I am causing a ruckus in the nursing world by unleashing the old narrative in nursing. I am changing the game for new nurses by opening their eyes to the endless opportunities the nursing professions offers. My mission is to help young nurses realize they do not have to start their career in medical-surgical nursing. I’m not concerned with the popular opinion of others, and I want to empower nurses to pursue their dreams and follow their hearts. The nursing profession has evolved and will continue to create innovative and unconventional roles for our nurses. As a nurse career coach, it is my duty to infuse unshakable confidence into nurses to believe in their abilities to pursue whatever specialty they desire with a sense of conviction.
What we greatly need in nursing right now is passion, positivity, and excitement. Nurses deserve to be happy and excited to do what they truly love. There is a sense of brokenness in nursing that needs to be mended and healed. I am tired of seeing new nurses have enthusiasm and spark in the beginning of their careers, and then see their flame diminished because they settled for a position.
As a nursing student, my clinical instructor told me these harsh words:
“You will never be an emergency nurse.”
I thought, “Wow, how can this educator possibly crush my dreams by saying something so out of line?” Where was the encouragement and support? Of course, I did not listen to her, but instead thought, “Watch me.” I had enough grit to pursue my dream. I was offered two positions in the emergency department (ED) from two hospitals, and I was offered a position with my preferred trauma hospital before I even graduated nursing school. I promised myself that I would become one of the best emergency nurses out there and went on to obtain three ED-specific certifications: Certified Emergency Nurse, Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse, and Trauma Certified RN.
I later obtained my master’s degree in nursing education and transitioned into education roles. I became a clinical instructor at New York University and an educator for an orthopedic unit and critical care. I truly felt the most fulfilled when I was educating nursing students and new nurses. Eventually, I accomplished my dream of becoming the director of nursing education even after facing some adversity.
I decided to step out of my comfort zone and start my own nurse career coaching business to facilitate the transition from nursing school to nursing practice. I offer career guidance and support to new nurses and experienced nurses looking to make a career change with one-on-one coaching sessions, resume, cover letter, and interview preparation services. I offer more than just career guidance, because nurses go through a transformation. The common thread that I see is increased confidence, a shift in mindset, and a renewed belief in their abilities to accomplish anything they set their mind to.
The message I want to spread to all nurses out there is to dream bigger, pursue your goals, and don’t let anyone diminish your flame. Let the haters be the fuel to your fire!
Let’s put a stop to settling for jobs that you do not want—you will not feel fulfilled, driven, or happy. Do not worry if you are told by one recruiter that you need a year of experience before applying for a certain job. Continue to search and work toward your goals; it just takes one recruiter or hiring manager to say yes and give you the chance that you deserve.
You are fierce, fabulous, and free to choose your career path and take control of your life. Be bold, be better, and simply be YOU!
Farah Laurent MSN, CPXP, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, TCRN, CPEN, CEN, is the founder of Farah Laurent International Nurse Coach and she is a member of Sigma’s Lambda Iota Chapter.