Nurse Career & Well-Being Blog

Get nurse career tips, work-life balance advice, and practical tools to help you grow, pivot, and build a fulfilling nursing life - on your terms.

Grad School, Career, Pivot Kelly | RN, BSN, MBA Grad School, Career, Pivot Kelly | RN, BSN, MBA

Best Graduate Degrees for Nurses Who Want to Pivot 

Thinking about grad school but not sure which degree fits your goals? This post breaks down the best graduate degrees for nurses who want to pivot, including options in leadership, education, technology, and beyond. Learn what each program offers, common career paths, and how to decide if going back to school is right for you.

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Self-care, Work-Life Balance, Bedside Nursing, Non-bedside Kelly | RN, BSN, MBA Self-care, Work-Life Balance, Bedside Nursing, Non-bedside Kelly | RN, BSN, MBA

How to Create a Work-Life Balance Plan as a Nurse (Even with a Crazy Schedule)

Creating work-life balance as a nurse can feel impossible with long shifts, rotating schedules, and the emotional weight of patient care. This post breaks down practical steps to assess your schedule, set non-negotiables, protect your energy, and create a sustainable routine that prevents nurse burnout - even if your schedule is unpredictable.

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Grad School, Non-bedside, Non-Traditional, Career Kelly | RN, BSN, MBA Grad School, Non-bedside, Non-Traditional, Career Kelly | RN, BSN, MBA

RN with MBA Salary: Realistic Expectations and Career Paths

Curious about how much an RN with an MBA really makes? Salaries vary depending on role, setting, and location. But an MBA can also open doors far beyond the bedside. From hospital leadership to healthcare tech and consulting, here’s a realistic look at salary expectations and career paths for nurses with an MBA.

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Career, Bedside Nursing Kelly | RN, BSN, MBA Career, Bedside Nursing Kelly | RN, BSN, MBA

Pros and Cons of Bedside Nursing: Is It the Right Fit for You?

Bedside nursing comes with incredible perks (good pay, flexible schedules, and hands-on impact) but it’s also demanding, both physically and emotionally. In this post, I break down the real pros and cons of bedside nursing and share why it was perfect for me in my 20s, why I eventually pivoted, and why I might go back someday.

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Career, Pivot Kelly | RN, BSN, MBA Career, Pivot Kelly | RN, BSN, MBA

The Problem with Dream Jobs (and What I Believe Instead)

I spent years chasing the “dream job” in nursing. The one that would make everything fall into place. Instead, that mindset left me feeling stuck, disappointed, and like I was failing as a nurse. Here’s why I let go of the dream job idea and how it’s helped me build a career that actually supports my life.

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Beside Nursing, Well-Being, Night Shift, Work-Life Balance Kelly | RN, BSN, MBA Beside Nursing, Well-Being, Night Shift, Work-Life Balance Kelly | RN, BSN, MBA

Night Shift Nursing: How to Protect Your Sleep, Health, and Well-Being

Working night shift as a nurse doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health or sanity. From protecting your sleep to eating well, staying hydrated, and managing stress, this guide offers 7 evidence-backed tips to help you stay well while working nights.

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