If you are looking to build up and on from your nursing career, then you may be looking at what to do. Nursing is a very rewarding job, but it is also very exhausting. Long shifts and sometimes unsociable hours can take their toll on you, your family, and those closest to you. Striking a balance between work and life when you are nursing on the front line can be difficult, and if you love what nursing gives you, but you don’t love the unsociable or long shifts that come hand in hand, then maybe you should start thinking about building a new career. A new career could give you the chance to carry on within an industry that you love and know, but it could also give you new opportunities to reach your full potential.
Transitioning From Nursing
Moving on from frontline nursing is not always the easiest thing to do. It can take time to adjust to a new role or position; however, if the transition is done over a period of time, it can be seamless and relatively easy. To make the transition as easy as possible, you need to prepare yourself physically and mentally. Changing from intense shifts at perhaps unsociable hours is not easy to do, so take things slowly and at your own pace. Looking at a career as a family nurse practitioner gives you time to transition from frontline nursing. You need to study to become an FNP, so you have this time while you are training to wind up your frontline nursing job.
Jumping into Education
To transition from a frontline nurse into an FNP, you will need to return to education. You will need to continue with your studies and advance on the BSN that you already have. Studying to become an FNP and getting the relevant education you need is relatively easy because it can all be done online. You don’t have to worry about finding the time to fit in traveling to a campus, or attending classes, as your study program can be tailored to suit you and your requirements. Returning to education may feel a little daunting at first, but at Wilkes University you can study exclusively online, and once you realize how enjoyable it is studying from home and taking back control of your career, you will then realize it is not as daunting as you first thought.
Seeking a Mentor
When you are starting out as an FNP, and you are building your experience, you may find it beneficial to have a mentor on board. A doctor, FNP, or other medical professional may just help you to find your feet in your new role, and they may just help you get settled a little bit quicker. The new changes can be difficult to process when you transition to becoming a family nurse practitioner from a frontline nursing position. A new mentor can help by providing guidance, support, advice, and even a listening ear when you need it the most.
Landing a Role
Now that you know what it takes to become a successful FNP in terms of qualities and attributes, and you are (hopefully) underway with your studies, it is time to look forward and begin finding a role that is right for you. Finding a role that is within your chosen location may initially prove difficult. More FNP roles are becoming available all across the country, but the rollout is relatively slow, which means your perfect spot might be available in a year, but just not right now. Building your experience is valuable and can put you in good stead for future roles.
