Grace McBride, of Olive Tree Dental, offers her top tips for dental nurses searching for their next role or career move.
Have you ever felt stuck in a comfortable job, even when you crave growth? This was me as a dental nurse. For over six years, I thrived in a small village practice, but due to being in a long-distance relationship, the time had come when it felt like the right time to make a change. But I want to show you how trusting your gut can lead to great opportunities for growth. This blog post is about taking the leap, trusting your gut and how this can unlock amazing career opportunities.
From village practice to big city dreams
Since 2018, I’ve cherished my role as a dental nurse. My first practice, nestled in a village, nurtured my skills under a supportive dentist. However, after years of commuting to see my partner, the call to move became impossible to ignore. Leaving a comfortable, familiar environment was daunting. Self-doubt crept in. ‘Can I handle the increased workload of a busy practice?’, ‘Will I adapt to different clinicians’ working styles?’, and ‘Will they even train me properly?’ These anxieties echoed in my head.
The power of gut feeling
Here’s the secret weapon that helped me overcome these fears: trusting my gut. It’s the same intuition that led me to become a dental nurse in the first place. When considering a new role, visualise yourself working there. Does it resonate with your values as a nurse? There’s just a certain ‘feeling’ you get when you walk into the right place. The same goes for starting a new job! Trust that feeling!
Taking the leap: six months in
Fast forward six months at my new practice in Reading. The imposter syndrome has melted away. I genuinely look forward to going to work every day! If I hadn’t taken that leap of faith, I wouldn’t be working at Olive Tree Dental, with some amazing colleagues, continually learning and growing as a dental nurse.
This experience solidified the importance of following my gut in career decisions. It’s more than just being in the right place at the right time – it’s about actively seeking that perfect fit.
So, if you’re feeling stuck in a comfort zone, but a yearning for growth simmers within, take a chance and trust your gut. It just might unlock a dream opportunity you never knew existed.
Tips for dental nurses searching for their next role
When considering a new role, visualise yourself working there. Ask the following questions:
- Does it align with your values as a nurse?
- What are your colleagues like?
- Ask for a face-to-face interview. Phone interviews often don’t give you enough of an insight
- Ask the existing team what is day to day life like in practice. Talk with the team on reception and anyone else who is there on the day
- Ask for a show-round, so you can get to know the practice and the surgery set-up
- Ask see the decon room, the staff room or kitchen
- Ask about the treatments on offer
- Find out their goals as a practice. Don’t be afraid to ask.
The ‘right’ place often has a certain positive feeling when you walk in. Trust that feeling during your job search and good luck!
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