Sometimes It’s Not Your Experience that Lands You the Role!

I am no unique snowflake – I too have very loud inner demons who tell me I am not good enough and that I shouldn’t apply.

Let’s go back to around 2017. This is when I was burnout, misaligned, and HATING my ICU career. To learn how betting on myself was the best decision I ever made.

I moved to the ACT in 2016 and started working in ICU. To be honest, I absolutely hated it. The people were lovely, but the unit just had a terrible culture and having worked across the UK and Australia in numerous ICU’s I could sense it on day one.

Fast forward 8 months, I had gone from FT work to 0.6 – making terrible money all in an attempt to not have to work there.

I was full of self-doubt. I had been MADE to start over again, working through my competencies (seemingly international nursing experience isn’t valuable in this department!!!)

I was hating life and was eating my feelings – literally. I put on KGs galore.

Prior to moving to CBR, I had completed my ALS teachers’ training with the ACCCN in NSW. (Loved this course – definitely check it out!) And a role in CBR came up as the Advanced Life Support Coordinator.

I wanted to apply but very quickly reminded myself that I was under-qualified and not suitable for the role.

My amazing partner thought otherwise. Very promptly and quite forcingly made me sit down and write my application. He was clearly fed up of the whining!

It was a promotion and I had such mind drama in applying for it, but knew that I needed to make it happen – so got to work.

I applied. I interviewed. I loved the team and the organisation and I landed the role. Much to my surprise.

I was free! I was out of the toxic place.

Although I had my ALS teachers certification, I didn’t have it with the Australia Resuscitation Council. Which, was a requirement for the role) and despite this I still got the job.

So, I tell you this, to share my experiences with out of escaping a dreadful department. But additionally, to remind you that most roles are looking for the best fit. Not the most qualified individual. I got the job because of my personality and characteristics. My ability to learn and grow. My passion. Not my quals.

So bet on yourself and give yourself the opportunity. The worst thing that can happen is you don’t get the role. The best thing that can happen is that with each potential outcome you learn something about yourself and you create your way out.

If you are looking for a way out of a role and don’t know where to start – let’s have a chat and take it from there!

PS if you are an aspiring ICU nurse - make sure you check out my podcast episode here with Rachel Longhurst ICU CNE!