Look Outside of Where You Work
In addition to pursuing education opportunities, you can also join professional nursing organizations that not only expand your nursing knowledge but allow you to network with other professionals dedicated to the field. Bring what you learn from these interactions back to your medical facility, so that it too can reap the rewards. You can look for large nursing conventions, small conferences, and even online group discussions to grow your professional contacts and gain information about the latest technologies and trends in nursing.
Not only does participating in nursing events encourage your current supervisor to take notice of your dedication, it introduces you to new professionals and facilities outside of your comfort zone. You may realize that you have skills that have gone unrecognized in the past, but that will make you an excellent candidate in other specialties. Hone those skills through continuing nurse education to make yourself stand out even higher among your peers.
Get Advanced Certifications
There is a high demand for RNs now, a trend that is only predicted to grow over the next decade. Yet there will be an even higher demand for specialized nurses, especially those who are able to provide a higher level of care for patients.
Sign on for online classes where you can earn certifications at your own pace. Medical employers encourage this as it only serves to elevate their quality standards to patients. Plus, it helps financially when nurses are certified to perform tasks that would typically require another medical professional to accomplish.
With current changes in healthcare making it more complex, patients and providers both are looking for competent nurses who can help in streamlining new processes and procedures. With specialty certification, you will naturally stand out to prospective employers and your own as a nurse who is ready to take on these new challenges.
Getting certifications will also help you feel more confident in your position, and give you the courage to take on new tasks. This is especially beneficial to those nurses who are eager to stand out, but do not have the strong personality that supervisors tend to be attracted to.
If you want to experience advancement in the nursing field, it is critical that you start standing out from the pack. Make your mark by exhibiting leadership, networking and specialized skills, and you will be noticed not only by your patients, but by the supervisors who have the power to offer you better positions and salary.