I define your WHY as the (Worthwhile Heartfelt Yesssss) that makes you do what you do with a clear sense of purpose. Not having a why can have you feeling stuck and on the hamster wheel of nursing. Going round and round but feeling like you aren’t going anywhere. You aren’t alone Queen; I have been there as well.

            When I first became a nurse, my Why was to take care of my beautiful daughter and secure a guaranteed job after college. Yes, I have always had the desire to care for others. Wellness was my passion; however, the reality of my situation was I was a single mom and needed a guaranteed career.

            As a new grad, my financial health improved drastically. I was able to care for my daughter and was making a great income. I was working on a med-surg floor and 3 years later felt disconnected from my career. I was experiencing Nurse Burnout. I needed a change.

            As I started on my healing journey. I realized that my “Why” for being a nurse no longer server my “Why” now. I was making decent money and my daughter was well. There had to be more to being a Nurse. What was my goal and dream today? What did I have to look forward to accomplishing with my career?

            I quickly realized, I needed to write a new ‘Why.” My Why needed to be redefined to make sure it matched my current state and gave me something to look forward to. Doing this, I went from stuck to satisfied in my new journey of discovering my purpose of elevation and securing my new role as Nurse Leader. I wanted to care for the caregivers. I also was exploring going back to school to further my education. Leadership was my appropriate choice to compliment my ‘Why.”

            Now my question to you is, what is your why? What makes you do what you do as a Nurse beyond the financial benefit? What is your Worthwhile Heartfelt Yessssssss that keeps you motivated and inspired to give your absolute best to your current profession each and every day? Do you have one?

If not, it is vital to create a Why that makes your career worthwhile. I offer you this advice to help you overcome burnout, become unstuck and gain clarity. I recommend focusing on what I call the 5 E’s for my Why.

Education

Elevation

Experience

Entrepreneurship

Exit

To keep your nursing career refreshing, always know the “Why” behind your current position. You are there to either gain education, elevate with a promotion, obtain an experience, explore entrepreneurship, or exit the profession. You can overcome burnout by creating a Why to keep you focused on your passion as a Nurse. Comment your “Why” below.