The path of Jaqueline Figueiredo, a nurse who graduated in 2007 in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, reflects a challenge faced by many health professionals: balancing a career with family demands and finding fulfillment in a constantly changing job market. She is now looking to keep up with these changes through a specialization in aesthetic nursing.
Initially, with a specialization in occupational nursing, Jaqueline had a solid career in occupational medicine, working in clinics and companies, and also as an instructor in technical courses. However, with changes in her personal and professional life, she found herself at a crossroads that led her to look for new directions. Now, Jaqueline is betting on aesthetic nursing as the solution to align her professional goals with her home routine.
A career impasse and a nursing specialization
After years devoted to occupational medicine, Jaqueline moved from Uberlândia to Barretos, a decision that brought not only a new address but also a break in her career.
In the new city, she struggled to find work again in her specialty. The occupational nursing field, in which she had built her experience, did not offer the same opportunities as before. In addition, her routine as a mother, with two children and a husband often away for work, made it impossible to return to the hospital environment, with its exhausting shifts and inflexible schedules.
“I could no longer work in the hospital setting, with 12-hour shifts, because of my family routine. And in Barretos, I didn't find room to continue in occupational nursing. That's when I started to see in aesthetics a real possibility of changing that,”explains Jaqueline.
The decision to change
The choice of aesthetic nursing was driven by a combination of factors: the growing market, a personal interest in the beauty field and, above all, flexible hours.
“Aesthetics has always caught my attention. A friend, who is also a nurse, opened a clinic and always talked about how rewarding the work was. Now I see in this field an opportunity to be more present with my family and, at the same time, return to working professionally.”
This transition was not simple. Jaqueline had to step out of her comfort zone, leave home and rely on a support network to care for her children while she devoted herself to the specialization in aesthetic nursing. The period of intensive hands-on training, away from her family, was emotionally and financially challenging but, in her words, necessary to prepare for the market.
Rebuilding her career with purpose
Aesthetic nursing offers Jaqueline the chance to combine her technical skills with a new purpose: helping people feel good about themselves, while finding balance between work and personal life. “The aesthetics market is booming, and Brazil is one of the fastest-growing countries in this field. It's very satisfying to know I can help people take care of themselves and manage aging in a natural way.”
During the hands-on classes, Jaqueline discovered an affinity for facial procedures, but she was also surprised to enjoy body techniques, an area that did not initially seem appealing to her. She believes this versatility will be important for standing out in the market.
Jaqueline's professional future is being shaped little by little, but already with clear goals. She is considering setting up her own room or clinic, or even starting out at an established clinic to gain even more experience.
Inspiring other stories of transformation
Jaqueline's transition to aesthetic nursing is not just about changing fields, but about resilience and the ability to adapt. Her story inspires other health professionals facing similar challenges, whether in search of greater flexibility or the desire to explore new fields that offer growth and fulfillment.
“Nursing has many possibilities. What people associate most with the profession is the hospital setting, but there are so many areas where we can work! Aesthetics is one of them, and it is my choice for returning to the job market with more balance and satisfaction.”
For professionals who feel stuck or are looking for new directions, Jaqueline leaves a clear message: it takes courage to step out of your comfort zone and a willingness to learn something new.
Laís Bianquini
NEPUGA content team — Núcleo de Especializações Ana Carolina Puga.
