I am privileged to meet registered nurses from all over the U.S. when I teach the CLNC® Certification Seminar. I am both intrigued and dismayed when I meet that one RN who has no confidence in herself, especially in contrast to the RNs who already see themselves as successful.
Sometimes I come across a nurse who is incredulous that other RNs are earning $125/hr. as Certified Legal Nurse Consultants. This is hardly a large sum of money. Traditionally, any consultant gets paid in the range $150-$250/hr. and many bill even more – no matter the industry.
What’s happened to the state of nursing that makes RNs believe they’re not worth much? Does it have to do with the fact that many don’t have a voice or feel like commodities? Or does it have to do with the fact that the hospital doesn’t even bill for nursing services, instead just including nurses as part of the room rate? How stupid is that?
Our thoughts drive our beliefs. If you see yourself as powerless, that’s what you will be. We are more likely to succeed when we think in an elevated way. Given the current nursing environment, it’s hard to stay elevated – maybe that’s why I’m seeing more and more nurses leaving RN hospital jobs to become Certified Legal Nurse Consultants.
Anytime you find yourself entertaining doubts or trying to limit what you think is possible, remind yourself of your past successes as an RN. After all, you save lives. Let those successes infuse you with confidence and bolster your resolve. Believing you can do it – whatever “it” is – is 90% of the win.
I’m Just Sayin’
P.S. Comment and share how you elevate your confidence.
