Virginia Nurses Association (VNA) Conference Abstracts Due!

My mission, if I so choose to take: Submit an abstract. DONE.

If chosen, here’s my topic area:

Healthcare professionals often navigate overwhelming workloads and demanding environments without a clear sense of where they truly want to be, often leading to burnout and an imbalanced life. This presentation explores the journey of a nurse practitioner who, despite a passion for patient care, found primary care misaligned with her long-term goals. Through transitions in cardiothoracic units, urgent care, holistic primary care, and ultimately the ICU, she gained valuable insights but at the cost of physical and mental exhaustion. Recognizing the need for change, she returned to bedside ICU nursing to regain balance while preparing for her long-held aspiration—becoming a Nurse Anesthetist. This session will discuss recognizing when career shifts are necessary, overcoming obstacles, and strategically planning for long-term fulfillment. Whether considering a transition or seeking sustainable success in healthcare, attendees will gain practical guidance on making intentional career changes to achieve a healthier, more rewarding future.