Dr. Dayna Vidal is a registered nurse, author, and nursing leader with over 15 years of experience, serving as a speaker and career coach dedicated to guiding nurses at every stage of their professional journey. A nationally recognized healthcare executive and thought leader, Dr. Vidal has led hospital teams, built impactful professional development programs, and is known for her work in clinical quality, patient safety, and helping nurses overcome burnout — with her content reaching and resonating with thousands across multiple platforms. She draws on her deep experience as a burn ICU nurse and executive to share compelling, real-life stories that illuminate the emotional realities and unique challenges of nursing. Passionate about nurse leadership and career clarity, Dr. Vidal's work and new book focus on helping nurses find their best-fit roles to achieve both personal fulfillment and outstanding patient care.

Have you ever wondered why some careers seem to "fit" perfectly, while others leave you feeling drained and out of place? Imagine stepping into a high-stress job, only to realize the reality is nothing like you expected — would you know how to pivot before burning out? What if there were a roadmap to help you choose the path that aligns with your strengths and keeps your passion alive?

Dr. Dayna Vidal faced these exact dilemmas and found powerful solutions that she now shares with nurses everywhere. Drawing on over 15 years as a leader and mentor in nursing, she reveals how understanding personality traits and personal values can guide nurses toward the right specialty, dramatically reducing burnout and imposter syndrome. Dr. Vidal describes real-life stories — including a young nurse on the verge of quitting — who, with the right guidance and self-reflection, found new fulfillment by switching to a better-suited department. Her insights highlight the emotional toll of nursing, the hidden diversity within the field, and the importance of matching temperament to unit. Through candid anecdotes and advice, Dr. Vidal demonstrates that the key to career longevity is self-honesty and strategic fit, rather than just powering through adversity.

In this episode of Sticky: Stories That Stick, Amelia Forczak sits down with Dr. Dayna Vidal to discuss finding the right nursing specialty to avoid burnout and thrive. They explore the emotional landscapes behind nursing careers and the pivotal role of self-knowledge. Listeners will hear compelling stories — from the heartbreaking moment in the burn ICU that nearly broke Dr. Vidal, to how a simple conversation redirected a struggling new nurse's entire trajectory. Together, Amelia and Dr. Vidal share practical strategies drawn from both research and lived experience, including personality assessments, mentorship, and the courage to embrace change. Whether you're a nurse, a leader, or anyone at a career crossroads, you'll learn how to identify your "fit," protect your well-being, and make your story one that truly sticks.