How to Set Career Goals That Actually Stick (Nursing Edition)

Nene Sterling-LS
2 days ago
3 min read

How to Set Career Goals That Actually Stick (Nursing Edition)

I’ll be honest with you — I used to dread January. Not because of the cold weather or the dark mornings, but because of the endless “new year, new me” pressure.

Every ward kitchen was suddenly full of diet talk, “Dry January” updates, and colleagues making bold promises about leaving nursing altogether. By February? Most of those goals had fizzled out faster than the ward kettle.

And here’s the thing: it wasn’t because my colleagues weren’t smart, capable, or committed. It’s because we were setting goals in ways that didn’t stick.

So if you’re a nurse thinking about career moves this year — maybe stepping into Band 6, exploring leadership, or even planning a bigger pivot — let’s talk about what actually works.

WHAT: Setting Career Goals That Stick

Career goals aren’t about making a wish list and hoping the NHS fairy godmother delivers. They’re about clarity, alignment, and action. For nurses, this often means getting specific about the role you want, the skills you need, and the timeline that makes sense.

WHEN: The Right Time to Set Goals

Truth bomb: it’s not just January. The best time to set career goals is whenever you feel restless, undervalued, or ready for more. If you’ve caught yourself saying, “I can’t do this forever,” or “I think I’m ready for Band 6, but I don’t know how”, — that’s your cue.

WHY: The Impact on Your Career (and Wellbeing)

Without goals, you drift. You say yes to overtime instead of that course. You accept “maybe next year” from your manager without challenging it. You keep waiting to feel “ready.”

With goals, you build agency. You start looking at opportunities with a sharper eye. You feel confident advocating for yourself. And most importantly, you stop running on autopilot and start steering your career on purpose.

My Nursing Story

When I first thought about leadership, I told myself I wasn’t ready. “People like me don’t get those jobs,” I thought. The truth? I hadn’t set clear, actionable goals. Once I started breaking them down — updating my CV, shadowing a Band 7, booking time with a mentor — things shifted.

I didn’t just land the role. I found my voice.

And that’s why I now coach nurses to do the same.

Ready to Make Your Career Goals Stick?

If you’re tired of setting the same goal every year and not moving forward, it’s time for a different approach. My 'From Bedside to Boardroom' coaching programme is designed to help you build clarity, confidence, and a practical action plan that sticks.

🎯 Book your discovery call today — let’s make this the year your nursing career moves forward with intention. 👉 https://forms.office.com/r/ZwCP20szKt?origin=lprLink

If you’ve found yourself nodding along, knowing you’re ready for more but unsure where to start, my book is for you. NMC Nursing Revalidation: The Revalidation Blueprint: Real-Life Reflections, Tools, and Templates to Succeed with Confidence: Obibi-Mordi (RgN), Nene: Amazon.co.uk : Books, isn’t another dry leadership manual — it’s a nurse-to-nurse guide packed with real stories, practical insights, and the mindset shifts you need to step into leadership with confidence. Think of it as a conversation over coffee with a mentor who’s walked the path before you. If you’re serious about turning those “one day” dreams into real career moves, this book will give you the clarity and courage to make it happen.