access to information, connects you with people with similar interests and provides a springboard for face-to- face networking.13


• Consider signing up for LinkedIn, a professional net- working site. Be sure that you complete your profile and keep it up to date.2


and available at no charge.


• Let as many people as possible know that you are interested in a particular specialty both online and in person.11,14


The saying “It isn’t what you know, but who


you know” applies here. Many nurses have landed their perfect job through word of mouth.


• Find a mentor who can help you not only with this par- ticular change, but with your professional development during your career.11


Research has shown that mentoring is


“an essential human and professional developmental rela- tionship that empowers” nurses and “contributes to their success, satisfaction and excellence in the profession.”13


• Take a cue from Olympic athletes and visualize your success. Picture yourself working in the job you desire. You may want to collect images that represent your goals and tack them up on a bulletin board or whiteboard to create a visual reminder of your goals.10


For example,


Karen wanted to work in the OR, so she collected photos of the OR and even glued her photo on the cover of “AORN Journal.”


• Write down your goals. There is power in writing what you want. In fact, the act of writing focuses the brain.13 You will find you’re more aware of anything in your environment that might help you achieve goal. Think of writing your goal as sending a message that you are in charge of where you want to go.


• Finally, be flexible. Understand that you might not find a job that is a 100% match but is a stepping stone to getting where you want to go. For instance, a nurse who wants to work in an ED in a large university hospital might need to start in a smaller setting.


Manage the transition Once you start your new specialty, remember to be kind to yourself. You may have become accustomed to being the expert in your area and be humbled by all you need to learn. Keep in mind Patricia Benner’s stages of clinical proficiency, which include novice, ad- vanced beginner, competent practitioner, proficient practitioner and expert.15


You started your nursing career at the advanced beginner


stage and may currently be at the expert stage, where you have an intuitive grasp of each situation based on your knowledge and experience.15


As an expert nurse, you may just “know” a particular


situation is critical without having to consciously think about it. When you switch to another specialty, it’s not realistic for you


to continue to expect yourself to perform at the expert level. You will require more conscious internal processing before making decisions, so you will likely function at the proficient or even competent level. As you gain experience with your new specialty,


The basic profile is easy to complete


you will gain knowledge and expertise, but understand that it won’t happen overnight. You should have a preceptor during your orientation; be sure


to establish a good relationship with that person. Identify other mentors who will provide support. Karen connected with a co- workerwho had 10 years ofOR experience and enjoyed teaching and answering questions. Stay focused on your past successes. For example, a colleague


told this story: She knew a great nurse who moved from med/ surg to the ICU. At first, the nurse was extremely fearful of doing something wrong.Her feelings led to lack of confidence, a “brain drain” that inhibits learning and performance. The colleague took her aside and said, “Look at all you have done in your career. You’re one of the best nurses I know. It gets easier. You KNOW you can do this!” This nurse became the charge nurse within a year. To encourage yourself, use positive self-talk. Use phrases like


“I can” instead of “I can’t.” Include specific skills that you want to accomplish written as “I can” statements. Karen might have used “I can improve my sterile technique.” “I can learn to set up a sterile field in a limited amount of time.” Keep a journal where you list what went well. Most important, ask for feedback from peers, preceptors and


your supervisor. Often we have misconceptions of how we are doing and need factual information. One you feel comfortable in your role, consider obtaining


certification in your specialty. In a survey of certified and non- certified nurses, almost 99% of respondents strongly agreed that certification enhances feeling of personal accomplishment, and 98%strongly agreed that certification validates specialized knowledge.16


This is your time Change can seem overwhelming. Take a page from the principle of Kaizen, which says that small changes can lead to big results.17 “Kaizen” is the Japanese term for the philosophy of taking small steps to achieve improvement. This approach was developed by W. Edwards Deming, who introduced the concept to Japanese businesses in the 1950s. His work helped the businesses reach high levels of success. Take your own small steps toward achieving your goals and


success. It may help to schedule those steps. For instance, put time on your calendar to attend a meeting of a specialty group. Your next stepmight be to determinewhich people youmeet you should approach about an informational interview. Soon youwill be on your way to achieving your goals. Consider that the U.S. is at the cusp of a nursing shortage as


the temporary “bubble” of the expanded registered nurse work- force deflates.18 2025.19


The projected shortfall of RNs is 128,000 by This situation provides an opportunity to explore new


horizons—such as new specialties—and grow professionally. Don’t delay your chance to live your dream. •


Cynthia Saver, MS, RN, is president of CLS Development Inc., in Columbia, Md. Sheila J. Leis, MS, RN-BC, is an assistant professor of post-licensure nursing.


To see the references and take the test go to: CE.Nurse.com/Course/CE678 2016 • Visit us at NURSE.com 37


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