No matter what career direction you take, in today’s job market, it’s important to be a good networker. In a nursing career, in which there are so many professional paths to explore, networking can be especially helpful for finding out about new positions, meeting mentors, learning about interesting industry events, and other development opportunities. Networking is also a great way to make personal connections and build relationships with other nursing professionals “in the trenches,” so you can share tips and advice, lean on each other for support, and commiserate. After all, although it’s a very fulfilling vocation, sometimes nursing can take a physical and emotional toll on you – something to which only fellow nurses can completely relate.

Most important, if you hope to advance to a managerial or leadership position, or move into a specialization in the nursing field someday, networking can help you take those next steps. It’s true that the demand for nurses is high, but as you advance, the competition for jobs will become more fierce. Having a strong network behind you can help set you apart.

So how can you become a well-networked nurse? Read on for tips on how to make connections and nurture them.

• Participate in professional organizations

I have found there is no better way to meet other nurses who have a similar interest in nursing leadership than to become actively involved in at least one nursing organization. You’ll quickly learn that, while there are many names on the roster, only a small number of those members actively work on behalf of the organization. Participating on committees exposes you to board members and other leaders you may not otherwise get to know on a personal level.

• Talk about your career goals often

It may sound like a lesson in how to be prideful, but if you share your dreams and aspirations with everyone you know, someone is bound to connect you to the right person. Remember, everyone is a potential connection! You don’t want to keep silent around the very person who has the resources to help make your dreams come true. The problem is, you don’t know who that person is. So the moral of the story is to talk yourself up every chance you get.

• Go to nursing conferences and meet people

Even if you are not a manager, create your own personal business cards and exchange them with as many people as you can. Keep those business cards and add them to your list. It is very important that you email all the people you meet when you get home and tell them that you appreciated meeting them.

• Keep your online profiles updated

It is important to be represented in the same way across all of your social media profiles. Add reputable people to your LinkedIn account and make sure that your profile is comprehensive and up to date.

• Above all, communicate

It is so important to be in touch with nurses just like you, or nurses you could learn from. Reach out to organizations that feature member communication.

Just like with any profession, nurses can get a lot from being professionally active on many levels. Make sure to follow these tips in order to increase your networking!