The Muse RN’s post in Change of Shift, hosted at INQRI got my attention today.  It is a post about “squatters”.  Now, being a OB-GYN, squatters had a particular meaning to me.  But it was no surprise,  The Muse’s definition was different than mine.

She  basically had a rant going about nurses who get to a certain position in their career, and then begin to coast.  They also clog up the system, become middle managers who just go to work everyday with no passion for their job.

I would say that the same thing occurs to most of us.  After a while, we get decent at what we do.  It doesn’t require a lot of thought, or challenge.  When we are not excited about what we are doing, it is human nature to just “mail it in” as they say.

So how do we keep from doing that?

• Just knowing that it occurs, and watching for it, will help.
• Always be on the lookout for a new challenge.  Whether that is a job change, promotion, transfer, or a new field completely.
• Go to conferences-I always learn something at a conference-if you can’t go, because of money, then save for it.  In the meantime, connect with others over the net-that share your passion-(no not porn!).
• Become a mentor to others, as the Muse suggests.  Take new grads under your wing.  Show them that not all the folks who have been around awhile are shriveled up, snarky,……….’s
• Get Excited….
• Work on being HAPPY!  Yes, there are always going to be things that could be better.  Richer, healthier, more good looking, more attentive spouse, children that could behave/appreciate you….. I could go on, and on, and on, and on!  But you are alive, you have a brain-or you wouldn’t be reading.  So smile a little, it won’t hurt-much!

So thanks Muse, for a thoughtful post.