When I first became a nurse, I imagined a career full of purpose, compassion, and joy. But seven months into working as a Med-Surg/Telemetry nurse with adult patients, I felt something I didn’t expect: doubt.
I started second-guessing everything. Was this the right career for me? Did I really study this hard to feel so drained? The fire I once had for nursing was fading, and deep down, I knew it wasn’t just burnout—it was misalignment.
The truth was, I knew where I belonged: pediatrics.
Even before nursing school, I had always felt drawn to children. Their resilience, innocence, and trust in the people caring for them inspired me. So after six months of adult experience, I started applying to pediatric roles. I told myself, If I’m going to give this profession a fair chance, I need to be where my heart is.
About a month later, I finally got a call for a pediatric position. But when I heard the details—weekends only, night shift—my heart sank. It was the complete opposite of what I wanted. I was discouraged, ready to say no. But thankfully, my husband reminded me of something bigger: “If God wants you there, He’ll open the door.”
So I went to the interview.
To my surprise, it felt right. The manager asked how I felt about the position, and nervously, I shared that I was really hoping for a day shift and full-time schedule. She looked at me, smiled, and said, “We can change that for you.”
That was my moment. God opened the door, and a few days later, I received my offer letter—a full-time day shift position as a pediatric general surgery nurse.
That job changed everything for me.
When I started working with kids, it felt like second nature. All the knowledge and experience I had gained from caring for adults made pediatrics feel smooth and intuitive. I fell in love with it immediately. I was finally in the right place.
I loved the unit I worked on—we cared for a variety of surgical patients: orthopedics, general surgery, urology, trauma, and colorectal. Every day brought something new, and every patient taught me something special. But it wasn’t just the kids who made it great—it was also the team around me. My coworkers quickly became like family. We supported each other, laughed together, and made even the hardest shifts feel worth it.
Pediatrics gave me back my passion. It reminded me why I chose this path in the first place. I finally felt like me again—confident, fulfilled, and excited to show up to work.
To any nurse who feels lost or unsure, I want you to know: it’s okay to pivot. It’s okay to say, “This isn’t for me,” and go after what truly aligns with your heart.
Because once you find your place, everything changes.