Part of the reason I became a nurse was because of the opportunity to teach.
Many years ago, I was given an opportunity to go back to school. I was faced with the decision of what career path to take. After talking with many teachers and nurses, I realized that if I chose teaching, that’s what it would be, but if I chose nursing, it could be anything from research, patient care, and even teaching!
Throughout my nursing career, my goals and direction were always clear to me. In my early nursing days, I took workshops in mentorship and volunteered to orientate and preceptor students and new staff. I felt pride in guiding the next generation of nurses towards a safe and fulfilling career. My health authority supported these efforts with available mentorship programs and my employer must have felt I was proficient at the mentorship process as they entrusted me with the role.
In 2012, an opportunity came up to clinically teach in the emergency nursing program. I enjoyed this level of teaching and stayed with the program for 2 years. I had so many amazing ED nurses in my clinical groups and felt so proud to be a catalyst in those nurse’s careers. But alas things change, and off to the USA we went.
Shortly after starting my travel nursing career, I embarked on the difficult task of balancing life and the MN (master’s in nursing) program at UVIC. I won’t delve into this topic here as I have previously written about this topic but be sure to check out my previous posts!
We stayed long enough in the USA that not only did I start the MN program, but I also graduated!! So naturally, I wanted to use my new skills and move towards the career I had chosen for myself so many years ago.
I applied for any and all teaching/instructing opportunities both within the hospital system that I was working and at local colleges. As a travel nurse working on a TN visa, I’d need more than luck just to get my resume looked at!
I was able to secure a couple of phone conversations and a few interviews; however, each time the TN status became an issue. The outcome was always the same with a local person getting the job. I couldn’t help feeling that my credentials were valued but just not enough to trump someone local. Although I lack evidence, I am aware that at least one job I applied for that was rewarded to someone without an advanced degree, whatever the factors were, I can only know that I was completely qualified for the position.
After multiple denied applications, it became increasingly clear that I would not be teaching in the USA and the only way to further my career would be to return to Canada. Now, how could we make that happen?
What career decisions have you made that took a lot of effort to accomplish? I’d love to read your story in the comments!
Trudi MN, RN
The Nomad Nightingale 