"Turn, turn, touch, down, back, step pivot, step, walk, walk, walk. . ."

- Marvin, Hamlisch, A Chorus Line

I had a professor who stressed the importance of calling our world of nursing a discipline, rather than a career or a job. I subscribe to this mentality because nursing is so much more than just one thing. Nursing is a job and a career, but it is much bigger than that. Nursing is a discipline. When we think of discipline, we may think of training, or studying, or practice. Discipline also means a branch of knowledge-which I argue far more encapsulates all the things that nursing is and can be-for us as individuals and for the communities we serve. If we think of nursing as "just a job" or "our career," it limits the way we envision the countless ways we can make a positive difference, create a branch of personal knowledge and/or add to the global branch of knowledge while we move through our lives.

Nurses are adaptable, resilient, have a hunger for knowledge, and exhibit a drive to improve and ensure the best outcomes for all. Because of these qualities, the ability to (and oftentimes the desire and need to) pivot is a major part of our discipline.

How many different types of nursing have you been a part of since beginning your nursing journey? You may be in the beginning phase of your time in nursing and just learning the ins and outs of your (first) specialty. You may be years into nursing and have had different roles and experiences and can immediately name your favorite role/specialty. Or, you may be thinking about transitioning away from nursing as you plan the next chapter of your life and can reflect on the many ways you have enhanced and improved your areas of care.

Whatever phase you may be in, I hope we can all agree how amazing nursing is. How many other disciplines allow one to pivot so easily, so often, and so seamlessly? For example, I talked to a nursing colleague who started in the medical intensive care unit (MICU), pivoted to the operating room, pivoted to clinical leadership in endoscopy, and eventually pivoted to senior leadership roles in perioperative services. During this time, new knowledge was gained while methods were explored to improve the way we provide care for our patients and families. Multiple areas of certification and experiences were added to the colleague's resume, but it was shared that pivoting to different nursing care positions was done for many reasons (e.g., burnout from critical MICU patients, and new and promotional leadership opportunities). Ultimately, these combined experiences allowed this nurse leader to be the successful and inspirational leader they are today.

I think some millennials get a "bad rap" due to many leaving positions after a short time. Leaving a position after a short time is not always a bad thing. Pivoting away from a role because the culture does not align with your values, or you fail to grow passionate for the patient population you serve, or you earn a promotion due to your talents, are some great reasons to explore new opportunities. However, when one leaves a position after a short period and does not allow time to absorb knowledge, understand processes, and grow as a human and caregiver, they are foregoing opportunities to enrich themselves. Similar to performing a pivot turn in dancing, pivoting too quickly to or from a new role or specialty can cause a whiplash effect. We don't want to become dizzy or make our colleagues and leaders dizzy when examining our choices. Pivoting mindfully is important. Yes - work/life harmony is crucial. But so is understanding that not all roles will be easy and peaceful every day. Having realistic expectations is important.

When we get frustrated or bored in our areas, it may be good to remember that small pivots are available to us. There are always opportunities to carve out a new or different experience within our umbrella-sometimes all we need to do is ask! Find a mentor, ask a friend, notify your leader that you need a change and that you are interested in a pivot. It is okay if you don't know how large a pivot you are ready for. Your mentor/friend/leader will be honored that you trust them, and they will be able to provide ideas and offer creative solutions that may fit your interests.

So what are some takeaway messages?

* Nursing rocks! One of the wonderful benefits of the nursing discipline is the ability to learn something new, gain experience, enter an entirely different niche, and change the world one day at a time.

* Everyone pivots, not just millennials. All nurses should make sure they are pivoting for the right reasons.

* When to pivot? Perhaps there should be a checklist we create for ourselves that sets expectations for when to pivot and when to keep learning and growing in your current position.

* Whiplash! Don't give yourself the whiplash effect. Don't pivot too early. Make sure that you enjoy the privilege of adding something to the discipline in every role possible.

Even if we don't realize it, our roles are constantly changing. We pivot with new technologies and new modalities of care. We adjust with the ever-changing healthcare landscape. We react to our changing communities and populations. Large and small pivots, known and unknown pivots, felt and unfelt pivots, are all exciting and crucial aspects of nursing. The more we celebrate this, the more rewarding our discipline can be!