How do I combine my interests in natural health, nutrition, cooking, exercise, and wellness into a fulfilling nursing career?

Question:

Dear Donna,

How do I combine my interests in natural health, nutrition, cooking, exercise, and wellness into a fulfilling nursing career? I currently work as a visiting RN in the geriatric sector, where there is a lot of opportunity for teaching; however, teaching topics are driven by MD orders and usually pertain to surgical and procedural interventions and traditional polypharmacy.

Holly

Dear Donna replies:

Dear Holly,

Consider studying holistic nursing practice and becoming an independent consultant/practitioner working within your scope of practice. You can become a nursing health and wellness coach and help others obtain and maintain a healthy lifestyle, minimize or manage stress, and heal themselves. Learn more at http://www.ahna.org.

With your geriatric home care experience, you should also look into becoming a professional geriatric care manager. Find out more at http://www.caremanager.org.

You should seriously consider attending my Career Alternatives for Nurses^® and How to Start Your Own Business or Consulting Practice seminars in Atlantic City, N.J., on February 23 and 24. Find out more at http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.

Best wishes,
Donna

Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, well-known career guru, is Nursing Spectrum/NurseWeek’s “Dear Donna” and author of Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional and The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses: Practical Advice for Thriving at Every Stage of Your Career. Information about the books is available at www.nurse.com/CE/7010 and www.nurse.com/CE/7250, respectively. To ask Donna your question, go to www.nurse.com/asktheexperts/deardonna. Find a “Dear Donna” seminar near you: Call (800) 866-0919 or visit http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.