Don’t be afraid to join in those uncomfortable moments
A nurse discusses the rewards and challenges of switching specialties to serve the patients she is most passionate about
I’m writing this story to inspire other nurses who are wanting to switch specialties, but are afraid to leave what they know.
I have been a nurse since 2014. After graduating nursing school, I jumped into a nurse residency program in the emergency department at a local hospital in my area.
The ER was exciting, challenging, and led to many amazing learning experiences. Yet about two years ago, I started to feel unfulfilled.
I thought maybe I needed a change in scenery to bring back my passion for the Emergency Department, so I started travel nursing. Although it brought more great experiences and some amazing people into my life, the ER just didn’t feel right for me anymore.
For a year and a half, I reflected on these feelings and thought back to what I felt passionately about when I was learning as a student.
I was always fascinated by cardiac issues and the cardiac system, so I thought to myself: “Where can I continue to learn, and fill this void for passionate nursing with a focus on cardiac patients?” I remembered that for a previous job interview, I’d written down goals as to where I saw my career in 5 years.
I’d written down that I would love to be a part of the cardiac Catheterization Laboratory team at the hospital I had interviewed for. So I decided in that moment that I would not settle for what was comfortable, that I was going to take a leap of faith and start a new journey as a Cath Lab RN!
Leaving the Emergency Department was scary to say the least. I had become an expert in my speciality, a resource for new graduates, and a leader for my team. Coming to a new department where I now was again a novice nurse at times felt discouraging and frustrating, and it was definitely difficult.
But at the end of each week, things started to come together. Things are still becoming more manageable, and I am starting to be able to anticipate our next move. I am slowly seeing progress in my skills and knowledge again.
Switching specialities can be frightening. It may make you feel like you want to quit and go back to what you know. I have had to accept being comfortable with being uncomfortable for now.
I know that I won’t feel this way forever. I want anyone who is thinking about trying something new to know that you can always grow and learn new things, no matter what stage your career is in!
Don’t be afraid to join in those uncomfortable moments. It’s in these moments that we learn the most about ourselves, and rise to the challenge!
Most importantly, don’t stay in an area that’s causing you to forget why you became a nurse. Look within yourself and find that passion again!
Janine Chavez, Registered Nurse, Orange, California