Career Transition: My Nursing Comeback Story

According to Newsette, my LIBRA horoscope says:“Search for magic while the sun moves through Gemini, crowning you as a queen of the cosmos. Multiple blessings will trickle through during this time, but you may be faced with challenges and increased responsibilities once Cancer season kicks off on June 20.”

✨ Let’s just say—it hit.

When Your Dream Nursing Job Ends Abruptly

In February, just six months into what I thought was my dream federal government nursing job, I was placed on administrative leave. No performance issues. No drama. Just part of the probationary period roulette. A few weeks later, I was officially RIF’d—reduction in force.

It stung. Hard.

But now? I’m stepping into a new role as a Director of Nursing—just a few months later.

How I Recovered from a Sudden Career Shift

If you’re a nurse navigating job loss, career pause, or thinking about moving between sectors (like government to private), this is my step-by-step guide to taking your power back:

1. Update Your Nursing Resume with Transferable Skills

Immediately, I dusted off my resume and took stock of every win—even the subtle ones.

Ask yourself:What do I bring to the table now that I didn’t a year ago?

Focus areas for nurses in transition:

• Government project coordination

• Policy and regulation knowledge

• Multidisciplinary team leadership

• Public health exposure

• Data tracking and report generation

Use these to position yourself for private sector leadership or non-clinical nurse roles.

2. Reframe Soft Skills vs. Hard Skills

Nurses wear a lot of hats. I sat down and sorted my skill sets:

Soft Skills (Leadership & Communication)

• 🗣 Public Speaking & Presenting

• ✍️ Professional Writing & Policy Proposals

• 🤝 Conflict Resolution & Decision Making

  
  

Hard Skills (Technical & Administrative)

• 📊 Program Management

• 🗂 Federal Workflow Processes

• 📅 Scheduling, Training, and Onboarding Staff

👉 Tip: Create a spreadsheet of these and link them to real achievements in past roles.

Webinar: Nursing Road Maps: Arriving without Burnout

3. Keep the "I’ve Arrived" Mentality in Check

In a webinar I hosted back in 2021, I talked about the moment we hit a milestone and say, “I’ve arrived.” What I’ve learned since:You may arrive, but you can’t stay at baggage claim too long. Celebrate. Reflect. But then grab your things and move toward your next gate.

What’s Next in My Nurse Leader Journey?

Challenges are already lining up. So are new blessings. I’m choosing to reframe all of it—every meeting, every unknown, every stretch moment—as part of the opportunity.

Nurse friends: Career transitions happen. The pause is real, but so is your next move.

💡 Are You a Nurse Facing a Career Pause?

• Lost a job unexpectedly?

• Left federal or government nursing?

• Trying to return to leadership?

  
  

I’ve been there. Let’s reframe your story—and relaunch your career path with confidence.

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