Aminat Asude Ogundele

From Scrubs to Scrum: A Nurse's Journey into Technical Project Management It was just another hectic shift at the hospital, the kind where everything feels like a blur of patient charts, IV lines, and critical decisions. But amidst the controlled chaos, an unexpected thought crept into Janet's mind: Could these skills I’ve honed in nursing be the key to a new career? She had always been a problem solver, a natural leader in her team, and someone who thrived under pressure. But lately, the idea of applying these abilities to something beyond patient care has become impossible to ignore. Janet wasn’t alone in her thoughts. Many healthcare professionals, just like her, have found themselves contemplating a career shift—one that moves from the bedside to the boardroom, from scrubs to Scrum. The world of technical project management had always seemed distant, something reserved for those with a tech background. But Janet’s experience in managing complex care scenarios had prepared her more than she realized. Understanding Technical Project Management To Janet, project management seemed like a foreign land at first. It was a world filled with timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communication, unlike anything she’d encountered in her nursing career. But as she delved deeper, she began to see the parallels. Project planning felt a lot like preparing a patient care plan: defining the scope of what needed to be done, setting milestones like treatment goals, and estimating resources just as she would anticipate the supplies needed for a procedure. Execution and monitoring? It was no different from coordinating tasks within a healthcare team, tracking patient progress, and managing the risks of unforeseen complications. And when it came time to deliver a final product and assess success, Janet realized she had been doing this all along-only with patients’ well-being rather than project outcomes. Leveraging Nursing Skills in Project Management Janet’s revelation didn’t stop there. She began to see how her nursing skills were not just transferable but incredibly valuable in project management. Her attention to detail, once crucial for patient care, was now a key asset in ensuring that project plans were meticulously crafted and executed. Communication, a skill Janet had mastered through years of working with patients and medical teams, became her superpower in managing project stakeholders and team members. And the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that had saved lives on the hospital floor now helped her navigate the challenges and unexpected issues of project management. Even her ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in healthcare mirrored the collaborative nature of project management teams, where diverse skills and perspectives come together to achieve a common goal. Acquiring Necessary Skills and Certifications But Janet knew she couldn’t rely solely on her nursing experience. To truly bridge the gap, she needed to build specific skills and credentials in project management. Her first step was familiarizing herself with project management software like JIRA, Asana, and Trello—tools that seemed intimidating at first but quickly became as essential as her stethoscope once had been. She also dove into learning Agile and Scrum methodologies, understanding that these frameworks would be her new operating protocols in the tech world. To validate her growing knowledge, janet pursued certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). These not only boosted her confidence but also opened doors to new opportunities in the field. Gaining Experience in Project Management Janet knew that theory and certifications would only take her so far—she needed hands-on experience. So, she began by volunteering for projects within her current job, taking on tasks that involved planning, coordinating, and executing. Even small-scale projects gave her a taste of what was to come. Eager to expand her horizons, Janet also explored freelancing opportunities on platforms like Upwork. This allowed her to build a portfolio and gain practical experience that would make her stand out in the competitive job market. Networking became another crucial element of her journey. By connecting with professionals in the field through LinkedIn and attending industry events, Janet found mentors who provided invaluable guidance and support. Crafting Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile As Janet ’s experience grew, so did her confidence. She knew it was time to update her resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect her new career path. She emphasized transferable skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving, showcasing how these were relevant to project management. Janet didn’t shy away from highlighting her nursing background. Instead, she reframed it, showcasing her experience in managing patient care as project management tasks. Certifications and training took a prominent place on her profile, signaling to potential employers that she was serious about this career shift. Preparing for Interviews When interview opportunities began to roll in, Janet was ready. She had a clear narrative for why she was transitioning from nursing to project management, explaining how her background made her a strong candidate. She shared specific examples of how her nursing skills had helped her manage projects and overcome challenges. Most importantly, Janet showed enthusiasm. She demonstrated her passion for project management and her commitment to learning and adapting to the tech industry. This excitement was contagious, and it left a lasting impression on interviewers. Wrapping Up Janet’s journey from nursing to technical project management was not without its challenges, but it was incredibly rewarding. By embracing the transition with confidence and leveraging her unique skills and experiences, she found herself thriving in a new field that was both exciting and fulfilling. Now, Janet’s story is one of many—proof that a career shift is possible when you combine determination, the right skills, and a willingness to embrace change. If you’re considering a similar leap, take Janet’s journey as inspiration. Explore certification options, seek out relevant opportunities, and connect with professionals in the field. What’s your biggest challenge in this career shift? Share your thoughts below or connect with us on LinkedIn to start the conversation!