“But I don’t have enough experience to apply” – Stories from Coaching!

There's a common theme that seems to be very prevalent within the nursing profession. It's this idea that we don’t have enough experience to go for the roles we really want.

We have been conditioned to believe that we need 10+ years before we can apply for senior promotions.

I hear different stories from nurses. Burnout, misaligned and nurses ready to leave the profession are some of them. There are somewhere seniors-- or even worse their managers-- have told them “You’re not ready” or “You need to bide your time”

EEEEEK. I Can’t…

It actually infuriates me and I’m sure you can on some level relate to this story.

Let me share a quick personal story. I was told very similar BS by a NUM when I was planning to leave ICU and go and teach ALS.

She came into my side room where I cared for a critically unwell patient to meet me for the first time. (YES the first time – I had been there over 8 months- crazy). She told me how she knew that I would be back in no time.

She said, “this role is not suitable for you, you won’t enjoy it. You should stay here and work your way up”.

“Are you even ALS qualified to teach this” … GOBSMACKED- she got issues.

First, who was she? I wasn’t sure – interesting onboarding timeline!

Second, her attempt at belittling my success was not effective. It was bordering on bullying and harassment.

Naturally, because I am human, I went home and had the self-doubt gremlins creeping in. I was having major mind drama about whether or not I was “jumping the queue” or moving too quickly.

So much so that I nearly pulled out of the best thing that ever happened to me.

I worked through it and got a stern talking to from my partner, who reminded me of my purpose and why I needed to make this happen.

So, with that in mind, I want to make sure something as your virtual career coach. And that is you are not holding yourself back nor are you letting anyone else stop you from pursuing your goals.

Seriously, what’s stopping you – get to work! It’s the only way – no one is coming to tap you on the shoulder.

Take that next step- experience is overrated and an excuse for most to not get to the action.