Breaking Boundaries: How I Redefined My Career Beyond Nursing
Author: Jenna Sirucek, LPN, C.Mgr.
In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, I often found myself navigating a career path that seemed predetermined—hospital floors, long-term care facilities, or clinical settings. But what if the skills acquired in nursing could lead to opportunities far beyond traditional patient care? That realization came after an unexpected career shift that took me from dermatology to leadership roles in industries I never imagined. Today, I want to share my journey in hopes of inspiring other LPNs to explore the vast professional landscape available to them.
A Passion for Patient Confidence
When I started out in nursing, I was dead set on working at a dermatology clinic. Helping people feel more confident on the outside and, in turn, more comfortable with themselves on the inside—that really excited me. I worked diligently, reaching my goal sooner than expected, and initially felt I had found my lifelong career. But after a few months, the excitement began to wear off.
I realized I had mastered the skills I was using every day, and when I asked for more opportunities, I was repeatedly told I was already working to the full scope of an LPN. The monotony took its toll. One evening, I was sweeping my kitchen floor, and I just started crying. I broke down. I thought I had made a mistake choosing this education path. The thought of going back to work and performing the same repetitive tasks day after day was discouraging. I knew I needed a change.
From Nursing to New Horizons
Determined to find an alternative path, I turned to an unconventional career advisor—Google. I know what you must be thinking—she put her future in Google’s hands? But yes, I did. I searched Google for transferable nursing skills, and to my surprise, there were so many possibilities—project management, operations, human resources, data entry, general supervisor roles, and more.
My first leap outside of healthcare was a coordinator role at an airport. I explained to the hiring manager that nurses excel in maintaining high levels of confidentiality, logistical coordination, documentation, organization, and communication—all essential for a fast-paced and safety-conscious environment like an airport.
From there, my career took off. I transitioned into the construction industry and then back into healthcare—but this time from the management side. I took my experiences and applied them to a cannabis company, which was a step toward returning to healthcare. Then, I was offered a business partner role in the dental field, followed by a leadership position in a private healthcare company located in the remote and northern regions of Canada.
Empowering LPNs to Think Bigger
Today, I am in a healthcare leadership role, helping shape the future of the industry in ways I never imagined. But my mission extends beyond personal success—I want to inspire other LPNs to break free from conventional career expectations.
I always knew my thoughts and ideas were bigger than the box I was put in. My goal is to empower LPNs to recognize the value of their skills beyond traditional roles. I decided to go back to school for business after gaining experience outside of the healthcare field. I went back as a mature student because I saw the value of continuing my education journey.
Nursing skills are highly respected across industries. So many people I work with have degrees and diplomas completely unrelated to their current field. Nurses often assume they can only work in nursing, but that’s not true. We need to think critically, just like we do in patient care, and take a chance. My advice? Just apply. Whatever the job is, if it interests you, go for it. People land roles in various industries with degrees in philosophy or psychology—why shouldn’t nurses do the same?
A Future Without Limits
For LPNs feeling stuck or uncertain about their career trajectory, my story serves as a powerful reminder: the system does not dictate your future—you do. Whether within healthcare or beyond, the skills and experience gained as an LPN can be leveraged in countless ways.
I hope my career serves as an inspiration for both current and future nurses, showing them that their potential extends far beyond traditional roles. The best opportunities come from breaking down barriers and realizing that our education and skills are critical in all demographics within the workforce. I hope my career can be a testament to the heights a nurse’s education can transcend into.
About the author
Jenna is an LPN and is currently serving on the management team of an air ambulance company in Northern Canada. She also sits on the board of a company that is redefining the landscape of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), where she lends her expertise in healthcare operations and workforce strategy. Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Jenna is passionate about expanding career opportunities for nurses and proving that their skills have value far beyond traditional roles. Outside of work, she enjoys Pilates and barre classes and cherishes quality time with family and friends. Whether in healthcare, business, or technology, Jenna is committed to breaking boundaries and inspiring others to do the same.
