Feeling Stuck, Growing Anyway: My Life Right Now as a Nurse & NP Student

If I’m being honest… this is one of the most confusing, overwhelming, and transformative seasons of my life.

I’ve been a nurse for five years now, and I feel like I’m standing at a crossroads. I’m at that point where I know I want something different—but I’m still figuring out exactly what that looks like.

Right now, I’m balancing a lot.

I need to retake my NP boards after not passing the first time.

I’m currently pregnant, stepping into a whole new chapter of life.

I’m working in an environment where, truthfully, the management is poor and the toxicity is overwhelming.

And at the same time, I’m building Nursaholic, something that truly brings me purpose and joy.

It’s a lot.

And if you’re a nurse reading this who feels stuck… I want you to know, I get it.

When You Feel Stuck in Nursing

One of the most beautiful—and also most overwhelming—things about nursing is that there are so many career paths.

Bedside. Outpatient. Leadership. Education. Advanced practice. Business. Entrepreneurship.

The opportunities are endless… but sometimes that’s exactly what makes it so hard.

Because when you have so many options, you start asking yourself:

“Where do I even go from here?”

And when you’re already drained, burned out, or in a toxic environment, it can feel easier to just stay where you are—even if you’re unhappy.

I’ve been there.

Choosing Growth Even When It’s Hard

What I’ve learned in this season is that being stuck doesn’t mean you’re lost—it means you’re ready for growth.

And growth is uncomfortable.

It took me a long time to find the motivation to start studying again after failing my NP boards. I doubted myself. I avoided it. I told myself I would start “later.”

But something shifted.

I realized that if I wanted a different life, I had to start making different decisions.

Now, I’m studying again—with intention, with purpose, and with a clear vision of what I want for my future.

You Are Allowed to Want More

If you’re in a job that drains you…

If you’re in an environment that doesn’t support you…

If you wake up feeling unfulfilled…

You are allowed to want more.

And more importantly—you are allowed to go after it.

That might look like:

Leaving a toxic job

Switching specialties

Going back to school

Starting a business

Or completely redefining your career path

There is no one “right” way to be a nurse.

Finding the Motivation

I won’t lie—finding the motivation to change your situation is not easy.

It takes time.

It takes courage.

And sometimes, it takes hitting a breaking point.

But once you decide that you want better for yourself, everything starts to shift.

Even if it’s just one small step at a time.

This Is Just the Beginning

This season of my life may feel chaotic, uncertain, and overwhelming—but I know it’s also preparing me for something greater.

I’m excited.

Excited to grow.

Excited to pass my boards.

Excited to step into motherhood.

Excited to continue building Nursaholic and helping other nurses feel seen.

And most of all, I’m excited to share this journey with you.

Because if you’re feeling stuck right now… just know:

This is not where your story ends.

— Alexis 🤍