How To Advance Your Nursing Career While Working Full-Time
Nursing is physically and emotionally demanding, leaving little time for personal and professional development. Yet, one cannot afford to remain static in this field. Nurses who invest in their professional development achieve personal fulfilment and position themselves for leadership, higher salaries, and a more significant impact on patient care.
According to a report by Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses employment is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033. This predicts very bright prospects for nurses looking to grow in their field. However, balancing a full-time job and advancing your career can be challenging and requires proper planning. (1)
The following are five strategies to help you achieve your career goals without sacrificing your job.
Table of Contents
Pursue Continuing Education Opportunities
Continuing education is one of the most effective ways to advance your nursing career. Earning an advanced degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), can lead to better-paying positions and opportunities to work in more specialized areas of nursing.
While registered nurses (RN) can still practice with only an associate degree or diploma, they can also enroll in online RN-to-BSN programs. Schools offering these courses can be found on sites such as floridarntobsn.com, where they can improve their education and have a better nursing career path.
In addition to degrees, certifications in specialized areas of nursing improve your expertise and employability. For example, certifications in critical care (CCRN), oncology (OCN), or pediatrics (CPN) not only enhance your knowledge but also make you a more competitive candidate for advancement.
Develop Time Management Skills
Time management is critical for nurses balancing full-time work with career advancement. It begins with prioritizing responsibilities, where you identify the most important tasks. Then, you use tools like planners, calendars, or scheduling apps to organize your day. Block off specific times for studying, attending classes, or completing professional development activities.
Another helpful time management strategy is optimizing one’s downtime. If your schedule allows, use breaks or slow periods to read professional articles, listen to nursing podcasts, or review coursework. Consider investing some of your time, evenings, or weekends, into activities that advance your career.
Finally, do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it. This could be asking family to help with housework or work colleagues for support with tasks. Lean on other people so you may find more time for nursing professional development.
Network Within the Nursing Community
Networking is important in career advancement as it provides more opportunities in the industry. It helps nurses build relationships with other professionals and gain more knowledge about nursing. A great way to begin is by joining nursing organizations like the American Nurses Association. These groups frequently host conferences, webinars, and events that allow members to meet like-minded individuals and expand their nursing knowledge.
Besides, conferences and workshops are exceptionally good for networking. You get to interact with industry leaders and peers from whom you can learn through experiences and advice. As a matter of fact, many experts believe that 80% of jobs are filled through professional networking, meaning building connections in your field is very important. (2)
Mentorship is another part of networking. A mentor who has successfully progressed in their nursing career can offer guidance, support, and motivation. They can help you tackle challenges, spot growth opportunities, and create a plan to reach your goals.
Seek Leadership or Specialized Roles
Another way to boost your nursing career is by pursuing leadership or specialized positions. Roles like charge nurse, nurse manager, or clinical coordinator offer better pay and help you gain experience in team management and decision-making. You should also look for volunteering opportunities at your current job to learn more and impress potential employers.
Furthermore, specializing in a specific area of nursing is an excellent way to advance your career. Areas such as geriatrics, mental health, or neonatal care are in high demand and can provide a more focused and rewarding career path. Pursuing specialized certifications or training programs can help you transition into these roles.
Communicating your career aspirations to your supervisors or managers is also important. Expressing your interest in leadership or specialized roles can lead to opportunities within your organization, such as promotions, mentorship programs, or additional training.
Leverage Technology and Resources
Technology can significantly impact nurses aiming to elevate their careers. Recent studies indicate that 94.7% of nursing students reported that their instructors encouraged the use of online learning tools. These platforms provide flexible, on-demand courses that enable you to acquire new nursing skills at your own pace. Plus, many of these tools offer free or low-cost options, making them accessible for nurses with busy schedules or tight budgets. (3)
Additionally, think about looking into telehealth or remote nursing positions. These roles allow you to gain experience in a rapidly expanding healthcare sector while providing greater flexibility in your work hours. Combining these aspects of technology plays a key role in your nursing career advancement.
In Conclusion
Advancing your nursing career while working full-time is challenging but achievable with the right strategies. Your dedication to your professional growth will benefit you and improve the quality of care you provide to your patients. Start today by setting clear goals and taking the first step toward your future. Your nursing career is worth the investment.
References:
- Networking: It’s Not What You Think: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2020/10/15/networking-its-not-what-you-think/#:~:text=Networking%20can%20be,join%20networking%20groups.
- Nursing Students’ Perceptions and Expectations Regarding the Use of Technology in Nursing Education: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339335575_Nursing_Students’_Perceptions_and_Expectations_Regarding_the_Use_of_Technology_in_Nursing_Education#:~:text=The%20nursing%20students%20reported%20that%20educators%20used%20technology%20to%20deliver%20course%20instructions%20(96.7%25)%2C%20and%20encouraged%20students%20to%20use%20it%20for%20creative%20or%20critical%20thinking%20tasks%20(95.3%25).%20They%20were%20encouraged%20by%20their%20educators%20to%20use%20their%20own%20technology%20devices%20(94.7%25)%20and%20online%20platforms%20(94.7%25).