8 Tips to Develop Your Skills As a Nurse

Nursing is both a challenging and rewarding career within the field of healthcare and requires a
combination of formal education, practical training, and ongoing professional development.
Beyond succeeding in nursing school there are a number of ways for nurses to develop their
skills and excel in their profession. In this article, we have outlined some helpful tips which can
help you to develop your skills as a nurse.

Continuing Education


One of the most important ways to ensure your nursing skills remain current and are always
improving is by continuing your education. This might involve attending seminars and
conferences or obtaining a degree such as a Master’s in Nursing. Many employers and healthcare
organizations offer their staff in-house training and continuing education opportunities. Taking
advantage of these opportunities can aid you in your career as well as enquiring about courses or
workshops that align with your area of specialism and career goals.


Professional Networking


Fostering connections with other nurses and healthcare professionals can bring a number of
benefits, both personally and professionally. Networking can be a valuable way for you to learn
about new positions that may not be widely advertised, options for continuing education, and

other advancement opportunities within your organization and help you stay on top of the latest
trends and developments within your field of practice.
Joining professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the
National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNP) can also provide avenues to
network with other nurses and healthcare professionals. Connecting and interacting with like-
minded professionals can also give you a sense of belonging, further helping to increase your
confidence in your skills as a nurse.


Diverse Experiences


Gaining experience in diverse settings is one of the best ways to broaden your range of skills as a
nurse and make you more knowledgeable and effective in your role. Nursing offers many
opportunities for individuals to work within different healthcare settings such as hospitals,
clinics, and hospices as well as with different types of people ranging from children (pediatrics)
to the elderly (geriatrics). Given that healthcare is a universal need, nurses also have the
possibility to work in organizations all over the world.


Specialization


Specializing in a certain field can help you stand out as a nurse and can also lead to greater
opportunities for career advancement as well as more pay. By becoming an expert in a particular
field of healthcare you are equipped to take on advanced roles such as a clinical nurse or nurse
educator, and with a greater understanding of your field are able to achieve better patient
outcomes.


Embracing Technology


Staying up to date with advances in technology is an important part of the nursing profession,
and can help make your job easier and more efficient, as well as improve the level of care
delivered to your patients. This could involve learning how to use electronic health records
(EHRs)
and digital apps, becoming proficient in the use of various medical equipment and
devices, and learning about new medical technologies such as portable monitoring devices,
telehealth tools or robotic systems.


Time Management


Nursing can be a fast-paced job where unexpected events and emergencies can occur at any time
so good time management skills are essential. With large numbers of patients to care for and
competing tasks to attend to, effective time management can help you to prioritize, adapt to

interruptions and stay calm under pressure. Being aware of your schedule and available time can
help you to provide the best level of care for your patients while maintaining your well-being and
lowering stress.


Communication Skills


Strong communication skills are essential as a nurse and are needed for a variety of reasons.
Communicating clearly and actively listening is important when working with patients to deliver
them the best possible care and when addressing any questions and concerns they may have and
explaining medical procedures and treatments in a way that your patients and their families can
understand. Good communication skills are also important for nurses to work effectively with
other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, pharmacists, and therapists.


Critical Thinking


Nurses are often required to make quick decisions under pressurized conditions. Critical thinking
is essential for providing high-quality, patient-centered care as nurses must be able to analyze
information, make sound judgments, and take appropriate action when it comes to assessing a
patient’s condition and choosing the most effective course of action. Continual learning and
education, reviewing best practices and actively engaging in problem-solving are some of the
ways to improve your critical thinking skills .
Following the guidance in this article can help you develop your skills as a nurse, helping you
advance in your career while delivering the highest level of care to your patients.