Do you feel like you need a new challenge? Looking for a new role that will take your professional development to a higher level? Wanting to progress your nursing career where your skills can be tested?
If this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place. Many nurses report a feeling of being neglected when they talk about professional development in the industry.
Now more than ever, health and care services are under extreme pressure, with resources and budgets tight, the last to think about is your career progression.
However, you should be able to strive to reach the levels you are capable of, pushing the boundaries of development. So, how exactly do you progress your career in nursing? Well, let’s take a look.
Be Responsible For Your Own Career
For anyone feeling as though they need a career change, then you need to take full ownership of the situation and begin to take the steps towards a new path. Many people tend to wait around, hoping things will change without any action being done.
However, opportunities don’t always just land right infant of you. You have to take action and make decisions that will propel you towards new challenges. By taking a proactive approach, you will increase the likelihood things will change.
What does taking ownership involve? It isn’t easy, you’ll have to be open to some of the following:
- Being told no and getting rejected.
- Take steps outside your comfort zone.
- Consistently search for new opportunities.
- Speak to people you have never met.
Create Time To Plan Your Next Steps
So, you’re dreaming about your future roles and aspirations. That’s a good place to start, but now it is time to plan these actions, making them come into real life. At the start of the week, schedule some time where you sit down and focus on where you want to be.
You may be comfortable where you are right now and that is fine. It is still good to think about other options that are out there, exploring various roles and courses you can take to maybe further your career. You never know, these courses may benefit your future.
When you take some time to research your next steps, make sure to keep a journal of your actions, with goals and targets to hit. These can be simple actions such as:
- Ticking off when you spend a certain time researching a topic.
- Enquiring about voluntary roles.
- Making time to attend recruitment days.
- Organising time with your manager to speak about more responsibilities in your role.
- Contacting local care practices about the possibility of shadow time.
Gain Information Through Research
An essential part of enhancing your career is to research different roles you’d be interested in pursuing. There is plenty of information online that dives deep into different roles, providing tips and advice on what the role entails, as well as what experience you need.
For certain nursing roles, reading publications and journals can provide a wealth of knowledge about specific industries, so keep up to date with newsletters. Also, networking can be a helpful tool to find out more about schemes and initiatives.
Understand The Nursing Job Market
Think about the roles you want to progress into, then research the specific job market. Here, you can find exactly what employers are looking for at your level, as well as what would be needed for roles in the future. You may need to plan ahead and start further studies now.
Here, you’ll also be able to which roles are currently in demand and if there are any locations where there is a higher need for the specific position. Make sure to sign up to job board websites and receive updates and notifications so you don’t miss out on any adverts.
Networking Is Key
When it comes to progressing your nursing career, networking can be such a useful tool to get ahead. This can be done in many different ways, such as attending job fairs and conferences where you’ll be able to meet like-minded individuals and potential recruiters. You can ask them questions about how to get into various nursing roles and gain advice.
LinkedIn is a great method too. This social media platform gives you access to hundreds of healthcare professionals you can speak with and gain helpful tips. Try to get involved with RCN campaigns too, integrating with RCN Facebook pages and forums.
Volunteering To Gain Experience
Volunteering can be a fantastic way to learn new skills or to enhance your current abilities. This is free training that will allow you to bridge any gaps in the experience you may have. With funding lacking, opportunities to progress are slim, so take advantage of volunteering.
Some of the roles you are interested in may be out of your reach experience-wise. Volunteering at a local charity is a great method of finding out if the role suits you, with the addition of you helping others. The NHS offers volunteering opportunities such as ward volunteers and befriender volunteers.
Shadowing Opportunities
Another way to seek out experience is to shadow others. Speak with your manager and explain why shadowing can enhance your skills and knowledge. This will improve your skills to your current role, helping to create a better working environment.
Shadowing doesn’t have to be in your workplace either, so consider reaching out to external organisations like hospices, care homes and hospitals. This is a great tool to create contacts, gain experience and understand new roles.
Utilise Your 121 Time
Next time you have a 121 meeting, or appraisal talk, take this chance to discuss development opportunities with your seniors. This personal time is an ideal window to explain why you want to progress your nursing career, making them more likely to consider you for upcoming roles.
This is the chance to speak about some of the points we mentioned above, such as taking on more responsibilities, asking to shadow others or taking some time off for voluntary work. Don’t be shy, this is a place to feel comfortable, with most managers encouraging staff to develop and support career goals.
Speak To Your Colleagues
Simply talking to your workmates and team members can sometimes unlock advice and tips. They’ve been in your position too, so you can gain some valuable advice from those who have walked your path before.
They may recommend courses they found helpful, resources they used or even offer for you to shadow them for a while. You never know, they may just introduce you to a contact that can help you on the path to your nursing goals.
Sign Up To Forums And Networks
As mentioned earlier, networking is key, so forums deserve their own chapter. By signing up to professional networks, you can keep up to date with the latest news in the industry. You can find many professional forums and networks through the RCN which are free.
After signing up, you can then connect with healthcare professionals in the field you’d like to pursue, allowing you to network with others and learn about job vacancies and any other exciting opportunities. Employers love a proactive attitude, so this is a great item to mention in a job interview.
Consider A Sabbatical
Taking a sabbatical gives you time away from your current job, allowing you to pursue other opportunities and gain valuable skills and qualifications you can add to your current role.
Utilising this time to research, study towards a qualification or to perform another role can be done with an external company, or your current workplace, lasting up to a few years. If the sabbatical is relevant to your role, then it is likely you will still be paid during this time.
If your workplace doesn’t have a sabbatical or secondment policy, speak to your manager and create a presentation of why it will be beneficial for both parties. If successful, ensure you check the terms and conditions and contact your local representative before signing the agreement in writing.
Informal Visits
In the healthcare sector, arranging an informal visit with a prospective employer is common practice. Many employers are happy to allow staff to gain insights into different workplace environments, create new contacts and improve knowledge of the industry.
However, be sure to conduct yourself properly, such as thanking them for showing you around and representing your current firm well. Make sure to research the role beforehand, preparing questions and topics to ask to the particular area you’d like to work in.
So, you’ve got the tips, now it is time for you to take action. Don’t be frightened to take the first step, otherwise, you’ll never know what you are capable of. Start with a solid plan, taking time to research the career you want to progress to.
Then, be sure to gain extra knowledge in your nursing area, whether that is studying, volunteering or shadowing. Then, when you are ready, reach out and see what opportunities there are. Good luck, be positive and follow your dreams.