Advancing in healthcare may seem like an endless journey for many nurses. I have faced countless challenges navigating the terrain to accomplish my goals in healthcare leadership. Some were based on finding my place and purpose in roles that required effective team management, building trusting relationships, inspiring confidence, and building morale, but others were solely on me. One of the key components in advancing in healthcare is to be patient, a trait that did not exist for me at that time. I felt I was getting older and had a time limit to what my career trajectory should look like. I was very persistent in achieving what I thought I was ready for and paid little attention to the advice that I received from my supervisor. I somehow knew my supervisor was having a hard time letting me go. In fact, it was her advice that urged me to fight harder to achieve what I worked hard for in school. It was my perseverance and the fact that I wasn’t compliant that led to my success today.
I have always been productive and innovative in leadership roles in an effort to make myself indispensable. At one point, I was unable to advance my career because my supervisor told me that I was “born to be a nurse educator.” At first, I thought this statement was a compliment, but my supervisor proceeded to block every position offer I received from the organization for advancement. This was a frustrating time in my career—I spent hours explaining to my supervisor the reasons why accepting a higher leadership role would positively impact my career goals to obtain a doctoral degree and certifications. Since she would not comply and release me from the department, I resigned and accepted a management position elsewhere.
I started my career as a patient care technician and transitioned to a registered nurse role on a surgical oncology unit, where I worked for over three years. I quickly moved to a critical care unit to expand my knowledge and skills and to become more marketable. Even with these accomplishments, I wanted to further develop myself in healthcare. I still recall a supervisor saying, “The grass is not always greener on the other side.” But what does that really mean? You must take risks to develop yourself. I have worked in three well-known organizations, and I have learned something different from each one. I was not scared to take risks. To me, the grass represented how well I could adapt to different environments.
I went on to become a nurse manager, interim director of nursing professional development, and later, director of nursing with a doctoral degree. I am currently an administrator in a Magnet hospital and a Clinical Professor at Hofstra University and Long Island University. I take pride in mentoring our novice nurses and guiding them through career choices. It is rewarding to see their progress and unwavering appreciation. I am working toward becoming a fellow of American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). I am also looking forward to publishing many articles and books in the future.
So, what’s my message to other nurses? Do not always listen to the advice you are given, especially advice that can hinder your progress. Know what you are capable of—your skills and your knowledge. What are your goals, and what are your plans to achieve them? Be strong and take risks, but also prepare yourself well before transitioning to a new role. Taking risks makes you a stronger leader. If your dream is to become a leader in healthcare, take the necessary steps to do so even when you’re scared, uncertain, or your colleagues and supervisors question your potential. Be your own advisor. Only you know what you are capable of!
Amalia Misir, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN, is an administrator at a Magnet hospital, and a Clinical Professor at Hofstra University and Long Island University. She is a member of Sigma’s Omega Gamma Chapter and American College of Healthcare Executives.