Free Mini-Course: From Burnout to Breakthrough-Nurse Self-Advocacy and Career Reinvention

Understanding the “why” behind nurse burnout, is just the first step in recovery and discovery that is offered at Stepping Stone Academy.

Course Description

Nurse burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and exhaustion caused by prolonged stress in the workplace. It can manifest as emotional detachment, decreased job satisfaction, and reduced performance, ultimately impacting both the nurse and the quality of patient care. Through a self-assessment tool, you can start to understand why you may be feeling so drained.

This course is designed to help you move beyond the burnout, and give you a sense of renewed empowerment to pivot beyond the bedside.

Learning Objectives for Burnout to Breakthrough

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Recognize the signs and systemic causes of nurse burnout and its impact on professional well-being and patient care.
2. Define the concept of nurse self-advocacy and describe how it contributes to career satisfaction and personal empowerment.
3. Reflect on their current values, professional alignment, and emotional state using guided self-assessment prompts.
4. Explore non-traditional career pathways available to nurses outside of direct bedside care, such as patient advocacy, case management, and healthcare entrepreneurship.
5. Identify next steps for personal reinvention, including tools, mentorship opportunities, and educational resources offered by Stepping Stone Academy.

About the Instructor:

Lori’s story shows how seizing opportunities can reshape a career. Her journey began at the bedside, but curiosity led her to a home health role, where she enjoyed new freedom. When a manufacturing plant offered her a temporary role as an occupational health nurse, Lori hesitated—then took the leap. That decision opened doors she never imagined, giving her experience in worker’s compensation, OSHA regulations, and health program development.

As Lori moved from one role to another, she discovered how transferable her nursing skills were. She brought clinical insight into business roles, mentoring new case managers, marketing programs, and helping companies grow. Every pivot added new layers to her career, teaching her that uncertainty wasn’t a barrier—it was a chance to evolve.
Building partnerships became essential. When an orthopedic surgeon needed help managing worker’s compensation cases, Lori guided him and even helped him launch an Independent Medical Exam business. These collaborations showed her that no journey is taken alone, shared goals and trust fuel success.

Later, retirement seemed like the next chapter, but it left Lori searching for purpose. A friend’s suggestion to explore patient advocacy reignited her passion. Lori immersed herself in learning, joining professional groups and building a vision: she could use her expertise not just to help patients but to mentor nurses looking to pivot away from the bedside.
Launching Stepping Stone Advocacy Services became her way of giving back. Through her advocacy, Lori supports patients navigating the healthcare system while mentoring nurses seeking new paths. Her story—marked by resilience, collaboration, and constant reinvention—proves it’s never too late to embrace change and take control of your career.