The Ambitious Nurse | RN, Nursing Career, Nursing Job Opportunities

Flexibility is the cornerstone of a thriving nursing career. 

This episode highlights the importance of being open to various career paths and roles. I'll share my own story of career pivots and the short-term and long-term goals that have guided me. 

Discover how continuous learning and staying informed about new opportunities can benefit your career, and learn the significance of understanding your personal mission in nursing. 

Be prepared to embrace new roles, set meaningful goals, and continuously seek growth to prevent career stagnation.

Self-leadership is crucial for well-being in nursing. Learn fro...

Can passion, communication, and confidence transform an introverted nurse into a leader?

 In this episode, we are honored to have Dr. Jennifer Manning, President of the National Association for Clinical Nurse Specialists, who recounts her inspiring transition from a background in biology and research to becoming a CNS. Dr. Manning talks about how Hurricane Katrina influenced her career choices and discusses the global outlook for the future of the CNS role, offering invaluable strategies for career advancement.

What makes a Clinical Nurse Specialist truly effective? We explore the quintessential qualities that define a successful CNS, e...

🩺 In this episode, I share a real-life coaching experience with a nurse who had a doctoral degree in education (EdD) but struggled to land a job in education. Despite her impressive credentials, she wasn’t getting any callbacks. The problem? Her resume didn’t reflect the experience she needed for the roles she was applying for.

I break down three key strategies that can help YOU avoid the same pitfalls and start landing interviews for the positions you truly want:

1️⃣ **Tailor Your Resume:** Make sure your resume is aligned with the job description. ATS (Applicant Tracking Sy...

Are you tired of feeling stuck in your nursing career despite having advanced degrees and qualifications?

 Join me, Bonnie Meadows, as I reveal essential strategies for overcoming career stagnation and moving into leadership roles. Discover why your resume might hold you back and learn how to align it with job descriptions to get past HR screening systems. 

I’ll share practical tips to highlight your experience and bridge perceived gaps in leadership, ensuring your resume stands out.

Learn about the power of proactive career steps, navigating workplace politics, and knowing when to seek spon...

Discover how to identify that 'stirring' feeling of the need for a shift and navigate uncertainty with ease. 

I share invaluable insights from a recent coaching session, showcasing practical tools like SWOT analysis to align job opportunities with your core values. We'll also walk through the process of waiting for the right position that aligns with your long-term goals.

In this episode, I delve into the emotional and practical aspects of making career moves. With actionable insights and personal stories, I aim to empower you to pursue the nursing career you deserve. 

Support th...

Have you ever wondered how to confidently showcase your skills and experiences to propel your nursing career?

Listen in to get practical advice that inspires nurses to overcome their uneasiness to speak about themselves.

In this episode, Bonnie emphasizes the importance of always being prepared to present your best self. She discusses the necessity of maintaining a record of accomplishments and strategically showcasing your work to build relationships and enhance your professional presence. 

With actionable insights on crafting resumes, CVs, and other professional presentations, Bonnie provides the tools you need to be known f...

What if you could identify the perfect job opportunities that align with your strengths and desires using just a piece of the SWOT analysis? Join me as I guide you through strategic planning for your nursing career growth. 

We'll uncover how reflecting on your natural talents and considering feedback from others can help you make informed career decisions. I'll share tactical steps and specific questions from the SWOT analysis to help you gain clarity, ensuring you find a role that truly fits you.

Imagine pinpointing the ideal job opportunities that perfectly match your strengths and a...

Can you imagine finding joy in your nursing career while maintaining financial stability, even during the strenuous summer months? 

By establishing boundaries, you can achieve greater flexibility and autonomy, focusing on what truly matters professionally and personally.

From feeling overwhelmed in your role to finding a job that aligns with your aspirations, we explore how you can gain clarity. I also delve into managing ego, creating a succession plan, and recognizing when it's time to move on to new opportunities. 

If you're struggling with boundaries, this episode is just for you. 

Sup...

 If you find yourself at a crossroads in your nursing career with a Master's Degree in Nursing or a Doctorate of Nursing Practice, even if you are in an advanced practice role such as CNS, NP, CRNA, or CNM, this episode is packed with advice to help you move forward. 

There's one easy tool I suggest you use to avoid confusion about your next career step. This episode is your guide. 

I explore the art of self-awareness to uncover and tackle your weaknesses, spot growth opportunities, and understand the threats that could impede your career pro...

In this episode, I discuss strategies for gaining clarity and direction to ensure that your steps align with your passions and goals.

Self-awareness and intentional growth are the cornerstones of a fulfilling career. 

I also review the importance of pausing to review your strengths and opportunities, the benefits of shadowing professionals, and the value of saying no to projects that don't serve your long-term aspirations.

 You will learn how selective project involvement can enhance your skills and provide insight into your career preferences. Plus, a highlight of why attending large conferences is a wo...

Learn how to recognize the signs it's time to move on and master the art of leaving your job without burning bridges. 
 Discover how to stay true to your values when job conditions change unexpectedly, and gain practical strategies for making empowered decisions about your nursing career.

Ensuring a smooth transition can seem overwhelming, but I'm here to help. This episode covers all the essentials, from stating your reasons for leaving to preparing a seamless handover. 

We'll discuss expressing gratitude for challenging yet valuable experiences and the importance of identifying and preparing a successor. 
...

Ever wondered how an advanced degree could help your nursing career? With 17.4% of registered nurses holding a master’s degree, Bonnie explores the transformative benefits of higher education in nursing. 

She breaks down the advantages, from enhanced job opportunities to flexible work schedules, and shares personal anecdotes on how further education broadened her perspective, reinforcing the vital role of nurses in healthcare. Whether you're contemplating further education or seeking to leverage your current qualifications, this episode is filled with valuable advice and real-world examples to fuel your career growth and maximize your potential. 

Tune in for...

True empowerment isn't a gift, but a choice that you have the authority to make every day. This episode shows you how to take ownership of your career through empowerment. It's a weekly pledge, a commitment to principles that will elevate and sustain you in your professional life.

An element of self-empowerment is folded into each day of the week with a principle designed to boost your career and well-being. From the grit needed to chase dreams to the resilience that turns setbacks into comebacks, each day is a step closer to the pinnacle of personal achievement...

Ever felt like you're on autopilot in your nursing career, just going with the flow of where the job takes you? It's time to grab the wheel and steer your professional journey toward meaningful growth and fulfillment. 

With insights gleaned from the Florence Challenge, today's episode is a guide for nurses looking to transform their careers from the inside out—without waiting for leadership's green light. 

If you've ever questioned how to assert your worth as a nurse, both in the workplace and during job interviews, then this conversation is your compass. I discuss the impo...

In this episode, I tackle the backbone of career progression in nursing through the concepts of accountability and ownership.
Every nurse has the potential to exert a significant influence in healthcare – it begins with a commitment to personal growth, shedding outdated practices, and setting strategic boundaries. Prepare to be equipped with actionable insights as we dive into the role that culture building plays in nurturing your professional path.

Celebrating nurses isn't just a monthly event; it's a daily practice of fostering self-awareness, emotional positivity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. 

I break down the Flo...

 This week's episode peels back the layers of why embracing a career mindset in nursing benefits personal growth and improves the nursing profession. 

We also discuss the impact of a career-focused approach on workplace morale and patient care.  There's actionable advice for those currently stuck in a job-focused frame of mind and who want to change to a career-focused mind. 

We explore how to evolve our roles beyond the daily hustle of nursing and into a pathway that instills pride, direction, and a voice that resonates within the healthcare community. 

This episode is for y...

You have been wrestling with that uneasy feeling for a while. You like the work you do but something’s nagging at you that it may be time to make a change. 

Work has been a bit much with constant change, overwhelmed with the amount of work and being pulled in so many directions. 

Imagine if you could get clear on the uncertainty that's holding you back. That's what we're talking about today—the real struggles that experienced nurses face in their professional growth and what can help catapult you to the next level of nursin...

 Skill-building and research are not enough to silence the persistent whispers of inadequacy or the beast that is negative self-talk.

This episode will arm you with the strategies to stand tall in your nursing shoes, knowing you've earned them. We confront the perfectionism and core beliefs that fuel impostor syndrome.

Real talk about recognizing your worth and the practical steps to turn self-doubt into self-assurance. Let's celebrate your nursing journey's unique milestones, learn to appreciate your individual triumphs without the distortion of social media, and most importantly, empower you to pass the torch of knowledge t...

In this episode, I will walk you through the five distinct types of imposter syndrome and show you how to recognize the signs that might be hindering your career growth.

From the perfectionist who's never satisfied to the super nurse battling to prove their worth by overworking, this discussion is an call to embrace your accomplishments and push past the fear masking your true potential.

We'll explore the dangers of imposter syndrome. Discover why aiming for excellence rather than perfection can save your sanity and why admitting you need help doesn't make you any less...

Ever felt like a fraud at work or doubted your skills despite your achievements? You're not alone 
I'm unmasking the imposter syndrome that plagues so many in the nursing profession, working at the bedside and in clinical areas. 

As your host, Bonnie Meadows, I'm guiding you through the theory and also dissecting the root causes of imposter syndrome.  From family influences to perfectionism, I am providing you with the tools to recognize and tackle these challenges head-on. 

This episode is not just about identifying the self-sabotaging behaviors but also about crafting your own narrative of s...

Discover the crucial difference between career advancement and growth in the world of nursing, as I guide you through bridging the gap between your current position and your professional aspirations. 

This episode is a catalyst for both new insights and practical strategies, tailored specifically for experienced nurses ready to redefine their impact within healthcare and their communities. We’re not just talking about making strides in your career; we’re talking about defining your mission and shaping your influence in ways that resonate with your core values and psychological needs.

 Whether you’re seeking joy, flexibil...

Nursing veterans, it's time to shine a light on your unique skills and chart a course for your future that's not only strategic but also fulfilling.

This episode isn't just about nursing; it's a masterclass in career development for any professional seeking alignment with their true self. Learn from my experiences as a clinical nurse specialist, and gather wisdom on how self-awareness can steer your career decisions, strengthen your relationships, and promote patience during skill acquisition. 

Whether you're eyeing a new job or aiming to redefine your goals, our conversation is your compass to navigating y...

In this latest episode, I unravel the secrets of uncovering and honing your unique nursing niche. 
I'll walk you through the pivotal questions that can reshape your professional journey, providing insights on how to thrive amidst the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, and how to turn obstacles into stepping stones towards your ultimate career destination.

Whether you're a detail-oriented planner or a visionary thinker, harnessing self-awareness is key to amplifying your impact and satisfaction in nursing. 

Discover the transformative influence of self-awareness on both personal growth and team dynamics in the world of nursing. I di...

Ever found yourself at a nursing career crossroads, trying to choose between furthering your education or diving into a new specialization? 

This episode is your roadmap to making calculated career moves with confidence. Join me as I navigate through a case study of a seasoned nurse torn between pursuing a family nurse practitioner program and a psych mental health nurse practitioner track. I dissect the advantages and nuances of each path, weighing the importance of aligning passion with practicality. Moreover, I offer actionable advice to help you carve out a fulfilling trajectory in nursing, even if it i...

Have you ever felt trapped in pursuing your career, fearing any move away from where you are might lead to disaster? As a clinical nurse specialist and your career coach, I, have lived through the very challenges you face. 

This latest episode strips away the layers of career perfectionism that plague many experienced nurses, offering insights into why now could be the perfect time to reassess your professional trajectory. I share stories from my own 19 years in nursing, highlighting strategic career shifts over sticking to a rigid path, and the importance of prioritizing your well-being in the p...

Join me,  as we celebrate Black History Month by exploring how these figures' can invigorate your own approach to leadership in healthcare. This episode is a treasure trove of insights into leading with love, kindness, and assertive strategies when necessary, all aimed at empowering you to make a real difference in advocating for patients.

Explore the secrets to amplifying your influence in the nursing field without relying on titles. We delve into the power of community, the importance of exposure and experiences, and why great communication is your ally on this leadership journey.

 You'll come to...

Have you ever questioned whether you're in love with nursing or just going through the motions? Today, I, invite you into a heartfelt exploration of what it means to carry a true passion for our profession. It's not the allure of overtime or financial incentives that we're after; it's that dedication to patient care and the intricacies of healthcare that we love to discuss. Sharing my pivots within healthcare, I'll lead you through recognizing if your heart truly lies in nursing and how this connection enriches the care we provide and our overall job satisfaction.

This episode...

Are you finding yourself stuck in the pit of perfectionism, hindering your career growth? My name is Bonnie Meadows, your host with 19 years of nursing experience, and today I am here to share my personal journey, shedding some light on how to embrace the unknown and take bold steps towards career advancement. Listen, we all want our career moves to be perfectly laid out, but guess what? That's not how it works, and it's perfectly okay. 

Remember, the initial jobs you land may not entirely meet your needs, but they are necessary stepping stones to upskill yourself. S...

In my daily conversations with nurses, I find more and more nurses saying that "I need to change things". There are nurses who are at the top of their pay scales and they need to decide what they should do next. Many others are still in the middle of it or are just starting out and say the same thing. What's the common denominator among those who are just starting out or in the middle? In all of these cases, perspective is the common denominator. It is our nature as ambitious nurses to always think about the next...