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How Can Nurses Pursue a Career at the Profession’s Highest ?  

Nurses who have been in the profession for a few years often want to pursue new roles in the medical field. This might be because they are seeking a fresh challenge or a better salary, or perhaps they are craving greater job satisfaction.

Whatever the reason, there are several ways to begin moving up the career ladder. Some types of professional development require a greater level of commitment than others, but it’s worth remembering that the rewards can make it all worthwhile.

Take part in a nurse mentor program

Every day when they arrive for work, nurses are prepared to experience situations that most people would never understand. That means asking for career advice from someone outside of the profession is not always the best idea. Instead, it makes sense to consult and learn from someone who has seen and done it all before.

A mentor can help nurses to manage feelings of stress and stay on track with their careers. There are numerous options open to qualified nurses, and a mentor can put younger professionals in touch with useful people in their own network. Furthermore, if a nurse decides to go back into education, their mentor can provide a reference that helps them land a spot in their chosen program. The hospital or clinic’s human resources department is a good place to search for potential mentors, but colleagues may also know someone willing to take on the role.

Work toward a specialization certification

In most areas of healthcare, people stick with their specialization, but in nursing, this does not have to be the case. Nursing certifications allow people to progress in terms of seniority and change the direction of their career. They prepare nurses for leadership roles, help them win jobs in other areas of the profession, and generally drive their careers forward.

By selecting a specific area of the job to focus on, nurses can improve their expertise and do more of what they enjoy most. Specializations can be geared toward adult nursing, critical care, surgery, and other areas.

Return to higher education

Choosing to go back to college is a major step, but it can make a huge difference in terms of career prospects. People who are hoping to move into a nursing administrator or advanced practice role will need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to be considered.

For working nurses, the online nursing school in Indiana at the University of Indianapolis is a great place to search for a program. Students are supported by experienced faculty members throughout their time at the university and benefit from a hands-on clinical placement.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Nurses who are interested in a range of specialty positions can prepare themselves by enrolling in an MSN program. These courses are the ideal starting point for anyone who is hoping to become a nurse administrator or a nurse educator or to move into an advanced practice role. The program will build on the core skills of its students, adding to the training they received when qualifying as registered nurses.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Nurses who are hoping to practice at the highest clinical levels should consider earning a DNP. Graduates leave the program ready to become planners, leaders, and strategists in the healthcare system. They will learn the overarching importance of improving high-quality patient care and outcomes in their field. DNP graduates specialize in an area they are passionate about, enjoy excellent compensation, and often serve as mentors to younger nurses.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing degree (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing is equal to the DNP in terms of educational achievement. However, it is based on students undertaking scientific research rather than the practical experience offered by a DNP. Students in these programs will design and complete evidence-based research of the highest quality before moving into research or academia when they graduate. Their work can influence the nation’s healthcare policies and practices for generations to come.

Be part of the future

The healthcare needs of US citizens are of vital importance right now, as a recruitment crisis continues to affect our hospitals and clinics. Nurses who are dedicated enough to continue their learning will be in increasing demand. The capacity to complete a master’s or another nursing studies qualification will be recognized and appreciated. After all, in addition to nurses, hospitals need teachers and leaders to inspire the next generation of medical professionals.

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