Hello Reader,

I had the most lovely conversation with Sarah Fung this week – an RN with 18 years of experience who's now helping healthcare professionals navigate career transitions. If you've ever felt that tug-of-war between loving patient care but craving something different, this one's for you.

The Identity Shift That Changes Everything

Sarah shared a pearl that applies to everyone: "You are a leader whether you feel that way or not." Every time you walk into a patient's room, families look to you for guidance. You're already leading – you just need to own it.

But here's what most of us get wrong when we're ready for a change: we think in terms of what we don't want instead of what we do want. Sarah suggests flipping this. Start with your deal-breakers (no more shift work, no driving more than 30 minutes), then work backwards.

The Application Game-Changer

Stop shotgunning your resume to every posting. I learned that applying to 20 different roles at one company actually raises red flags with recruiters. They're left wondering: "What do you actually want?"

Instead, get laser-focused on 2-3 specific job titles. This isn't limiting yourself – it's being strategic.

Your Hidden Leadership Story

Here's something that hit home: you don't need a management title to be a leader. Were you part of that quality improvement initiative that reduced falls by 40%? You were instrumental in that success. Did you help your unit achieve Magnet status? You contributed to that achievement.

Sarah recommends asking your colleagues: "How do you describe me as a provider?" Sometimes we need others to reflect back the strengths we can't see in ourselves.

The Numbers Game

This was brilliant – start quantifying your impact. How many patients do you manage per shift? How many vaccines did you administer during that COVID clinic? Numbers give context and show your ability to work under pressure while maintaining quality care.

Beyond the Bedside (While Still Helping People)

If you love patient interaction but want change, remember there are countless ways to serve people in different contexts. Sarah now treats her coaching clients as her patients – investing the same energy and care into their success.

Your Next Move

Ready to explore? Sarah suggests:

• Shadow someone in your target role (yes, just call and ask!)
• Join committees to build non-clinical experience
• Use your organization's education benefits while you still can
• Consider hand-delivering your resume after applying online (seriously!)

The skills you've developed – conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, adaptability, time management – these translate beautifully into leadership roles, consulting, tech, and beyond.

You're not "just" anything. You're a healthcare professional with a unique combination of technical expertise, emotional intelligence, and proven ability to perform under pressure. That's rare. That's valuable.

Keep thriving,

P.S. If this resonated, Sarah shares more insights on her LinkedIn (Sarah Fung - no 'h') and through her bi-weekly newsletter at sarafung.com. She's also diving into financial literacy for healthcare workers – because sometimes those "golden handcuffs" are more about money management than actual salary.

🎧 Listen to the podcast sneak peek episode below and listen to the full episode on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Podbean, or Amazon Music.

What's inspiring us this week:

The Labor Day long weekend to enjoy the last summery days of warm weather, travel, BBQs, friends and family.

The Practice: Celebrating Wins

We get more of what we focus on. The practice of gratitude and celebrating the goodness of life is the first step in changing our brains, mindsets, and circumstances for the better.

Our first medTHRIVE Book Rounds book club with The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins had a wonderful, engaging small group conversation! So glad for everyone who showed up! We are planning our next book club for October! Feel free to reply to this email to offer your suggestion.

Stay mindful and keep leading,
Lillian
Founder & CEO

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Plan for your future!

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