Why work life balance matters to me

My son woke up sick the other day.

In my past life, this would have been a disaster.

I once had a boss who denied me a day off when my kid was sick.

Because I’d already taken off the day before that (literally got in a car accident).

I feel so thankful that today isn’t going to be “ruined” because I’m choosing to take care of him.

I was even able to make him a bowl of homemade chicken soup!

Let’s prioritize jobs where caring for your family isn’t seen as a disruption.

But as a priority worth protecting.

NON-BEDSIDE JOB SPOTLIGHT

Ambulatory Clinic Nursing

Working in an outpatient ambulatory clinic was my first non-bedside nursing job. I had been a staff nurse for 2 years on a mother baby unit and I applied to a part-time clinic job as an internal applicant.

It was a clinic focused on women’s health: early pregnancy losses, medical terminations, gynecology oncology, menopause and colposcopy clinics.

The clinic was pretty much nurse-run, we singlehandedly managed the early pregnancy clinic, providing emotional support and resources to women who experienced miscarriage prior to 12 weeks gestation so they didn’t have to sit in the ER.

I learned so much about women’s health, particularly in older women (do those Kegels and don’t hold your bladder, your future menopausal self will thank you.)

Here’s what I think helped me get the job:

• Being an internal applicant

• Focusing on transferable skills

• Being extra prepared for the interview (I had researched the heck out of the clinic)

• Showing eagerness (I had joined many committees at work and attended many conferences related to women’s health)

• I was flexible since it didn’t really matter to me which 3 days I worked, meaning they could adjust my schedule to support the needs of the clinic