Whether you’re interested in becoming a nurse practitioner or want to move up the career ladder, there are many ways to do so. However, you must be ready to put in the work and stay focused on your goals.
Practice setting intentions, prioritizing tasks and studying in a place that is free of distractions. These tips will help you take your nursing career to the next level.
1. Take on a leadership role
Leadership roles give nurses the chance to use their experience and education in a more practical way. From influencing policies and strategies to shaping healthcare systems, nurse leaders are key players in the development of forward-thinking, consumer-driven care for patients.
Taking on a leadership role can help you develop your skills in a real-world setting, while developing your confidence and assertiveness. You can also learn from seasoned leaders who can offer valuable advice and guidance.
Look at the leadership styles of people you respect, and ask them what they have found to be successful in their roles. They may be able to point out your strengths and suggest ways to improve them. This can be an invaluable tool in your career advancement journey. Often, great leaders are dynamic and can change roles depending on the needs of their team.
2. Volunteer
Nursing is a demanding profession, but it also offers nurses a unique sense of satisfaction and self-worth. Whether you’re a nurse newbie looking to stand out or a veteran seeking new challenges, volunteering is an excellent way to boost your career and help others at the same time.
Volunteering is a great way to build up your resume and gain real-life experience in the field, which looks great on a college application or scholarship application. Additionally, it can help you discover a passion for nursing or even give you an edge over your competition.
Nursing is a demanding career, but it also offers nurses a unique and rewarding sense of satisfaction and self-worth. Regardless of the challenges, it’s important to stay true to your why. This will keep you motivated and focused throughout your nursing program.
3. Get a mentor
Having a mentor to guide you through your nursing career is crucial. It will help you to navigate the rigors of nursing school and find a way to balance your life and work.
Many healthcare facilities have nurse mentorship programs that pair new nurses with more experienced nurses. Often, the mentorship program coordinator will make suggestions based on the mentee’s learning styles, professional goals, and schedule.
Nursing school moves at a fast pace, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why it’s important to take breaks, stay healthy and happy, and be careful not to burn out. It’s also important to make time for hobbies and personal relationships. By staying well-balanced, you’ll be a better nurse in the long run. You’ll be able to think more clearly and make better decisions in the emergency room or other situations.
4. Attend conferences
Attending nursing conferences is a great way for nurses to stay on top of their field and gain new skills. They can also network with fellow nurses and find job opportunities. In addition, attending conferences may help nurses meet their continuing education requirements for professional licensure in specific specialty areas. Dallas News provides an in-depth summary of online RN-to-BSN programs that you might want to take for your future or to challenge yourself.
Nursing conferences provide a variety of benefits to nurses, including networking, skills-building, publishing, career advancement, collaborations, and inspiration. They also provide information on alternative health care practices and advances in healthcare technology.
Frontline nurses in the pediatric ICU, for example, came away from a conference with a strategy that reduces distractions during medication administration. These kinds of solutions make a big difference in patient safety. Nursing conferences are not inexpensive, but they can be a worthwhile investment in the long run. Nursing professionals can take advantage of discounted rates by booking early.
5. Join a professional organization
Professional nursing organizations bring nurses together to share ideas, develop their skills, and advance the profession. Members can find mentoring opportunities through networking at professional nursing conferences and events, and they can get first access to job openings.
Many professional nursing organizations also offer discounted education, journal subscriptions, and certification review materials for their members. They may even offer discounts on auto, life, and professional liability insurance. Nurses should evaluate the benefits of each nursing organization before deciding which one will help meet their career goals and objectives. Whether they’re new nurses or seasoned professionals, joining an organization can help them grow professionally and personally. Oftentimes, these groups offer networking and community service activities that help build a sense of belonging among their members. As a result, they become more confident and comfortable in their roles as nurses.
6. Get a part-time job
A part-time job is an excellent way to fund your nursing education while also gaining work experience. This is especially helpful for nurses who are worried about the financial impact of returning to school. Moreover, taking classes part-time can help you find a program that fits with your work schedule.
Many BSN-holding nurses are interested in pursuing new nursing positions, especially those that have leadership roles. These positions include RN jobs in different departments, management positions, and educator roles. Getting a part-time job can also allow you to take on additional professional certifications, which can look good on your resume and boost your career potential. It’s also a good idea to join a professional organization, such as the American Nurses Association, to improve your network and keep your options open. These organizations offer both general and specialized memberships.
7. Get a second degree
While a career change may seem daunting at first, obtaining a second degree can actually help you advance in nursing programs. This is especially true if you decide to enroll in an accelerated program.
These programs are designed for people with college degrees in fields other than nursing, but who want to make a difference in the healthcare industry. They take into account the skills and experience that these students already possess and will often award them with credit for certain courses, allowing them to complete their bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) in less time than a traditional program.
This is a great option for people from a variety of backgrounds, including customer service, hospitality, teachers, social workers, and business executives. These people are already familiar with working on a schedule and measuring their outcomes, so it will be easier for them to transition into the world of nursing.
8. Get a master’s degree
Getting an advanced degree can help nurses advance their career. It will give them more opportunities and can also allow them to be a leader within their organization. Additionally, a master’s in nursing can help nurses become nurse educators and teach future nurses how to handle various scenarios on the job.
A master’s degree can also give nurses a deeper understanding of topics that were only skimmed over in nursing school and can allow them to focus on their specific area of interest. It can also help them network with other nursing professionals and gain valuable experience. It is also an important step towards getting a doctorate degree, if that is a goal for them. Nurses who have a master’s degree can often move into more senior roles at their hospitals and clinics. They can be responsible for scheduling, overseeing nurses, and ensuring that patients are receiving the best care possible.
9. Get a certificate
Obtaining certification in your field of expertise can help boost your career. Nurses with specialty certificates are in high demand and can help bridge the gap between the primary care physician shortage, nursing educator shortage, and the lack of leadership nurses in healthcare organizations. There are also advanced certifications geared toward nursing managers, administrators, and executives.
Taking your career to the next level can be an intimidating prospect. But the payoff is well worth the extra work and dedication that may come with it. Whether you want to narrow your clinical focus with a certificate or move away from clinical responsibilities into the nursing administration and educator realm, there are many ways to make that change happen. Adding a second degree or pursuing a master’s is another option to consider. These options are a great way to advance your career and give you more flexibility in the workplace.
10. Never give up
Whether you’re a new nurse hopeful determined to stand out or a nursing veteran seeking a promotion, there are always ways to advance your career. Among these options are pursuing higher education, developing leadership skills, and obtaining specialty certifications.
Online accelerated BSN students will often say that the key to success is establishing a consistent routine. Set a realistic schedule that includes regular sleep times, studying on most days of the week, and prioritizing tasks according to their urgency and importance.
Additionally, try to study with others as much as possible. Research has shown that students who study together retain more information than those who study alone. Having a supportive group can be especially helpful during stressful times in your accelerated nursing program. You may even find that you learn better when you’re working with other people who share the same passion for nursing as you do.