Advance your nursing career with strategic decision-making and goal setting tips for professional growth and success.

To push your nursing career forward, don't shy away from new experiences that challenge you. Take on projects or roles that excite you, even if they're a bit scary at first. Ask for feedback from people you trust, like colleagues or mentors, to help you grow. Look for chances to learn and improve your skills, whether it's through workshops or certifications. Build relationships with others in your field - you never know where your next opportunity might come from. Stay open to change and embrace the journey of growing in your nursing career.

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Here's how you can make decisions that propel your nursing career forward.

Embarking on a nursing career can be as challenging as it is rewarding. To ensure you're not just going through the motions but actively steering your professional journey in the right direction, you need to make strategic decisions. This doesn't just mean choosing the right specialty or pursuing further education—it's about continuously assessing your path, setting smart goals, and seizing opportunities that align with your aspirations. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced nurse, understanding how to navigate your career trajectory with purpose can make all the difference in achieving long-term success and fulfillment in the nursing field.

Key takeaways from this article

Set smart goals:

Regularly assess your current position and long-term aspirations to set achievable objectives. Write these goals down and revisit them often to ensure your decisions align with your career trajectory.### *Actively seek mentors:Find experienced nurses who can offer guidance and open doors to new opportunities. Mentors provide invaluable advice, helping you navigate challenges and make informed career decisions.

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1 Assess Goals

Take stock of your current position and long-term aspirations to set realistic and achievable goals. Consider what you want to accomplish in your nursing career, whether it's advancing to a managerial role, specializing in a specific field, or gaining skills that are in high demand. Write these goals down and refer to them regularly to ensure your decisions align with these objectives. Remember, goals can evolve, so be prepared to reassess and adjust them as you progress in your career.

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Joseph de Veyra, DNP, RN, PCCN, MPH, MBA

MIT MBA l Harvard MPH l CNO at NPHub, I help NP programs optimize student clinical placements I 40 under 40 Honoree-Seattle l Inc. 5000 Exec
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To all the aspiring nurse leaders out there, remember that strategic growth is key to achieving your professional goals. If you're aiming for a role in a specialized unit like neuroscience, start by earning relevant certifications, such as Stroke Certification. Take the initiative to shadow a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in the neuroscience department to gain hands-on experience. Building your expertise in this way not only enriches your resume but also makes a strong impression during interviews. Your journey to excellence starts with a clear goal and the commitment to continuous learning. #NurseLeadership #CareerGrowth #NeuroscienceNursing

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Adriano Siqueira 🩺🏳️🌈🙏🏻 (ele/dele)

Enfermeiro PCD / Gestão em saúde / Gestão da qualidade e segurança do paciente/ Liderança / Supervisor de Enfermagem l Enfermeiro sênior | UTI adulto e infantil | clínica médica e cirúrgica/ Promoção e prevenção à saúde.
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É importante refletir sobre suas paixões e habilidades para determinar o caminho que deseja seguir na profissão. Ter um objetivo profissional claro na enfermagem é essencial para guiar sua carreira e alcançar o sucesso. Seu objetivo pode ser focado em diversas áreas, como atendimento ao paciente, pesquisa, gestão de cuidados de saúde, entre outros. É importante refletir sobre suas paixões e habilidades para determinar o caminho que deseja seguir na profissão.

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2 Seek Mentors

Finding a mentor can be transformative in your nursing career. Look for experienced nurses who exemplify where you aspire to be and reach out for guidance. A mentor can offer invaluable advice, help you navigate challenges, and open doors to opportunities that might otherwise be missed. They provide a sounding board for your ideas and decisions, ensuring you're considering all angles before taking a leap.

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Joseph de Veyra, DNP, RN, PCCN, MPH, MBA

MIT MBA l Harvard MPH l CNO at NPHub, I help NP programs optimize student clinical placements I 40 under 40 Honoree-Seattle l Inc. 5000 Exec
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As a nurse dedicated to continuous growth, it's crucial to be strategic in your career journey. If you aspire to join a neuroscience unit, seek out a neuroscience Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to shadow. Immersing yourself in their daily routine provides invaluable insights. But don't stop there—schedule weekly mentorship meetings to deepen your understanding of neuroscience and its patient population, including intricate procedures like managing ventricular drains. This proactive approach not only enhances your skills but also builds a strong network of mentors who can guide you to success. #NurseLeadership #Mentorship #CareerGrowth #NeuroscienceNursing

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Adriano Siqueira 🩺🏳️🌈🙏🏻 (ele/dele)

Enfermeiro PCD / Gestão em saúde / Gestão da qualidade e segurança do paciente/ Liderança / Supervisor de Enfermagem l Enfermeiro sênior | UTI adulto e infantil | clínica médica e cirúrgica/ Promoção e prevenção à saúde.
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Além disso, buscar mentoria de enfermeiros experientes e estabelecer uma rede de contatos na área da saúde pode proporcionar orientação e apoio ao longo de sua jornada profissional. Lembre-se de que o objetivo na enfermagem não é apenas alcançar uma posição, mas também contribuir positivamente para a saúde e bem-estar dos pacientes.

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3 Education Path

Continuing education is a cornerstone for advancing in nursing. Determine what additional certifications or degrees could bolster your expertise and make you a more competitive candidate for future roles. Whether it's a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), or a specialty certification, additional education can be a powerful catalyst for career progression. Balance your current workload with educational pursuits to maintain a sustainable pace.

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Adriano Siqueira 🩺🏳️🌈🙏🏻 (ele/dele)

Enfermeiro PCD / Gestão em saúde / Gestão da qualidade e segurança do paciente/ Liderança / Supervisor de Enfermagem l Enfermeiro sênior | UTI adulto e infantil | clínica médica e cirúrgica/ Promoção e prevenção à saúde.
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A educação permanente norteia ações transformadoras nos serviços de saúde, principalmente no que diz respeito à prática dos profissionais de enfermagem, identificando situações problemas, e outorga subsídios aos profissionais frente às evoluções científicas e tecnológicas.

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4 Network Actively

Networking is not just about attending events; it's about building relationships that can support and enhance your career. Engage with colleagues, join professional associations, and participate in online forums dedicated to nursing. These connections can provide insights into job openings, new technologies, and emerging trends in healthcare that could influence your career decisions. Active networking keeps you at the forefront of the industry and can lead to unexpected opportunities.

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Adriano Siqueira 🩺🏳️🌈🙏🏻 (ele/dele)

Enfermeiro PCD / Gestão em saúde / Gestão da qualidade e segurança do paciente/ Liderança / Supervisor de Enfermagem l Enfermeiro sênior | UTI adulto e infantil | clínica médica e cirúrgica/ Promoção e prevenção à saúde.
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Networking é algo que enfermeiros devem investir. Muito menos não é só sobre pedir ajuda, é ajudar também! Você precisa cultivar sua rede contatos e colaborar. Networking é isso! Deve basear-se em interações que envolvam compartilhamento de conhecimento e desenvolvimento profissional mútuo.

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5 Evaluate Risks

Every decision comes with its own set of risks and rewards. When considering a career move, weigh the potential benefits against the risks. Think about job stability, work-life balance, and personal satisfaction. Sometimes taking a calculated risk can lead to significant growth, but it's important to ensure that any move you make doesn't compromise your core values or long-term objectives.

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Adriano Siqueira 🩺🏳️🌈🙏🏻 (ele/dele)

Enfermeiro PCD / Gestão em saúde / Gestão da qualidade e segurança do paciente/ Liderança / Supervisor de Enfermagem l Enfermeiro sênior | UTI adulto e infantil | clínica médica e cirúrgica/ Promoção e prevenção à saúde.
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Devemos avaliar a troca de emprego envolve comparar salários, benefícios e oportunidades de crescimento profissional. “É importante também considerar a cultura e o ambiente de trabalho da nova empresa.

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6 Reflect Regularly

Reflection is key to personal and professional growth. Regularly take time to reflect on your decisions, the outcomes they've led to, and what you've learned from them. This practice helps you understand your strengths and areas for improvement, informing better decision-making in the future. Reflection also allows you to celebrate your successes and acknowledge the progress you've made, which can be a great motivator as you continue to advance in your nursing career.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Chinenye Chigbo

Nursing student | Health Writer | Content Writer | SDG 3&10 Advocate | Research Enthusiast
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To push your nursing career forward, don't shy away from new experiences that challenge you. Take on projects or roles that excite you, even if they're a bit scary at first. Ask for feedback from people you trust, like colleagues or mentors, to help you grow. Look for chances to learn and improve your skills, whether it's through workshops or certifications. Build relationships with others in your field - you never know where your next opportunity might come from. Stay open to change and embrace the journey of growing in your nursing career.

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Here's how you can make decisions that propel your nursing career forward.

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2

3

4

5

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1 Assess Goals

2 Seek Mentors

3 Education Path

4 Network Actively

5 Evaluate Risks

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

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