Hey there! I’m Kristal.

Our Mission

The Intentional Nurse was created and has since evolved, shaped by my thoughts, creativity, reflections, and the experiences of the nurses who have joined our community. This mission is entirely focused on supporting nurses in living more intentionally—as individuals first—while they navigate their roles and careers in the nursing profession.

The Intentional Nurse does this through community, mentoring, resources, workshops, courses, and events.

THE STORY BEHIND IT ALL

After 18 years in traditional medical and surgical nursing—encompassing roles like clinical preceptor and theoretical instructor, along with the many certifications and qualifications earned along the way—I experienced a profound decline in my mental health, leading to full burnout for the second time in my career. It became clear that I was ready for a new chapter.

The prolonged physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion culminated in a panic and anxiety attack that abruptly brought me to a halt. It was a devastating moment that made me realize…

…I was completely burned out and ready to step away from the nursing profession.

This event forced me to step back, reflect, and recognize just how deeply burned out I was from the demands of nursing. It was clear that if I wanted to continue in this field, I needed to make drastic changes.

What felt like a devastating disappointment turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Through deep reflection, I realized that I wanted my nursing career to offer flexibility and freedom while empowering other nurses to find peace and regain control. My goal became helping them rediscover their strength, self-worth, and confidence as they navigate their own nursing journeys.

For a long time, I didn’t know what burnout was and I spent years feeling miserable before I was able to put a name to what I was feeling.

I almost left nursing because I thought it was me…but it wasn’t. It was my environment, my lack of boundaries and the burnout culture that has plagued and remained in health care overall.