My journey in nursing has led me to experiences and insights I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
I declared nursing as my major because I was passionate about making a difference in patients’ lives. I envisioned sitting by patients’ bedsides, holding their hands, and providing comfort in their moments of need. I dreamed of showing up every day to make a meaningful impact.
While my path through health care wasn’t exactly as I imagined, it led me to profound lessons, growth, and a renewed sense of purpose. This is my story of finding fulfillment and balance in a challenging profession.
How it all began
I began my health care journey in 2009 as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in a nursing home. The work was challenging but deeply rewarding. Even on the hardest days, I felt a sense of joy knowing I was caring for others.
In 2013, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, eager to take the next step in my career. Starting as a registered nurse (RN) on a busy MedSurg floor, I was ready to live out my dream. I envisioned days filled with meaningful patient interactions and life-changing moments.
But like many new nurses, I quickly learned the challenges of health care.
Adjusting to the demands of nursing
Nursing on a MedSurg floor was fast-paced and intense. From the start of a shift to the end, the responsibilities were endless:
- Administering medications.
- Updating providers and coordinating care.
- Answering call lights and addressing patient needs.
- Handling unexpected challenges that often pushed my shift far beyond the planned 12 hours.
While I loved caring for patients, I found it difficult to find time for meaningful interactions. Often, I didn’t even have time for a proper meal or a moment to catch my breath.
It was an adjustment, but I continued to focus on doing my best for my patients.
Recognizing the need for change
By 2015, I started to feel the effects of the relentless pace and high expectations. I didn’t recognize it immediately, but I was emotionally and physically drained. I began feeling disconnected—not only from my work but also from my family, friends, and even myself.
One day during a rare lunch break, I came across an article titled “Compassion fatigue in health care providers.” As I read through the signs and symptoms, it struck me: I was burned out. That moment was pivotal. I realized something needed to change: Not only for my career but for my overall well-being.
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Turning things around
I knew I wanted to stay in health care, but I needed to approach it differently. Here’s what helped me regain balance and fulfillment:
Prioritizing self-care
I began focusing on my physical, mental, and emotional health. This included:
- Ensuring I ate well and stayed hydrated during shifts.
- Scheduling regular exercise and relaxation activities.
- Giving myself permission to rest and recharge between shifts.
Setting boundaries
I learned to say no to excessive demands and to protect my personal time. This included creating space from toxic relationships that added stress.
Focusing on connection
I found ways to infuse moments of connection back into my work. Even short, meaningful interactions with patients brought me back to why I chose this profession.
These changes didn’t happen overnight, but gradually, I began to feel more energized, fulfilled, and hopeful.
Evolving my career
In 2020, I completed my nurse practitioner degree and transitioned into primary care. It was a new chapter with its own challenges, especially as the pandemic amplified the pressures on health care providers. I noticed many of my colleagues facing overwhelming workloads, disrupted work-life balance, and the strain of navigating increasingly complex health care systems.
Instead of feeling defeated, I became motivated to help.
Supporting other health care professionals
Recognizing the struggles around me, I developed resources, tools, and support systems for other practitioners. My mission is to help others rediscover joy and fulfillment in their careers.
I teach techniques that have worked for me and many others, including:
- Strategies for improving efficiency and reducing charting burdens.
- Implementing technology such as AI medical scribes to save time charting.
- Practices for setting boundaries and protecting personal time.
- Tips for nurturing a positive mindset and building resilience.
While I can’t change the health care system single-handedly, I’m committed to helping practitioners find their balance within it.
Reflecting on my journey
Looking back, I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything. The challenges I faced taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of self-care. They also deepened my empathy for others in the health care profession.
I’m proud to share my story because I know how isolating it can feel when the demands of the job become overwhelming. But here’s the good news: You’re not alone, and it’s absolutely possible to find joy and fulfillment in your work again.
Moving forward together
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that there are tools, resources, and support systems available to help you navigate this journey. By focusing on self-care, setting boundaries, and finding ways to reconnect with the purpose that brought you into health care, you can reignite your passion for this meaningful work.
Remember, you have the strength and ability to take care of yourself while continuing to make a difference for others.
Let’s support each other and create a brighter, more sustainable path in health care—together.
Erica D, the NP Charting Coach, is a family nurse practitioner and the creator of The Nurse Practitioner Charting School. She specializes in helping overwhelmed nurse practitioners improve their charting skills, enabling them to achieve a better work-life balance and finally stop charting at home! She can also be reached on YouTube and Instagram.
Erica has partnered with Freed, an AI medical scribe. After incorporating Freed into her own practice, Erica was impressed by the technology’s accuracy and its ability to save clinicians significant time on charting. Learn more about Freed here: https://getfreed.sjv.io/m5kY2M, and feel free to use the affiliate code NPCHARTING for $50 off your first month!
