7 Failsafe Tips To Get Ahead In Your Nursing Career

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In some careers, it’s easy to see how you can get ahead. If you work hard and are responsible for boosting profits, then that’s it; you’re going to get ahead. But in some industries, it’s not so clear-cut. Take nursing, for example. There’s no hard and fast bottom line that you’re measured by, and, as such, it can be difficult to know exactly how to work your way towards the more senior positions. Below, we take a look at a few tips that’ll increase your chances of carving out a career that you can be proud of.

 

Work with a Mentor

 

If you’re relatively new to the nursing game, then you’re likely walking blind. You’re busy trying to figure out how to ensure you’re working well, and have no time to dedicate to thinking about your long-term ambitions. And who can blame you? As such, it’s best to work with someone who has been there, done that. By working with a mentor, you’ll be given plenty of excellent words of advice that’ll guide you towards having the best career possible. There’s an art to identifying and approaching a mentor, but it’s something worth putting the time into.

 

Give Your Input

 

When you’re a new nurse, you’re going to be doing little other than opening your ears, listening to the orders, and then following those orders. But you don’t have to stay this way forever. Eventually, you’ll want to think independently, develop your own thoughts, and then, when the timing is right, present them to other people. Some people only like to be listened to, but by taking command and speaking up, you’ll be showing your superiors that you have the right leadership qualities needed for more advanced roles.

 

Further Your Education

 

There’s nothing static about being a nurse. You’re always working, always being challenged, and so on. This “always moving forward” idea is especially relevant when it comes to your education. You’ll have learned a lot during your schooling, but that’ll only take you so far; medicine, after all, is always moving forward. You can put yourself in the best position for promotions by keeping on top of new medical techniques, and by studying for a bsn to msn online degree. In so doing, you won’t just be learning the necessary skills; you’ll also be showing others that you’re fully committed to your career.

 

Go the Extra Mile

 

Yes, you’re going to have long shifts at work, but the people who get ahead are not going to be the ones who clock out the second their shift ends. The nurses who get promoted will be the ones who don’t see their career as only a job, but an extension of their lifestyle. Of course, it’s important that you’re spending enough time at home and getting the levels of rest you need to do your job well, but when it’s necessary for you to be there, then you gotta be there. Simple!

 

Ask For Feedback

 

You’re not going to be the perfect nurse. Nobody is! All you can do is try your best. But of course, you can’t try your best if you don’t know the areas in which you need to improve. For that to happen, you need to ask for feedback.

 

Talk With Others

 

You’re not going to be able to get ahead if you’re constantly in the back, with your head down, away from everyone. Other people will help you get ahead in your career, but only if you let them, and only if you put yourself in a position to be helped. It’s highly unlikely that anyone’s going just to walk over, tap you on the shoulder, and offer you an opportunity you can’t turn down. So get talking. Whether it’s at a trade show, conference, or after work drinks, you never know what might happen if you just open mouth and start a conversation.

 

Become a Leader

 

There’s a lot to be said about the healthcare industry, and the ones at the top usually have a lot to say about it. Why not get yourself involved in the conversation by offering your thoughts and advice via blogs, social media, podcasts, and so on? Admittedly, this is less to do with the healthcare aspect of the industry, but it’ll still give you an authoritative voice which may help grease the wheels of your advancement.

 

With the above tips, you’ll be able to carve out a career that you’re proud of, and which allows you to fully deliver your best work.