Healthcare Hustle: 5 Steps to Your Dream Job!
There have been many times I have been in a role I don’t like and knew there must be something better. But when you are living day-to-day in the stress and impossible balance of a healthcare job, you may not realize there are steps to take that can start you down the path. Here is a roadmap to guide you through the process:
1. Don’t quit yet. While quitting may be a tempting immediate solution, consider the financial impact. Be patient if you are able. Allocate time for research while still employed and get yourself “ready” to resign. Dedicate at least an hour a week or a full day periodically to explore your options. You deserve to find that time.
2. Research. This is the most important step and may be difficult without a plan. Take a day to self-reflect on your experiences, strengths, preferences and aspirations. What roles in healthcare do you need to understand? Which ones make you hopeful? Then conduct your research on potential roles, creating a comprehensive list and setting weekly goals. Utilize networking opportunities and online resources to gain insights into your desired career path.
3. Get your documents ready. This step is not fun. Whether you are new to job searching or are a healthcare executive that has devoted ten years to the same organization and need a change, updating resumes is tedious, but crucial. Tailor your resume to the specific role you're aiming for. If you apply for three different roles, you may need three different resumes. Craft personalized cover letters, enhance your online presence, particularly on LinkedIn, and refine your networking skills.
4. Embrace interviewing. Practice is key to overcoming the fear of interviews. You may be thinking, why would I practice vs just interview for the one role I want? It is amazing what you can learn about yourself and your projected confidence by repeat interviews. Although time consuming, practice interviewing for roles you might not be deeply passionate about and take notes on what went well. Then when you get to the pivotal interview for your dream role, you will be ready. There is no book you can read to prepare you, that takes the place of interviewing with prospective employers.
5. Be bold. Now that you have done the three steps of researching, document organizing and interviewing practice, you can pause and self-reflect again on what you have discovered. Assess whether you've been bold enough in pursuing your aspirations. Consider aiming for roles that stretch your abilities, even if it means going one or two levels above your current position. Add specifics in your resume if you are aspiring for your first technology or sales role. Be bold in the alignment of what skills you have and how your experience is enough to pivot successfully to your dream role.
Finally, remember, all these steps can be accomplished while in your current role. Each one of them will boost your confidence and help you realize the options that are available when you are ready to make a move. You may even be offered a role when “practicing your interviewing”; it is always good to be wanted, even if you don’t accept the role. If you chose to stay in your current position, these steps will empower you to manage stress more effectively.
To get organized and start today, read my blog titled “20 Self-reflection Prompts”. This is the first mini step in research and the most fun activity. Spend an hour or a week in self-reflection and recognize how it enables you to consider your current role in a different light. By following these practical steps, you'll be better prepared for a career transition in healthcare. Remember, change is possible, and your journey toward a more fulfilling job begins with intentional and strategic steps.
In addition, if you are a nurse, I have an entire Course dedicated to “Burnout: Moving around or out of Bedside Nursing” coming in January. To learn more, sign up below and indicate you are interested in this comprehensive course.