Finding Your Niche; Inside and Outside of Nursing

Written by: Bri, RN

“Niche” is a word that everyone throws around, but what does it really mean? The dictionary says “a comfortable or suitable position in life or employment.” Personally, I think it’s more than that.

I don’t like the thought of being “comfortable” in life or my job. Sure, comfort is a good thing. But for my life, I want to thrive, and get pushed out of my comfort zone every once in a while.

My Dad always taught me that if you love your job, you never have to work a day in your life. Like most of my medical field colleagues, I was raised on Grey’s Anatomy, ER, and Private Practice. Between watching medical shows, hearing my mom’s respiratory therapy stories, and my own experience as a patient, I felt I would thrive in a hospital setting.

I have always thought of myself as a passionate person, no matter what the situation is. When I first started my nursing school journey, I knew I wanted to help and take care of others. I didn’t know where I would be the most fulfilled, until I found the ER. It’s now where I feel home.

Now don’t get me wrong, ER isn’t for everyone—but adrenaline junkies, who thrive off of caffeine and chaos like me? It might be your perfect match. ER is my niche, but it took time for me to figure that out.

Try Everything

If you’re searching for your nursing niche, my best advice would be to try it all out! Whether that is shadowing on different units, or working float pool like I did. Exposing myself to different types of nursing was the easiest way for me to find my home.

The best thing about nursing is the endless amount of job opportunities. You can work in a hospital, outpatient facility, or even from home! If you don’t LOVE your job, that’s okay. Maybe it’s time for a change. You don’t have to be stuck working a job that you dread going to every day.

One of the cons to finding your nursing niche, is making it your whole personality. When I found my love for the ER, I ran with it. And don’t get me wrong, I still love it just as much as I did day one. But now I know it can be mentally and physically draining. That can be the case no matter what area you work in. Although you might’ve found your home, what I don’t want is for someone to make the same mistakes I did.

Finding Yourself Outside of Nursing

I fell so hard for ER nursing that I lost myself. I forgot who I was before I became a nurse, and what passions used to fuel me. I didn’t know what to do on my off days, so I would pick up overtime and work! Not only did this create an unhealthy work life balance, but I started to not even like the ER anymore.

So, I took a step back. I stopped picking up overtime and I remembered what I did before I became a nurse. I dove back into my passions of creating, fitness, and reading.  I found my niche outside of nursing. Creating this healthy work-life balance allowed spaced for my love of the ER come back.

Nurses are some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. They’re loyal, intelligent, resilient, caring, and so much more. Don’t forget who you were before you became one.

🫶🏻Bri

About Bri

Hi! My name is Bri, I’m a 22 year old emergency room travel nurse. I’m currently taking some time off, and soaking up the last of the summer with my fiancé and two pups! I’m a Midwest girly from Michigan, and I love spending my time outdoors, at the lake, reading, and creating videos on social media.

I post content on Tiktok, Instagram, YouTube, and I even have my own podcast called Scrubs Off Duty. I’m currently planning my wedding with my fiancé Brandon, who is also a nurse. I come from a big family. I was raised by the best parents, and have four siblings who made me an Aunt to five wonderful nieces and one nephew. I have an unhealthy relationship with caffeine, and love trying new coffee shops.

You can find me @bribrithenurse

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