Individuals who work in the nursing field often find they want to advance their careers. They love helping others and want to be able to do more. When doing so, they gain new skills and increase their earning potential.
To do so, however, a person must be willing to take a leap. Nobody knows what the future holds, but it never hurts to try new things. How can a person advance their nursing career?
Continuing Education
Most nurses must take part in continuing education courses to maintain their licenses. These classes cover topics such as advancements in medicine and new nursing techniques. However, to stand out in the crowd, a nurse may wish to go above and beyond the minimum when it comes to these courses. They may want to take classes beyond the required continuing education courses at Felbry College School of Nursing.
Employers look for nurses who are ready to tackle new challenges. A nurse might want to take part in courses outside of the nursing field, such as those that focus on conflict management or leadership. Doing so shows the nurse is willing to learn and try new things. Employers appreciate this dedication to personal advancement, as they know they have someone who can adapt to changing conditions and learn new skills when needed.
Work with a Mentor
A nurse never knows what they will encounter when going to work each day. No two days are identical, and a nurse must be prepared for anything. When a situation arises that they have never encountered before, they need somewhere to turn for advice. A mentor is helpful in these situations.
Many employers offer formal mentoring programs now. Professional nursing organizations also help individuals find a mentor, or a nurse might turn to their state’s professional nursing group.
A mentor can guide a nurse through career options. They may provide a professional reference. Many nurses turn to their mentor when struggling with burnout, and mentors are a great resource when a person is expanding their network.
Nursing Blogs
People frequently overlook resources available right at their fingertips. Nursing blogs are a good example of a resource a nurse might benefit from but often forgets to check out. With the help of nursing blogs, a person finds they can remain informed of industry changes and events.
The information gained from these resources may help a nurse advance their career. It shows they want to provide the highest level of care and will take time to learn about new innovations. In addition, blogs often allow a person to gain a better understanding of healthcare systems and how they work.
Pursue a Specialty
Any nurse may choose to pursue a specialty. Many nurses find doing so allows them to boost their level of expertise. They select an area they enjoy and specialize in it to advance their career while increasing their job satisfaction. Many clinical specialties are offered today, including adult critical care, progressive care, and gastroenterology.
However, there are other specialties a nurse might choose to pursue. They may reach out to the American Organization for Nursing Leadership to learn more about becoming certified as a nurse manager, administrator, or executive. Every certification is an opportunity to advance a nurse’s career.
A nurse should consider all options when looking to advance their career. What works for one person isn’t appropriate for another. Every nurse can find the opportunity that not only advances their career but also provides them with a feeling of satisfaction. When they find this opportunity, they love their job, and it shows in everything they do.
