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The spread of COVID-19 in 2020 brought about some significant alterations in the world. And one was pushing the health profession into the limelight. When most of the world was in lockdown, the frontline fighters were doctors, nurses, and other health workers. Even though the healthcare industry always stands as the most prominent sector, nurses’ and doctors’ roles in fighting the novel coronavirus gave it a new value.
Building a career in healthcare is a fruitful choice. You help people fight off disease, create awareness, help in research, etc. If you love helping people, it is a perfect career choice for you. But in this changed perspective of things due to the spread of COVID-19, how should aspiring nursing students further their careers? Here we have a list of seven career-boosting tips for the year 2021 if you wish to become an ace nursing professional.
DEFINE YOUR CAREER GOALS:
It is imperative to have a career plan chalked out. How else do you expect to achieve targets when you do not have them planned? Know what qualifications, courses, or diplomas you need to progress in your career. Being an aspiring nurse, try to look into the different programs offered. Since the profession has massively evolved over the years, programs like BSN-to-MSN and Doctor of Nursing Practice of Nursing Practice have become a prime choice of individuals. Similarly, many certifications and degrees have become mandatory for advanced roles in clinical settings. And if you wish to build a thriving career, it is wise to opt for a degree employers feel when looking through resumes.
EXPAND YOUR SKILL SETS:
Over the years, health practitioners have realized the value nurses can add to the overall health industry. In the past, they got restricted to merely patient care and assisting doctors with basic tasks. But now, nurses are making their way into the more significant responsibilities such as making strategic decisions and policy-building.
Consequently, to give your career a boost, you should have more than the essential competencies. You should have sound leadership, communication, and management skills if you wish to climb the ladder and reach the top executive positions.
NETWORKING WITH SENIORS:
Networking is now one of the most valuable ways to find working opportunities you otherwise would not have scored. It is the building of professional relationships with your colleagues, senior management staff, ex-managers, etc., so that they can offer you career opportunities as and when they arise. Organizations now rely heavily on hiring staff with referrals since a referral is considered a recommendation of skills and capabilities. And this is why networking is a practical way to assist your career.
MAKE CONTINUOUS LEARNING A PRACTICE:
One factor that differentiates a professional from the others is how updated they are with the changing trends. Due to the rapid pace of technological advancements, newer processes and ways are constantly unveiling. Maintaining an attitude of continuous learning and upgrading your skills is imperative to a successful career.
LEARN TO COPE IN EXTREME ADVERSITIES:
The spread of COVID-19 put a mental and physical strain on every individual. However, healthcare professionals were the ones who directly faced the brunt. Depression and anxiety rose as many frontline workers could not meet their families amongst the horrid pandemic crisis. But this is what the profession calls for in the field. Healthcare workers need to be fighters, and they must have high spirits to combat situations like the one posed by the spread of COVID-19.
BECOME A MEMBER OF NURSING ORGANIZATIONS:
Joining professionals associations and clubs is a great way to expand your network and learning. You get to meet new people and gain insights into the profession that you may currently be missing. You also get to learn from other professionals’ experiences in the same field and expand your horizon. When you may feel burdened by your profession, interacting with your lot is a perfect way to find solutions. And being a part of different associations provides you this opportunity.
ATTEND NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL NURSING EVENTS:
Attending national or international nursing events such as conferences or discussion helps you network with your field experts and learn from them. With the year gone by struggling with the pandemic, many healthcare professionals had their struggles. Interacting and listening to how other nurses fought and coped will give you excellent knowledge and learning. And this learning will help you push your career in the right direction.
CONCLUSION:
With nurses gaining significant importance in the healthcare sector, these professionals can now progress their careers without bounds. Senior nurses now take up executive positions in healthcare facilities management, indicating that nurses now have many opportunities to achieve more than just the primary roles. We highlighted seven excellent career tips for nurses above. And we are optimistic they can play an influential role in boosting their careers.