Chart Your Course: A Career Discovery Action Guide
By Tina M. Baxter, The Nurse Shark | The Nurse Shark Academy
Find the work that fits who you are, then map the path to get there.
Most people pick a career by asking what pays well or what they're good at. Those questions matter, but they skip the one that decides whether you'll still love your work five years from now: what matters to me?
Chart Your Course is a printable, 5-page workbook that helps you answer that question and turn it into a plan. It approaches your career the way a nurse approaches a patient: assess, diagnose, plan, act, and evaluate. Each step builds on the one before. You finish with a clear career direction and a 90-day plan you can start right away.
What's inside
Phase 1: Discover Your Values. Sort through 36 core values, reflect on your career high points and low points, and write a personal values statement to guide every career decision.
Phase 2: Find Your Fit. Explore your interest themes with real healthcare and nursing career examples. Take stock of your strengths and identify your ideal work style.
Score & Test Your Options. Compare up to three career paths side by side with a weighted Career Fit Scorecard. Then test your top choice through conversations, shadowing, and small trial steps before you commit.
Phase 3: Map Your Career Trajectory. Set your 1-, 3-, and 5-year milestones, write SMART goals, and build a 30-60-90 day action plan with built-in accountability.
Who it's for
Nursing students and new grads deciding where to start
Experienced nurses considering a specialty change, advanced degree, or leadership role
Healthcare professionals exploring nontraditional or entrepreneurial paths
Anyone at a career crossroads who wants clarity instead of guesswork
Details
Instant digital download (PDF)
5 pages, US Letter size, designed to print and write in
Plan on 2–3 hours of reflection, done in one sitting or spread over a week
Reusable: revisit it every 6–12 months as you grow
Stop wondering whether you're on the right path. Grab a pen, get curious, and chart your course.
© 2026 The Nurse Shark Academy. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
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