Welcome to My Corner of the Internet: Life, Career & Everything in Between

Hey there! I’m Charleen, but you can call me Char. If you’re new here (which, let’s be honest, you are because this is my first blog post), welcome to my little slice of the internet where we talk all things career, lifestyle, and leveling up—nurse practitioner style.

A little about me:

I’m a nurse practitioner with a PhD (I defended my dissertation in 2023!), a foodie, an avid traveler, and your go-to girly girl who loves fashion, great restaurants, and a solid career strategy. Basically, think of me as your professional big sister who also knows the best brunch spots and restaurants.

So, why did I start this blog?

Well, after 20 years of working in healthcare, mentoring aspiring nurse practitioners, and navigating the highs and lows of my own career, I realized something: We talk a lot about patient care, but not enough about our careers.

So, how do you transition from bedside nursing to a nurse practitioner role without feeling completely overwhelmed? How do you negotiate your salary like a pro? Why would you get a PhD versus an DNP versus an EdD? How do you build a career that supports the lifestyle you actually want? What in the world goes on during credentialing and why does it feel like purgatory at times? And how in the world do you display your credentials after you aced that certification exam?! (That one is always tricky).

I’ve asked myself these questions and learned a lot along the way but often by myself. I don’t want that for you! There’s no need to struggle or feel alone as an aspiring nurse practitioner or even as an experienced nurse practitioner who want to level up their career.

That’s where I come in.

This blog is here to help you:
✅ Navigate the NP career path with confidence
✅ Learn the real pros and cons of being a nurse practitioner (no sugarcoating here!)
✅ Master career growth strategies that will have you leveling up in no time
✅ Infuse a little style, self-care, and fun into your professional life

Because let’s be honest—success isn’t just about credentials and clinical hours. It’s about building a life that feels good inside and outside of work.

What You Can Expect Here:

Twice a week, I’ll be dropping gems on career advice, personal experiences, and a little lifestyle inspiration for my fellow ambitious nurse practitioners and professionals. Whether you’re just starting your NP journey, looking to transition into a new role, or figuring out how to balance your career with everything else life throws your way—I’ve got you.

Lastly, I’m also big on engagement, so if there’s a topic you want me to cover, let me know in the comments or shoot me a message. I want this space to be a community where we can learn, grow, and have a little fun while we’re at it.

So, grab your coffee (or wine—no judgment here), and let’s get started. Here’s to building a career and a life we love!

See you in the next post,
Char ✨

Photographs by: Candace Howe Studios in Brooklyn, New York