“What’s it like working as a corporate nurse?”

 I feel like I answer this question daily. Most days, I attend video conference calls and communicate via email regarding business outcomes. Last week, however, I attended a week of meetings and sessions that were mandated for my team to meet upcoming objectives.

When meetings like this are scheduled, my anxiety kicks in. Due to the relaxed airline mandates, I honestly didn’t want to go.  In addition, the thought of having to “play the game” while intensely networking for the week was a lot to digest. I was scheduled to meet a lot of my company’s executives for the first time. Since one of my career goals is to curate a position that I know is needed within this company, I knew I had to make a great first impression. For some reason, for this trip, I had a hard time getting into the right mindset. I scrutinized every piece of clothing, jewelry, hairstyle and nail design because I wanted to look perfect! Don’t get me wrong, I love corporate nursing and I always show up authentically, but, just as I tell my clients when I’m coaching them, there are certain things we all need to do to present our best selves to gain the respect that others may get without any effort. I’m aware of the challenges that black folks face regardless of industry. 

My days started at 5:30 a.m. and ended around 10 p.m. I spent the first day making introductions and meeting colleagues. Day two is when the meetings began and when things got real. Corporate nursing is vastly different than bedside nursing. There’s a much greater emphasis on interaction facilitation than work facilitation. This includes listening to what is and what isn’t said in discussions, discerning what’s happening beneath the surface and “testing the spirit” of folks to determine who to stay away from. I’m proud that I spoke truth on issues concerning our business, and where and how it needs to shift during many of the meetings I attended. This was important because I didn’t know how people would respond to me speaking so boldly. I took further action by introducing myself to c-suite executives during breaks and discussing the plans that I have for my division, which would improve organizational goals. By the end of the week, it all came full circle. 

Working remotely is great, but it increases the likelihood that some coworkers will put on a facade. These in-person events allow you to see who people really are, which is a double-edged sword depending on their motives. On a positive note, I managed to strengthen bonds with a few colleagues and secured sponsorship from one executive. Although I have an external mentor and invest in professional development, the time has come for me to put myself “out there” more within my organization and I need an advocate who’ll speak my name in rooms that I’m not in. These are the rooms where decisions regarding the future direction, positions and divisions for organizations are made, and rooms where people are tapped for succession plans. This is serious business and where jealousy and envy is often showcased among colleagues. The higher I ascend on the corporate ladder, the more I’m able to open doors for those who’re coming after me.

As I sat in the airport waiting for my return flight, I was inundated with texts from people telling me I left a great impression on the executives I spoke to, who stated that I’ll go far within the company. My director messaged me saying she knows I’ll leave a legacy at the company. One message, however, gave me pause. Someone who I already felt the need to keep my eye on, suddenly wanted to connect with me after hearing other people speaking highly of me. (Note what I’ve said about facades, motives and interaction facilitation). I see right through this individual and know that I’ll need to proceed with caution. 

Prior to leaving for this trip, I prayed for a successful workweek, and for God to show me if this company is where I’m supposed to remain. I won’t lie and act like I wasn’t scared to speak and act with some of the boldness that I displayed. These are moments where I remind myself that God has it all under control! In the end, I’m glad I attended and decided to put my best self forward. There were so many gems, and it wasn’t until I was mid-flight that the lightbulb went off for me. I always tell my clients that these jobs are great, but people are going to be people. 

Learning to read people and situations will take you further in your nursing career. Unfortunately, this isn’t something that’s taught in nursing school. While I wasn’t formally taught how to navigate the corporate infrastructure, the various personalities that I worked with at hospitals prepared me to manage the situations that I encounter now, and I’m able to navigate these situations with my integrity and morals intact.

Let’s keep the discussion going. Leave a comment if you have any questions about the corporate nursing landscape and/or how your direct patient care experience can translate into this rewarding pathway.