5 Steps for Advancing Your Nursing Career

If you are already working as a nurse, you have made a significant commitment to this particular healthcare profession. While being a nurse is a challenging role that forces people to go to their limits, it is also a hugely rewarding role. The generous financial incentive is one thing, but the pleasure of helping people and improving their lives is why many get into nursing.

With that said, nurses can feel neglected – especially with the pressing need for more resources and finances in healthcare. They can also hit a wall where they feel their occupation is at a standstill, and there’s nowhere to go in terms of career progression.

If you are in a similar position, help is on the way in the form of this article. Read on, and you will understand how desire, a willingness to learn, and a proactive approach can result in any nurse reaching the top of their profession.

1. Get out of your comfort zone

Are you feeling trapped by your job? Perhaps your current nursing role has left you feeling under-challenged? Or maybe you’re simply looking to progress up the career ladder? Whatever the case, the first step towards advancing your nursing profession is by exiting your comfort zone.

Think about it: you might have become too relaxed in your current nursing role. If this happens, you’re unlikely to receive a helping hand from others when it comes to progression. You need to be proactive. There’s no point simply sitting around and hoping for an opportunity to land into your lap. Take the opportunity for yourself.

As for adopting a more proactive approach, this can encompass various different elements. For example, you should place a greater emphasis on approaching people you know can help with career progression. It doesn’t matter if you’re not familiar with them – striking up a conversation and creating a connection could be the first step to getting a foot in the door. Continually searching for opportunities is also recommended, as is the ability to be blunt in asking for what you desire.

Even if you get told ‘no’ or turned down for a certain role, don’t let this be a deterrent. Perseverance is vital for those looking to advance their careers.

2. Network and build relationships

Networking is important in all forms of business, and it’s no different if you are seeking to move further ahead with your nursing career.

With networks such as the American Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau available, it’s not difficult to connect with likeminded nurses. By meeting new people, the possibilities are endless. Of course, the ultimate aim is to advance your career – and this can be done by simply meeting the right person at the right time, and them offering you a promotion to work for their health clinic.

Although that is unlikely to happen, networking is a great way to build contacts, exchange ideas, and learn about new nursing approaches. It’s not just about direct career advancement. The information learned from networking, participating in workshops, and attending conferences can assist with improving your overall work as a nurse.

3. Establish a relationship with a mentor

Speaking of learning and improving, there is the option to try and establish a relationship with a mentor.

When working directly with a mentor, this is an easy way to streamline information, such as career advice. You can also ask for guidance and suggestions, which will again help you to avoid any potential pitfalls on your nursing journey.

As for selecting a mentor, it should be someone that you admire and define as a role model. This mentor also doesn’t have to be within the healthcare sector. In fact, this could be a positive as they may bring a fresh perspective to procedures in terms of how to manage resources and people.

If you are struggling to find a suitable mentor, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership provides formal mentoring programs. As for other ways to meet prospective mentors, you could join journal clubs or research groups. It might not be foolproof, but the possibility of finding a suitable mentor could be as beneficial as discovering Willy Wonka’s golden ticket.

4. Continue with your education

Arguably the most effective method to advance your nursing career is by investing in education. If you acquire a new specialized nursing program or even a degree, this opens the door to a wealth of new opportunities. Then with the presentation of new opportunities, you are likely to come across the role you have been dreaming about since becoming a nurse.

If you want to land one of the most advanced positions in nursing, it doesn’t take a genius to work out that a decorated education is necessary. Thankfully, with the rise of online learning options, you can continue in your current nursing role while gaining additional degrees and qualifications.

For instance, if you want to advance with a career as a pediatric nurse, there are various steps you could take. You may take a closer look at online pediatric acute care nurse practitioner programs. Once you have found the program that best fits your needs, you can enroll and take a giant leap towards moving from a registered nurse to a pediatric nurse.

5. Remain professional and committed

As you attempt to climb the ladder of success, you are going to encounter certain issues which will knock you back a step or two. With this in mind, you have to remain committed to the cause. Remember why you started the journey in the first place, and don’t stop going until you reach the goal you originally set.

However, don’t sacrifice professionalism for career progression. You should always maintain a dignified, honest approach to nursing. Attempt to have a positive attitude at all times, stay up-to-date with work, and never let incompetency creep in.

These rules should also apply when off the job. In this day and age, it is common for employers to browse the social media pages of potential candidates. If they see content on your Facebook or Twitter feed that they deem inappropriate, it could result in you being removed from consideration for a promotion.