being a caregiver shares many of the same qualities as being a nurse. You could find a suitable role as a carer that will make the most of your skills as a nurse but will put you in a different environment to a hospital or medical practice. While you may still be expected to work shifts, they can be less fast-paced, which could make for a less stressful role.
There are different routes to becoming a caregiver, but as a qualified nurse, you’ll already be a desirable candidate.
Make a move into leadership
It’s natural to want to progress in your job. If you’re feeling stagnant in your current nursing role, then working towards a promotion could be what you need to breathe new life into your career. Pursuing a leadership role will help you take your skills and experience a step further, giving you the chance to learn new skills and challenge yourself too.
Nurse leaders are a vital asset in the healthcare industry, and a managerial or leadership position will be a rewarding role to undertake. Becoming a nurse leader can take some time, but if you work hard and are determined, there could be some exciting opportunities in your future.
Make a difference through research
Many people who leave nursing go on to pursue other careers in the healthcare industry. One of which is research. Research roles are extremely important in healthcare, helping to research diseases and treatments, as well as improving patient care and facilities. There are many areas of research you could go into, and your background in nursing will help equip you with some of the knowledge and experience that can add value to healthcare research.
Take a break
Fast-paced roles come with many challenges, and the healthcare industry is no exception. When you’re working under constant pressure, it’s easy to suffer from stress. With nursing being understaffed in recent years, you may have found it difficult to take a break. However, a break from work is a healthy way to help you recharge both your body and mind.
If you’re at risk of burnout from work, make plans to take a break. Your mental and physical health is important, and taking a break can help you restore the work/life balance that can help you excel in your career.
Go down a whole other career path
A complete career change is another option for those who are struggling with a job in nursing. It’s not an easy decision to make, especially if you’ve been in the role for a while and have undergone years of training and education.
While there are some things to consider before changing careers, it could be the best decision for your circumstances. A new career can help you enjoy a better work/life balance and do something that you enjoy. There may be a career that you’re already interested in pursuing, or you may want to spend some time exploring different options to find the best fit for you. You may need to be prepared to go back to school to get the qualifications you need for your newly chosen career.
Nursing has its challenges, but it is also a very rewarding role. If you’re unhappy with your current circumstances, you may want to consider the other options that are out there to give you a different experience of the nursing world. Whatever you decide, make sure the choice is right for your need and your future.