Nursing is a profession that is synonymous with care and passion for working for human beings’ betterment. It is about going the extra mile for caring others. But at times, being a nurse, you have to go the extra mile for yourself too. That’s when you start thinking about career advancement. It is exciting to imagine yourself reaching new summits and finding developmental paths for your profession, but it is daunting too. Improving others’ lives also requires finding meaning in your career and looking for necessary help for yourself.
A healthy career growth brings about satisfaction both on the job and in your personal life. Besides, learning new skills also implies that you are better prepared to care for people around you.
Professional development is a vast subject that goes beyond earning degrees. A thought of investing in career development entails looking for new skills, practicing those skills, and much more. A degree might land you in your dream job, but real growth occurs by procuring skills and taking the right steps to boost your career. Whether you are a professional nurse or someone who just landed on the nursing job, looking for career-boosting activities goes without saying.
Taking decisions for your career advancement can be a lot less overwhelming with the right guide and tips to follow. Here are some experts’ recommendations for all the career-oriented, enthusiastic nurses out there.
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Invest in Your Education
With so much global emphasis on education, taking the right degrees at the right point in time is the first step on the ladder to boost your nursing career. With so many new diseases and the use of technology, lacking the most advanced degree can put a stop in the way of your promotion. More education and degrees also mean you have more career prospects open to you. Hence, more chances for you to land your dream position.
If you are a bachelor’s degree holder, you might think about pursuing a master’s degree. Similarly, after completing your master’s in the nursing profession, you can search for more information, such as how to get a doctorate in nursing? That gives you a chance to boost your career to the next level.
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Find the Right Mentors
You can’t duplicate the wisdom of people who have collected it over the years. Finding the right mentor can be a life-changing experience for you. Instead of working on trial and error, it is better to use expert opinion and advice. The mentors can help you make the right decisions at the right time. Connecting with professionals can also open new vistas for you to use their connections.
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Trust Your Gut
Some might argue that gut feeling and intuition are the most unscientific explanation for accepting or declining an opportunity. But the most scientific person Elbert Einstein once said that “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant.”
But at the same time, he further expressed that society has a habit of rewarding the servant. The actual world is about finding the right balance between reality and intuition to make the right decisions. If you have a gut feeling about a career prospect, do thorough research, talk to your mentors, but never discard the gift with the mere wave of a hand.
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Do Not Limit Yourself
The only person in this world who can limit yourself is you. So, if you intend to move forward in your career, dismiss the hurdles and blocks created by your mind. Always have contingency plans. You might be an enthusiastic nurse but look at how the world is changing and potential workplace dynamics shifts. You can always embrace new career opportunities like management positions, other healthcare areas, and much more.
You might have heard that change is the only constant in this world, so know that rigidity has no place here. Besides, the learned knowledge never fails anyone, as you might learn how to channel and use it in your new job requirements.
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Work on Network Building
In the past, you might have heard people saying about building networks. At that time, the thought might have looked irrelevant. But once you step into your scrubs, you realize the preciousness of those words. Making and utilizing the networks was never more inevitable than now because of the cut-throat competition everywhere you go.
Nursing is one of the fastest-growing career paths. According to the US Bureau of Statistics, it is likely to grow 7% between 2019 to 2029. But the increased prospects also mean more competition for such a lucrative career. At this point, networking plays a vital role in advancing your career.
One way of expanding your networks is by joining professional organizations. It also looks attractive on your resume. Being a nurse, you might want to join the American Nurses Association. Another way is by attending professional conferences and getting to know significant events happening in the industry. It is a chance to meet potential recruiters. Simultaneously, learning from experts in the field looks forward to Q&As at the end of such gatherings.
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Volunteer for Leadership Responsibilities
Many of you volunteering might look like free work but know that these activities are an investment for your future. There is always a time for making good relations, but not always it is time for thinking about money. As they say, when you have what it takes to make money, the money follows. Thus, patience, perseverance, and hard work is the key.
By showcasing your leadership and work-oriented attitude, you might be attracting many new opportunities. Besides, this is also where you make networks and relations for the future.
Final Thought
Advancement in career and professional development needs time and effort. But it is essential to look for an opportunity that is good for both personal and professional growth. Always watch out for new trends in your field and work for educational development. Don’t compromise on your health or personal relations because it is the balance that bestows maximum benefit in the end.
