Do you ever feel that you just can't get on with what you want or need to do during a typical workday? Do you find yourself speaking impatiently to patients, colleagues, and family? Are your thoughts populated with a lot of can'ts, won'ts, and don'ts?

Everything you've done spells success. You have a nursing job that pays well and you have a loving, supportive family. Yet somehow, you're just not happy.

Sounds like you're in a rut. If your professional battery has run down, read on to learn five rut-busting strategies you can use to reenergize your nursing career.

1. Give your attitude an adjustment. Attitude is a matter of choice. Sometimes all you need to renew your energy is to change your outlook. What type of mindset do you have at work? Do most of your conversations with colleagues involve talking about other people or complaining about problems at work? Remember this adage: Small minds talk about people, mediocre minds talk about events, great minds talk about ideas.

Before you step through the door of your workplace tomorrow, stop and check your attitude. Are you thinking any "don't" thoughts? If so, stop. Change your "don't" thinking to "do" thinking, and provide a reason why. For example, instead of thinking, "I don't want to be here today," think, "I do want to be here today because I want to make a difference in my patients' lives," or "I do want to be here today because I need this experience to get to the next level of my career."

Repeat these thoughts to yourself at least three times during the day. Through repetition, you'll create a permanent change in your attitude. But don't expect a 1-day miracle. The three ingredients needed for a new attitude to take root are practice, practice, and practice.

2. Set goals. The key to a fulfilling work life is to have a goal and focus on working toward it. Your goal needn't be lofty, but it should be realistic and attainable. Start with something simple. Have at least one clear goal that you focus on accomplishing each day. If you've been impatient, negative, and complaining at work, set a goal to cultivate patience, self-discipline, and kindness.

3. Take the lead to inspire teamwork. On any given shift, how often do your colleagues ask if you need help? How often do you offer to help your colleagues? The next time a colleague needs a hand, pitch in. Not only will you be helping your colleague, you'll be setting an example for others to emulate. Acts of kindness are contagious.

Similarly, if you see something on your unit that needs improvement, take the initiative to fix it and encourage teamwork by enlisting help from others who share your concerns.

4. Focus on the positive. To build a positive attitude, change your "I can't" attitude to one of "can do," "will do," and "glad to do." Elevate your vocabulary with words that reflect respect for yourself and others around you. Give earned compliments freely. Like acts of kindness, a positive attitude is contagious.

Seek opportunities to learn so you can become better at what you do, and continually remind yourself that you're confident and competent. Congratulate yourself on your accomplishments. Look for and use affirmations that encourage and motivate you to grow.

5. Be good to yourself. Get involved in something outside work that gives you joy. Find a new hobby or resurrect an old one. Sign up for a ballroom dancing class. Try yoga or tai chi. Enroll in a literature class at your local community college. Volunteer to help with a cause about which you're passionate. Join a local club that involves one of your interests-gardening, books, or a favorite sport.

Nurses at any stage of their careers may need professional rejuvenation. Following the strategies outlined above can help you stay on the right track.