September has always been the month I have made career changes. It is because this is the time of year when school starts, and we all begin with a clean slate. Over the holiday weekend, I had time to reflect on my career.
I have had a great career, with some great experiences that enabled me to grow and see things from many points of view. If I had it to do over again, I would have gotten my bachelor’s in nursing, followed by a master’s in nursing. I might have been a nurse practitioner specializing in family medicine for those in need. I would have liked to work in an inner-city clinic to help underserved populations manage their health and healthcare needs. Another area I want to pursue is public policy to help develop fair policies on the local, state, or federal level to allow all access to safe, quality, affordable healthcare.
At 70, I am moving into retirement. Retirement means doing what I want when I want to do it, being on my own schedule, and picking the things that I want to do.
Today, I mentor and advise several people who are entering the fields of patient/health advocacy and case management. I do this in various ways, through my writing, public speaking, social media activity, and professional associations.
I teach two online classes at Cleveland State University for those who want to learn more about the area of patient advocacy. I have developed two certification review courses for the Case Management Institute for professionals preparing for the CCM certification exam and nurses specialized for the American Nurses Credentialing Center Nursing Case Management Exam. I also developed an on-demand course for professionals sitting for the Patient Advocate Certification Exam. These programs allowed me to share information that helps professionals understand how theory is implemented into actual practice and how critical thinking through exam questions can help pass a certification examination.
I still have a few cases, allowing me to keep my hand in practice. This helps me stay grounded and realize everyone needs an advocate when entering the complex healthcare system.
I have a few ideas for the to-do list I will work on over the next few months. I will keep you posted as they develop.
Looking back occasionally helps us see how we can move forward. What have you learned from your career? Please leave a comment in the comment section so we can learn from each other.
Thanks for reading, and have a good week!
I too wish I had continued my education, but I also value all the doors that opened to me, as a diploma nurse! Staying curious and open to try new things, helped me to grow.
I continue to seek out new experiences, and to also pay it forward. You are my biggest role model!
Something tells me that even in retirement you’ll still be busy sharing your gifts with the world in a meaningful way … it’s just part of who you are. But it sure is a nice thought about doing it all whenever (and however) you want !!
It’s taken me three attempts at trying to retire to almost get it right, The best skill you can learn is how to say “NO.” It is so easy to get sucked back in otherwise. Enjoy your retirement, Anne
You are SO Right, Jane! I am going to take your advice!
Dear Anne,
I had a chuckle when I read your “retirement” plans…once a nurse always a nurse! You have certainly packed your retirement with enough work to keep 2 people busy!
In looking back, I do would have done things differently if I could have concerning education. It took my 5 years working part time to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in my 50’s once my children were in College. That was while working full time as a Public Health Nurse. I would have pursued teaching if I had had a better start on my education, but no use crying over it now.
In retirement, doing Volunteer work in our local museum while caring for my ill husband has been a joy-something completely out of the health field to help with my own sanity.
I wish you good luck no matter which track you take and I know for sure you will do it with quality.
Anne, Congratulations on your decision to retire, although I have no doubt you will continue encouraging and enhancing Case Management and Patient Advocacy.
I am in agreement of your thought about pursuing advancement with various degrees. I thought the same for many years. I would have gone the route of Nurse Anesthiologist, but who knew back then? NOT I!
It is great to look back and see how our activities have encouraged other nurses in our fields and seeing them advance. We mentored, sometmes not even realizing it.
Best wishes and GOOD HEALTH.
Anne, I had the same goal, to want to be a NP , but when Marilyn van Houten introduced me into Casemanagement I never looked back. I admire you for staying active . I closed my last case at age 75. I had a stint in public health, my true LOVE, but the bureaucracy killed me. Wonder if it’s still like that today. I’m convinced that healthcare can be fixed. The Netherlands, where I grew up, received American Marshall help after WW II and build a true public health system. We are forever grateful for that, but sad that the America people, because of game playing by selfish politicians and greedy corporations, cannot not have a kind and modern healthcare system for all.
It seems to me that nurses are the only professionals who still give a care for the welfare of all people and I’m hoping for good government to make that a reality.
Anne, you are a person I have admired and respected throughout the last 25+ years. The contributions you have made to nursing are notable and influential to both nursing colleagues and patients in navigating the system of healthcare. You have made a difference throughout your nursing career to be proud of!
As you move to your next chapter, I wish you the best forever, and hope stay connected!
Thanks to you all who commented. Your words mean so much as I admire each of you! Thank YOU!