Setting Your Nurse Career Path: Get Promoted!

Are you hoping to move into nursing management? How-to insight from a former nurse manager.

Nurse management and/or nurse specialization often means higher pay, greater influence, and unique opportunities. It’s never too early to start sculpting your experience! We asked one of our Clinical Account Managers for her advice on 'climbing the ladder':

If you aspire to a formal leadership role in nursing, you have to be self-motivated, because it isn't always easy. Honestly, management isn't for everyone. But if you have the ambition and drive, it can be very much worth it! Many healthcare organizations have clinical ladder programs (CLPs) for their nursing staff. A CLP offers programmatic steps to achieve career advancement. No surprise: a CLP requires plenty of extra work outside of your regular shifts. You'll commit to extra-curricular activities, continuing education and training. You may have to participate on hospital committees like shared governance, unit-based councils, informatics, quality improvement, and patient safety initiatives. You may also need to advance from ASN to BSN, MSN, or beyond!

Getting involved in professional organizations like ANA, AACN, ENA, NAON, or AONE is a great way to network with other leaders. Seek out mentors there and look for inspiration. Being a nurse leader has a big impact on your personal and professional growth. You'll come to understand how health systems run -- and why changes are being implemented in your organization. You'll contribute to process improvements and improve nursing practice. One of the things that I do as a nurse to develop my leadership skills is attend leadership conferences. It helps me understand my role better and also gives me insight into the concerns of the people I lead. A leadership role can be a great accomplishment in your career; you're becoming part of other nurses' growth!

Even if your employer doesn't have a formal clinical ladder program, there are still some tried-and-true ways to get ready to get ahead:

Seven Not-so-Secret Paths to a Nurse Promotion

1. Learn from others

If you know someone has a unique case on their hands, ask them questions -- and if you can shadow them. When you’re facing a challenge, ask experienced coworkers how they would deal with the situation.

2. Be quick to volunteer

When an opportunity arises at work - particularly one that involves learning a new skill - volunteer! Don’t be afraid to confess that you don’t know how to do something, but would love to learn.

3. Network

Asking colleagues for advice builds professional relationships. That charge nurse who you shadowed on a cardiac floor might just be in a position to hire you someday.

4. Earn certifications

are key. In addition to signifying proficiency, certifications also convey initiative and drive. Plus, the reality is that healthcare employers love them.

5. Engage in professional development

Development can mean conferences, seminars, in-house training, or at-home reading. Register, go, participate, put them on your C.V. and (gracefully) let your managers know you're into it!

6. Pursue higher degrees

Nurse management or specialist jobs frequently require higher degrees; nearly all will require a BSN. If you're looking to move into nurse management, consider a master's degree or further. Specialists should pursue degrees in their area of expertise.

7. Accept leadership roles

Don’t hide in the shadows! Take advantage of opportunities to learn people management and organizational skills - which are quite different from clinical skills. Serving as a taskforce chair or special project lead can be a natural first step.

Whether you’re itching to reach the next rung or not even sure you really want to step on the ladder, it’s worth considering how to position yourself to best be prepared for any opportunity that might arise. Looking for a first step? You can start learning new skills and building your resume with a travel nurse job! Travel assignments demonstrate your adaptability, flexibility, and clinical competence. Plus, there are travel jobs in teaching facilities, Magnet hospitals, and research centers that will make your resume pop.