5 nursing awards you’ll never win (and what to focus on instead)

1. Most overtime hours worked
-Focus instead on: Knowing when enough is enough. Set limits on how often you pick up extra shifts. Your time off is essential for your recovery (not a reward, but a right).

2. Least number of breaks taken
-Focus instead on: Taking every break you’re entitled to, no apologies. Eat, hydrate, and step away. Not just for your well-being, but because you provide better care when you're not running on fumes.

3. Most shifts worked in a row
-Focus instead on: Planning for rest. Back-to-back shifts might seem noble, but chronic fatigue leads to mistakes and burnout. Rest is part of professionalism, not a sign of weakness.

4. Never putting yourself first
-Focus instead on: Protecting your peace. You can care deeply for your patients and advocate for your own needs. Boundaries aren’t selfish, they’re necessary for longevity in this career.

5. Most abuse taken on the job
-Focus instead on: Calling out unsafe, disrespectful behavior, from anyone. You deserve to feel safe at work. Normalize reporting, not tolerating. Your safety isn’t negotiable.

These aren't badges of honor; they're warning signs.
Nursing shouldn't require self-sacrifice to the point of burnout.

Reach out if this resonated with you.

Non Bedside Job Spotlight

Clinical Solutions Manager

What is a Clinical Solutions Manager?

A clinical solutions manager works at the intersection of clinical care, technology, and operations. These roles are often found in healthcare companies, digital health startups, medical device firms, or EMR vendors.

They help design, implement, and optimize clinical solutions that improve workflows, patient outcomes, and user experience. This can include supporting product rollouts, training clinical teams, translating frontline needs into product improvements, and ensuring solutions are clinically sound.

A typical day might involve collaborating with product teams, leading implementation projects, analyzing clinical workflows, and educating healthcare staff on new systems or tools.

Why Nurses Are a Good Fit

Nurses bring a unique advantage because they understand how care actually happens in real-world settings.

• Bridge clinical and technical teams by translating frontline challenges into practical solutions

• Evaluate workflows and identify inefficiencies or safety concerns

• Communicate clearly with both clinicians and non-clinical stakeholders

• Advocate for patient-centered solutions while balancing operational realities

Many organizations value nurses in these roles because they ensure products and systems are not just functional, but truly usable in practice.

Typical Qualifications

While requirements vary by organization, most employers look for:

• Active RN license or clinical background (often preferred, sometimes required)

• Several years of clinical experience (acute care, case management, or specialty areas)

• Experience with healthcare technology (EMRs, digital health platforms, or clinical systems)

• Strong project management and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work cross-functionally with clinical, technical, and business teams

• Comfort with training, presentations, and stakeholder engagement

Remember, you don’t have to have 100% of the qualifications to get the job!