If you have just enrolled in a nursing or as a recent graduate you are probably wondering where you will be in the next five to ten years in your career. Some nurses opt to continue their education by going for a health training online program while others are satisfied with what they have achieved so far. Making career decisions can be hard sometimes because those decisions are going to affect every aspect of your life for the rest of your days on earth. If you’re stuck in your nursing career and don’t know what to do next then the following tips shared by the most successful nurses will get you unstuck and propel you to the next level of greatness.
Education is Your Way Forward
Every career advancement requires an equal advancement in education as well and this applies to all types of industries including nursing. Every degree that you pursue or any certificate of a specialized program in nursing gives you more options and opens new doors for other opportunities. As more opportunities arise you are most likely to find your best match in terms of career advancement. You can also consider health training online programs as they give you the flexibility of working and learning at the same time.
Another great option is to take advantage of the stepladder system of nursing education especially if you’re working and need to study at the same time. The system enables nurses to work as LPN while pursuing an associate’s degree program in nursing. After which you can work as a registered nurse as you strive to get your bachelor’s degree. Furthermore, you can go for advanced degrees especially if you are eyeing an advanced practice position or a leadership role. Besides, if you’re considering teaching or research then advanced degrees may come in handy as these positions often require people with either a master’s or doctoral degrees.
Build a Network of Professionals
It’s important to network both inside and outside of your health care facility. Meeting new people more as professionals in your field of study is useful in exchanging ideas and finding new solutions to common challenges. You can start by finding something that you care about (yet exciting), then focus on networking with other professionals in your field who share the same views, opinions, and interests. You can take advantage of opportunities as they arise to become a member of professional networks such as the British Nursing Association. Besides career advancement, networking can be a good source of support and information.
Develop a Mentoring Relationship
It’s not easy to establish a mentor-mentee relationship as it takes time and can’t be forced. However, identifying someone you can look up to career-wise and beyond is the first step towards getting unstuck in your current situation. The best way is to look for somebody who you feel comfortable with and can talk about anything. The person should be someone you work with, but you don’t necessarily report to them directly. Finding a mentor is the best way of gaining both advice, wisdom, and coaching from a successful person without much struggle. You should also:
- Continue your quest for both personal and professional development
- Strive to pursue professionalism at all times
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