For almost a decade, my professional life centered around 12-hour shifts, the non-stop beeping of monitors, and programming I.V. pumps. I worked in critical care, where you learn to expect the unexpected, move fast, and make decisions that can change the course of someone’s life in seconds. I was proud of the work I did, and it shaped who I am.
So when I stepped away from the bedside recently and into a corporate healthcare role, I figured I’d take to it quickly. I thought it’d be zero stress compared to what I was used to. However, the truth is, it was much harder than I expected.
I didn’t realize how much of my identity was wrapped up in my clinical work. I missed the pace, the purpose, and the patients. I didn’t know how to measure success when it didn’t come in the form of stabilizing a new trauma admission in hemorrhagic shock, obtaining return of spontaneous circulation after a code, or gaining access on an unstable patient. Suddenly, my days were filled with endless meetings, emails, and long-term projects. I went from constantly moving to sitting still, both physically and mentally.
It definitely took some adjusting, but I’ve finally found a flow that works for me. What I’ve learned is that life outside the hospital can still be meaningful, you just have to figure out what that looks like for you. If you’re thinking about stepping away from the bedside, here’s what helped me go from just getting by to actually enjoying this new chapter of my career.
Pace yourself
In the ICU, everything was urgent; in the corporate world, you set the pace. I had to unlearn the need to always be on the go and instead learn how to think long-term; it’s a marathon, not a sprint. The shift in mindset took time, but it’s helped me show up more fully and feel less burnt out.
Redefine what a win looks like
At the bedside, I became accustomed to seeing the impact of my work immediately. In my current role, the wins come more slowly, but they still exist. Maybe it’s improving a workflow that makes nurses’ lives easier, developing protocols that help patients before they end up in crisis, or growing my network. The victories look different, but they still matter.
Take control of your time
Without shift changes and structured tasks, it’s easy to lose track of the day and feel like you’re always on the clock. At first, I felt busy but wildly unproductive, like I was always working but somehow not getting anything done. Time blocking changed everything and I started planning my day like I planned my shifts: prioritizing, delegating, and giving myself permission to take breaks. It helped me feel in control of my day again.
Protect your space
Working from home has its perks, but it can also blur the line between work and life. I used to take Teams calls from my kitchen table and check emails at night while watching TV without thinking much of it. Now I have a designated office that’s just for work, and when I leave it, I leave work behind. It sounds small, but it’s made a huge difference in my mental health and establishing a separation.
Remember your why
This one came as a surprise. I thought I’d lose my connection to patient care when I left the bedside, but I didn’t. My work still impacts patients, just in a different way. Whether I’m supporting clinical teams, shaping policy, or improving education, I know that what I do still matters.
Leaving the bedside can feel like you’re losing a part of yourself but it’s not an ending, it’s a transition. The skills that made you great clinically—quick thinking, empathy, hard-work, and flexibility—will help you thrive in new spaces.
To those contemplating or navigating this shift, it’s okay if it feels strange at first—growth frequently does. But with the right mindset, this new chapter can be just as impactful as the one that came before it.
Ashley Kaminski DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC is Director of Clinical Practice at Care Central VNA & Hospice in Webster, MA.
