How To Grow Your Career In Nursing

Is there room to grow in the nursing industry? We’re glad you asked because the answer is a resounding yes! Nursing is one of the most in-demand jobs in Australia due to a number of different factors, including the lack of healthcare workers. 

So, for those who have attained their undergrad in nursing and still want to know how they can take their career to the next level, you’ll be happy to know that career advancement is high if you’ve got the determination and gifting and are willing to put in the hours. So, what can you do to grow your nursing career? 

In this article, we’ve got some helpful tips to keep in mind right from the get-go of your nursing career that you can use to get ahead. 

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Knowledge is power, and unless you ask the right questions you’re not going to know what you need to know. This not only goes for asking your managers and supervisors for help, but it also pertains to asking the patients the right questions, too. Getting clarification and confirmation is one way to help you avoid making mistakes. 

1. Find your field, but be willing to explore

One thing that you have to understand about nursing right from the start is that there are many different fields, each with its own setting and specialties. So, just because you start out in one unit doesn’t mean you have to stay there – not everyone wants to be in the ER. Try working in different fields and search for the area where you think you’ll thrive, and we’re not just talking about your first years of nursing. What you loved in your twenties might not be so ideal in your thirties, and it’s okay to switch if you need a change.  

1. Find yourself a good mentor

One of the best things you can do in your nursing career is find yourself a good mentor. Find someone who you look up to in your workplace and who is experienced, and ask if you could meet up with them over coffee. This is a great way to get advice, learn from their experience, and get constructive feedback. They might also be able to help you network better and find the right people to open doors in your career. 

1. Cultivate adaptability

Due to the dynamic nature of healthcare, things change quickly and it requires you to work on your toes. To succeed in nursing, approach every situation with the ability to adapt quickly. The way to do this is to have an open mind when it comes to new methods, protocols and tech. 

1. Never stop learning 

Along the same lines as being as adaptable as possible, you should also try and embrace lifelong learning. Why? Isn’t your degree enough? Well, considering all the new research, technology and everything else that keeps adapting in healthcare, the only way to stay up to date on all the new things is to keep on learning. Go to workshops and conferences when the opportunity arises. Listen to podcasts, and keep a keen eye on the Australian Government’s Nursing and Midwifery resources page. 

Studying further and getting a postgraduate diploma or even your Master’s in Nursing, depending on what your goals are, will help bolster your resume and help make you a standout candidate for managerial and leadership positions. 

1. Sharpen your communication skills

Nursing requires professionals who can communicate effectively for the sake of your patients. This means working on your active listening skills and being able to convey information in a way that is both clear and shows compassion. 

1. Be organised

As a nurse you’re going to have a lot of tasks to juggle everyday, so you’ll need to do your best to be as organised as possible. A great way to do that is to write down your plan for each day, because you will face interruptions and having a general plan can help you keep on track and feel less frazzled. 

1. Set yourself some goals

To stay motivated on what you want in your nursing career, just like anything else in life, set yourself some goals. First, establish what your long-term professional goal is, and then establish some short-term goals. The most effective plan when setting your goals is to work on a timeline and ensure that they are SMART: 

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant 
• Time-based 

As time goes on and you start to progress in your career, then you’ll need to reassess and adjust according to the new circumstances. 

Final Thoughts 

Nursing is a career with so much potential for you to grow, whether you’re fresh to the industry or have been in it for years – it all depends on what you make of it and if you’re willing to grow. Adopting a mindset that is hungry for learning is always going to benefit you, so don’t be afraid to ask the questions, find a mentor and further your studies to get to where you want to go.