Nursing is one of the most under-recognized professions in the healthcare industry, even though nurses have the most challenging, tiresome, and hectic jobs. Becoming a nurse is not easy. You must give in years of study, attain several degrees, complete specializations, undergo extensive training, and much more. However, the outcome is worth the effort. The joy that comes from saving lives and helping others is unmatchable.
Whether you are aiming to become a nurse or a healthcare professional, you must never miss the chance to progress in your profession. Remember, advancing your nursing career can open doors to new opportunities, enhance job satisfaction, and considerably increase your earning potential.
So check out these six tips to help advance your nursing career.
- Higher qualifications and certifications
In the healthcare industry, the more qualified you are, the better, and it’s no different for nurses. You must acquire the highest possible qualifications and certifications to succeed in your nursing career.
Some certifications, including ACLS, PALS, and BLS, aren’t only a requirement for most nurses but can considerably help you pursue more specialized fields. In addition, such certifications and qualifications uplift your resume, enhance your professional capability, boost your earning potential, validate your technical knowledge, and demonstrate a high level of clinical competence.
Therefore, if you are considering advancing your nursing career, explore as many certifications as possible. You can also consider completing an online master of science in nursing from an accredited institute. A master’s degree helps nurses with better compensation benefits, leadership opportunities, specialization opportunities, and scholarship opportunities. Plus, an online master’s would be most suitable for nurses given the time-intensive nature of the healthcare industry.
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- Choose a specialization
A specialization narrows your expertise to something specific, allows you to explore your area of interest, and helps you establish a long-term career. A specialization gives nurses higher responsibility, enhances decision-making abilities, contributes to personal and professional growth, provides more fulfilling work, and a potentially higher salary. Also, a specialization will boost your confidence, increase your focus, and encourage you to provide value-based services. A recent study showed that almost 86% of nurse managers prefer to hire specialized nurses because of their enhanced skills and in-depth knowledge.
Some common specializations for nurses include:
- Progressive care (PCCN)
- Pediatric Critical Care (CCRN)
- Nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
- Perioperative Nurse (Surgical/OR Nurse)
- Adult critical care (CCRN)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Geriatric Nursing
Choosing a specialization can be a challenging task for many nurses. However, you must opt for specialization in a field you feel passionate about. Consider what fits your personality and skills, think about your ideal work setting, and choose what is realistically possible.
- Find a mentor
A mentor can be your most trusted knowledge source, provide you with all relevant information, and guide you throughout your nursing journey. Mentors encourage and support growth, provide teaching advice and helpful feedback, and help you become a leader. Furthermore, mentors can help set goals, build a professional network, collaborate with you in research, help you maintain accountability, and serve as trusted allies.
A mentor can be a senior professor, a friend, a family member, or anyone with experience. Having a mentor to admire in a nursing career can be highly beneficial. As mentioned before, nursing is a challenging career. It is easy to feel lost and confused during your nursing journey. When managing the professional and emotional challenges of working in the healthcare field, seeking advice from more seasoned nurses can be immensely helpful. A mentor can provide insights, support you, and help you become the best version of yourself, personally and professionally.
- Network
Networking strengthens connections, raises your professional profile, gives access to higher-paying job opportunities, and builds confidence. Moreover, networking helps build fresh ideas, access new information and different perspectives, and foster long-lasting relationships.
Networking in nursing is an excellent strategy to engage and involve yourself in valuable conversations and practices. In addition, meeting professionals from the industry increases the chance of good word-of-mouth about your credibility and professionality.
Nurses can consider joining a professional nursing organization to network more efficiently. A nursing organization makes it simple to meet other dedicated nurses and find inspiration to advance your career. Some well-known nursing organizations include the American Nurses Association, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, the International Council of Nurses, the National League for Nursing, and the National Student Nurses Association.
- Volunteer for leadership responsibilities
Showing leadership qualities in your profession is imperative to success. Suppose your manager or boss is looking for someone to temporarily take up a leadership role; volunteer for it without any second thoughts. Leadership roles don’t only help in advancing your nursing career, but they are also an excellent chance to gain more exposure and experience.
Effective nurse leadership is crucial for safe, high-quality, and effective patient care. Leadership responsibilities allow you to enhance your patient care techniques, learn more about the role, and prepare you for the next career step. Further, nurse leaders are advocates for nurses and patients to ensure a professional work environment. Hence, volunteering for leadership responsibilities will teach you to lead with caution, improve your decision-making skills, enhance your communication, and raise your conflict-resolution abilities.
- Spend time as a travel nurse
Travel nurses have freedom and flexibility, high job security, less burnout, fewer workplace politics, and an expanded network. As a travel nurse, you will get several opportunities to visit and work at different locations, enhancing your skillset and expanding your knowledge base.
Travel nursing is a lucrative career option that allows you to gain significant exposure, meet new people, and build reliable connections.
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Final thoughts
A nursing career offers high security, a flexible schedule, continual educational opportunities, overtime pay, and travel possibilities. Moreover, nurses get higher professional recognition, experience high job satisfaction, and have a chance to work with a diverse array of people.
However, a career shift may be intimidating, and advancing your nursing career is no exception. You could be at a loss about where to begin, how to strengthen your CV, or who to consult for advice. Hopefully, the above tips will help you build your skills and achieve immeasurable success.
