Discover Career Opportunities

10 Key Moves to Elevate Your Nursing Career

registered nurse

We may receive compensation when you click on product links from our partners. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

There are many ways to advance your nursing career and get promoted. Some nurses specialize in a certain area, while others work hard and demonstrate dedication to general practice. Regardless of which path you choose, there are certain things you can do to help advance your career and get promoted.

According to industry statistics, there will be a nursing shortage of over 1 million nurses in the coming years. However, it is good news for those already in the profession, as there will be plenty of opportunities for nurses to advance their careers and get promoted.

Here are a few tips on how you can move up the nursing ladder:

1. Get a degree

The first step to getting promoted is often getting a higher degree. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing can open up many doors and lead to higher-paying positions. Additionally, continuing your education shows that you are dedicated to your career and are willing to invest in your professional development. Many online programs offer degrees in nursing, so you can continue working while you get your degree. For instance, online ABSN programs allow you to complete your degree in as little as 16 months.

2. Get certified

You can always further your career by getting certified in a specialty area. Another way to demonstrate your dedication to your career is to get certified in your specialty. It shows you have the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your field. It makes you more marketable to employers and can lead to higher pay. However, remember that certification exams can be expensive, so you’ll need to factor that into your budget.

3. Gain experience

There are many ways to gain experience in nursing. You can volunteer, work as a nurse extern, or take a leadership role in a nursing organization. Another critical factor in getting promoted is gaining experience. The more experience you have, the more likely you will be promoted. One way to gain experience is to take on additional responsibilities at work. You can also volunteer for committees or special projects. Another way to gain experience is to shadow a more experienced nurse or follow a mentor. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for a transfer to a higher-level position.

There are many ways to advance your nursing career and get promoted. Some nurses specialize in a certain area, while others work hard and demonstrate dedication to general practice.Click To Tweet

4. Be a team player

In any job, it’s important to be a team player. But in nursing, it’s especially important. Nurses often work closely with other nurses, doctors, and support staff. Therefore, working well with others and being a good communicator is important. Additionally, being a team player shows that you’re willing to work together for the common good and that you’re not afraid to pitch in when needed. Remember, promoting teamwork is one of the most important things you can do to advance your nursing career. However, being a team player doesn’t mean you have to be a pushover. On the contrary, it’s important to be able to stand up for yourself and your beliefs.

5. Be proactive

There are many opportunities for nurses to be proactive and take charge. The best way to get promoted is to be proactive and take the initiative. If you see a problem, don’t wait for someone else to fix it. Instead, find a solution and implement it. Also, don’t be afraid to speak up and offer your opinion. Showing you’re a leader will make you more likely to be promoted. Also, be sure to document your successes. It will give you something to show your superiors when requesting a promotion.

6. Be flexible

Another important quality for nurses is flexibility. Things can often change quickly in a hospital or medical setting, so you need to be able to adapt. For instance, you might be asked to work a different shift or take on a new responsibility. Being flexible shows that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done and that you’re open to new challenges. Besides, being flexible can make your job more exciting and help you learn new skills.

7. Be patient

Promotions don’t happen overnight. Developing the skills and experience necessary to advance your career takes time. So, be patient, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t get promoted right away. Instead, keep up the good work, and eventually, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a successful nursing career.

8. Have a positive attitude

Having a positive attitude at work is essential, no matter your job. But in nursing, it’s especially important. It is because nurses often have to deal with sick and injured patients. They also have to deal with the stress of working in a fast-paced environment. So having a positive attitude can make all the difference. It will make you more likely to be promoted and make your job more enjoyable.

9. Be patient with patients

As a nurse, it’s important to be patient with patients. This is because some patients can be challenging to deal with. They might be in pain, or they might be scared. They might also be angry or frustrated. It’s essential to deal with these emotions professionally and compassionately. Remember, your patients count on you. There are a lot of people who want to be promoted, but not everyone has the patience it takes.

10. Be a lifelong learner

The journey to becoming a nurse doesn’t end when you get your degree. It’s just the beginning. Finally, it’s important to be a lifelong learner. It is because the medical field is constantly changing. To stay ahead of the curve, you need to be willing to learn new things. You can do this by taking continuing education courses or attending conferences. You can also read journals or books. By staying up-to-date on the latest changes in the medical field, you’ll be more likely to get promoted.

Bottom Line:

If you want to advance your nursing career, you can do a few things. First, focus on developing the skills and experience necessary to be a leader.

Second, be proactive and take the initiative. Third, be flexible and open to new challenges. Fourth, have a positive attitude. Finally, be a lifelong learner. By following these tips, you’ll be well on getting promoted.

Other Resources

  1. How To Become A Nurse Anesthetist
    $5.49

    CRNA school is extremely difficult, but for those who are determined to become CRNAs, it can be done. The CRNA program is very intensive, as it's a graduate-level program. Try to get any advantage you can to make your life easier. This book does exactly that.

    Buy on Amazon.com

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

    11/09/2024 05:33 am GMT
  2. How to Become a Nurse: The Exact Roadmap
    $9.99

    Becoming a nurse doesn't have to be so difficult as you will find out from this book. You will learn all the tips and tricks to getting your nursing education toward a high paying job with lots of satisfaction and perks.

    Buy on Amazon.com

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

    11/09/2024 05:34 am GMT
  3. Becoming a Nurse
    $14.95 $3.45

    The ideal guide to finding out everything a potential candidate needs to know, Becoming a Nurse provides a thorough, up-to-date overview on the nursing profession

    Buy on Amazon.com Buy on Walmart.com

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

    11/09/2024 05:38 am GMT
  4. How To Become A Registered Nurse
    $4.99

    *** Amazon Best Seller in Professional Development *** Have you ever thought about becoming a registered nurse, but were unsure if a career in nursing is good for you? Do you want to become a registered nurse, but are not sure if you have what it takes? Are you not 100% sure about how to become a registered nurse?

    Buy on Amazon.com

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

    11/09/2024 06:21 am GMT
  5. Work At Home Jobs For Nurses
    $14.97

    Jane John-Nwankwo is a Registered Nurse who loves to write. She has authored more than 20 books ranging from Textbooks to Exam Preparation materials, and now to fiction which is termed "Nurses' Romance Series" Simply search "Books by Jane John-Nwankwo" On Amazon.com Visit her website: www.janejohn-nwankwo.com

    Buy on Amazon.com

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

    11/09/2024 05:33 am GMT
  6. How to be a Nurse's Aide in a Nursing Home
    $10.00

    Have you ever thought about becoming a registered nurse, but were unsure if a career in nursing is good for you? Do you want to become a registered nurse, but are not sure if you have what it takes? Are you not 100% sure about how to become a registered nurse?

    Buy on Amazon.com

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

    11/09/2024 05:44 am GMT
  7. How to Become a Nurse: The Exact Roadmap That Will Lead You to a Fulfilling Career in Nursing!
    $9.99

    This book can circumvent all your worries and uncertainties so you will take only the coursework necessary to get you where you want to be in nursing without wasting your time and tuition money on coursework that won't help you. 

    Buy from Amazon

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

    11/09/2024 05:34 am GMT
  8. Thriving Through Turbulence: Overcoming Stress as a Nurse
    $9.99

    "Unwind and Thrive" is an empowering and comprehensive ebook designed specifically for nurses, providing valuable insights and practical strategies to help you effectively deal with stress and cultivate a sense of well-being in your demanding profession.

    Buy on Amazon.com

    We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

    11/09/2024 05:47 am GMT
Lasso Brag

What's next?

home popular resources subscribe search

You cannot copy content of this page