Undoubtedly, nursing is an honorable profession, wherein nursing professionals are accustomed to take care of others and go the extra mile to make sure of their patients’ comfort and safety. As everyone should be aware, the nursing profession is growing at a rapid pace, and each and every nurse should take necessary steps to expand their careers.

Being a part of the healthcare industry, nurses are found to be making up a large workforce, which leaves room for advancement and expansion! Nurses can always use this opportunity to enhance their critical knowledge and skills in every possible way. These would be helpful in getting the most out of the profession. So, how can nurses expand their careers?

Leadership Initiatives:

To take up leadership roles is found to be one of the best ways to work the way up to an upper-management position. All that is needed here is an initiative. Nurses with at least few years of experience in a hospital are more likely to work alongside nurses who are new or with less experience than them. At such situations, the nurses with prior working experience utilize each and every chance to teach the new nurses. They can share their knowledge in a considerate manner to gain respect. To take responsibility of passing good working habits on to the next line of nurses will open new horizons in their nursing careers.

Taking Part in Industry Advocacy:

It’s important for nurses to understand that the effect of nurses goes far beyond the patient’s bedside. Nurses can always utilize their ability to differentiate themselves from their co-workers by transforming themselves into a catalyst for change. If they are passionate about providing patients a strong voice for their rights, improving the nursing profession, or strategizing on the routes enhance the healthcare system, they must remember that there are always ways to make some big change. This is one of the best ways to expand in the nursing career.

Involving in Research:

It’s to be understood that nurses are the closest link to the patients. Thus, they are the people who would know better about the needs of the patients, daily work settings, challenges in their workflow, as well as the community needs. Thus, the nursing profession provides an opportunity to involve in research, as well as other evidence-based practice. In addition, the nurses also have the opportunity to bring a change. If they are able to integrate the measurement of data from their daily nursing practice, they could help find solutions to the problems. This way, the nurses can be a stepping stone for ideas that make quality health care possible. Moreover, carrying out research efforts will demonstrate their initiative to enhance patient care. Thus, they will be noted for their additional efforts!

Out-of-the-box Nursing Careers:

Most times, the nurses are seen working either in a hospital or physician’s office. According to the recent reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were almost 2.8 million registered nurses in the country in 2014. Almost 60%, which is a vast majority of the overall nursing population, are seen working in hospitals. Also, it has been noted that nurses have envisioned themselves remaining in the same unit of the hospitals for the rest of their nursing career. But, bedside patient care is not the only option. There are lots of things out there for the nurses to choose and pursue. All they need is an open mind to consider the following out-of-the-box nursing careers:

• Forensic nurse
• Corrections nurse
• Hospice nurse
• Travel nurse
• School nurse
• Legal nurse consultant
• Flight nurse
• Telehealth nurse
• Parish nurse

Professional Networking:

Right from historical times, nurses were staying isolated. But, it’s time for the nurses that this will lead to detrimental effects. Yes, nurses can no longer work in a vacuum. The success as a nurse would depend on the ability to create productive connections and communities with fellow nurses and other healthcare professionals. This is especially important during the times of big change. An important networking tool will be the business cards. The nurses are recommended to have their business cards with them and exchange it with other nurses and/or healthcare professionals. This would enable them to share contact information thereby, creating ways to build meaningful relationships.

Nursing Organizations:

The registered nurses of today are seen joining nursing organizations for several reasons. Joining a nursing organization would be important for a nurse to learn what’s going on in the field and thus, gives them the opportunity to stay current in their field. The nurses can gain a competitive edge over other nurses by being an active member of the organization. Thus, nursing organizations can help expand the career by providing the following benefits:

• Education
• Annual conventions
• Networking
• Certification
• Targeted products and resources
• Career assistance
• Websites

With so many rewards waiting for nurses, each and every nurse should not wait anymore. They should act immediately to expand their careers!