DEAR DONNA: Free Career Advice
by Donna Cardillo, RN, MA
Following are a sampling of questions and answers that have been featured in my Dear Donna online advice
column at www.nurse.com. "Dear Donna" answers
questions from prospective nurses, nursing students, new grads, experienced nurses, and other healthcare
professionals from all over the world. Ask your question today! Dear Donna,
I started a new job as an informatics nurse at a new hospital after 21 years at my last position.
I have an MSN in nursing informatics and love the challenges of this position. My new coworkers (also RNs)
tend to think of me as less than an acute care nurse since I work informatics. I find I am excluded from
important meetings because I "just do computer stuff."
Feeling Ostracized Dear Feeling Ostracized,
Congratulations on your new position. Whether you know it or not, you are a pioneer in the field of
nursing informatics, which is still in its infancy. Therefore, it’s not surprising that other nurses
are confused by your role in the workplace and in nursing. People often reject, criticize, and fear
that which they don’t understand.
Many nurses, including some managers and administrators, have a narrow view of nursing and see only
direct patient care as "nursing." Of course that isn’t the case. Nurses are multitalented and versatile
and make a difference on many different levels in many different settings.
Whenever you are a pioneer in a new specialty or role or practice setting, you usually have to be the
one to enlighten others about your role and your contributions as a nurse. It would be nice if everyone
else would just "get it," but it doesn’t usually work that way. I worked in many nontraditional positions
over the years and took a lot of heat from nurses who saw me as an outsider. I always had a broad view
of who a nurse is and what a nurse does, and I’ve spent a lot of time and energy trying to expand
others’ (both in and out of nursing) views. Hopefully, I’ve been successful on some level, but it’s
a job that never ends.
You need to diligently and persistently advocate for yourself and your role. Take the time to articulate
what you do and how it is just as much a part of nursing as bedside care is. Educate and enlighten your
colleagues about the growing field of nursing informatics, and demonstrate how it has a positive impact
on care and how it supports direct patient care.
It’s not always easy taking the path less traveled; but as you’ve already discovered, it can be exciting,
challenging, and rewarding. Stay positive and open about your new role, position yourself as an expert and
as a resource to your nursing colleagues and others, and look at these challenges as a great opportunity to
pave the way for those who will follow in your footsteps.
Donna
Dear Donna,
I am at a dead end in my career. I work hard at a doctor’s office. I love the work, but the pay is awful and
there are hardly any benefits. I want to work in occupational health or case management for an insurance
company. Do you have any recommendations on how to pursue a job at an insurance company?
In a Rut Dear In a Rut,
When you hit a dead end, it’s time to find another road to travel. Fortunately, nursing offers many roads to
choose from.
You don’t mention how long you’ve been in your current position, but I am going to assume it has been some
time. Understand that making a transition into another area can take some time and effort, but it’s totally
doable if you’re willing to be persistent and step outside of your comfort zone.
A great way to launch a job search is to get out to a Career Fair in your area. You’d be amazed at the
variety of employers and opportunities that can be found at these events. I recently received communication
from a nurse who told me that she always thought Career Fairs were a waste of time; but after taking my
advice and attending one, she found her dream job.
You should also contact some nursing agencies, including temp agencies, either by talking to their
representatives at a Career Fair or by making direct phone contact with them. Many agencies place
nurses in occupational health and case management positions. Some even offer related training. And a
temporary job is a good way to try out a specialty, gain some experience, and get a foot in the door.
Don’t be discouraged if you can’t find anything immediately. Take steps to get reconnected to your profession,
brush up on your networking and self-marketing skills, and start exploring all that nursing has to offer.
Persistence and determination will always win out in the end!
Donna
Copyright Nursing Spectrum Nurse Wire (www.nursingspectrum.com).
All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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