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Nurses Week, celebrated each May and ending on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, is a time to recognize the impact nurses make every day.
At Vivian Health, we’re marking the moment by amplifying real nurse stories—highlighting how nurses are growing, pivoting, and building careers that truly fit their lives.
This is Brianna, an RN from Philadelphia who recently made the transition from neuro step-down to aesthetic nursing.
Her journey wasn’t a sudden leap, but a steady shift toward something that felt more aligned.
Here’s her story.
What was it like working step down, and when did you first start to realize it might not be the right fit for you?
I always knew aesthetics was my long-term goal.
I learned so much working bedside, and I’m really grateful for that experience, but I always felt drawn to aesthetics. Being able to blend my clinical skills with my passion for helping patients feel confident and beautiful in their own skin just felt like the right fit for me. It’s the perfect balance of science, artistry, and patient connection—and I knew that was the direction I wanted to grow in.
Was there a moment where it really clicked, “this isn’t where I’m supposed to be”? What did that feel like? And what did figuring things out actually look like for you?
I don’t think it was one dramatic moment… it was always kind of just a feeling.I remember going into shifts and just feeling like something was missing. Like I was doing everything right, but it didn’t fully align with who I wanted to become in my nursing career.
Figuring it out wasn’t quick or linear at all. It looked like a lot of second guessing, shadowing other injectors, asking questions, and honestly just wondering if I was making the right move.
I started putting myself out there, creating content, learning whenever I could, and slowly stepping into it… even before I felt “ready.”
What drew you to aesthetic nursing vs other specialties?
I love that aesthetics still involves patient care, but in a completely different way.
You’re helping people feel confident, and it’s a more positive, goal-oriented environment. I also loved that there’s an artistic side to it—there’s so much skill, detail, and continuous learning involved. And honestly, I knew I wanted something where I could grow beyond just clocking in and out… aesthetics gives you that freedom!
Where do tools like Vivian fit into a person’s transition into a new specialty?
Tools like Vivian make the transition feel way less overwhelming.
When you’re trying to figure out your next step, having access to different opportunities, roles, and paths all in one place helps you actually see what’s possible for you.
It takes you out of that “I feel stuck” mindset and shows you there are options—you just have to explore them.
What does your work feel like now compared to how it felt before?
It feels more aligned. I’m still in the transition period, working per diem at the hospital while also being at the med spa.
But even with the long days and switching between night shifts and day shifts, it feels different in a good way. Before, I felt like I was just going through the motions sometimes. Now, I feel like I’m actually building something better for myself.
I’m learning new skills, growing every day, and working toward a version of my career that actually fits me!
Looking back, what did that period of not feeling aligned teach you?
It taught me to trust that feeling instead of ignoring it and don’t give up!
Just because something is stable or “what you’re supposed to do” doesn’t mean it’s where you’re meant to stay forever.
It also taught me that growth is uncomfortable… and you’re not always going to feel confident when you’re stepping into something new.
What would you say to a nurse who feels stuck in the wrong specialty right now?
You’re never stuck—you just haven’t made your next move yet.
You don’t have to have everything figured out, but you do have to start exploring. Ask questions, look into other specialties, put yourself in new environments, and be open to learning again!
And don’t wait until you feel 100% ready… because you probably never will.
Just take the first step and figure the rest out as you go!
Brianna’s story is just one of many showing how nurses are finding paths that feel more aligned with the life they want.
This Nurses Week, we’re highlighting real nurse stories across specialties and paths, alongside exclusive content, resources, and appreciation offers built for nurses. Explore Allie’s story HERE and Anna’s journey HERE.
Don’t forget to check out our Nurses Week discounts, freebies, and exclusives → HERE
