Sinking, Floating, and Finding My Way—Life After Nursing School

Where Have I Been?—The Reality Check After Graduation

Finishing school is supposed to be an exciting milestone, right? You step into the world full of dreams and expectations, ready to take on the next big thing.

For me, that meant diving headfirst into the job market—sending out applications, refreshing my inbox with anticipation, and, more often than not, receiving regret emails.

Job Hunting: A Masterclass in Patience

It’s been about two months now, but I choose to remain hopeful. As a foreign nurse in a country where I’m not a native speaker, I knew the odds were stacked against me. But I also know that my skills, dedication, and passion for nursing make me valuable. The right opportunity will come—I just have to keep pushing forward.

In the meantime, I’ve been intentional about how I use my time. Rather than letting frustration take over, I decided to focus on growth and self-improvement.

Learning to Swim—And the Art of Letting Go

One of the best gifts I received over the holidays was a package for swimming lessons. At first, I thought, Really? Swimming lessons? I would have preferred a more tangible gift. But looking back now, I realize it was the most thoughtful gesture.

When I first started the lessons, I was stiff, nervous, and convinced that if I let go, I would sink. I struggled to trust the water, to relax, and to breathe. My body was so tense, my movements were frantic, and every session felt like a battle between fear and control. I dreaded those evenings.

But week after week, something shifted. The more I showed up, the more I realized that swimming isn’t about fighting the water—on the contrary, it’s about learning to move with it. The more I let go, the more I floated. The more I relaxed, the smoother my strokes became.

I can’t believe I’m even saying this now, but I actually look forward to the lessons. There’s something freeing about surrendering to the water, learning its rhythm, and trusting that you won’t sink. Just like surrendering to life and trusting that you will be held and supported.

Embracing the Ugly, Messy, Beginner Phase

Isn’t that how learning anything new works? Whether it’s swimming, job hunting, or stepping into an unfamiliar role, the beginning is always messy and uncomfortable. It’s scary. It feels like you’re failing.

But if you keep showing up, you adapt. Your body learns. Your confidence grows.

I’ve realized that discomfort is a sign of growth—and instead of resisting it, I want to embrace it.

Rekindling The Nursing Collective

During this period of waiting and uncertainty, I’ve also been reflecting on The Nursing Collective—this space we’re creating together.

What do I want it to be? How can it be more valuable to those navigating nursing, career shifts, or even life after school?

To those of you who have followed along, read our blogs, and interacted with our content—thank you. Your support, feedback, and engagement mean the world to me.

As we move forward, I want this platform to be a space where we can have real conversations about nursing, career growth, personal development, and even the struggles no one prepares you for after graduation.

If there’s a specific topic you’d love to see covered—job search strategies, career alternatives, personal development—let me know. This community is for you, and your input shapes it.

Shifting My Mindset—From Waiting to Creating

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned during this time is how powerful perspective is. It would be easy to sit in disappointment, comparing myself to others who seem to have it all figured out.

But instead, I had this realisation:

Why not use this time to build the life I truly want? A life where creativity is nurtured, innovation is embraced, and I’m not just waiting for opportunities—I’m creating them.

The reality is that the world is shifting. Those who take the leap to start something new, think outside the box, and invest in their passions are the ones who will thrive.

Nursing doesn’t have to look one way. Careers don’t have to be linear. And success isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about crafting a life that aligns with your values and aspirations.

Moving Forward: Let’s Build Together

A hard but necessary lesson I’ve learned? Time management.

It’s easy to let time slip away, waiting for the next big thing. But where you focus your energy is where your life grows. I want to spend my time doing things that nourish my soul, challenge my thinking, and fuel my creativity.

So, as we step into this new chapter of The Nursing Collective, I invite you to think about this:

What’s something you’ve been meaning to start? A skill you’ve been putting off? A project, a goal, or even a small habit?

If learning to swim has taught me anything, it’s this: The fear in the beginning is temporary. But the confidence you build lasts forever.

Let’s start now. Let’s build, create, and grow together. I’d love to hear what skill, project, or goal you’re stepping into—let’s inspire each other! 💬✨