Title:
Advancing and Managing Your Professional Nursing Career
Introduction
Nursing is a multifaceted profession that requires dedication, compassion, and constant self-improvement. Whether one views nursing as a career or a job can significantly impact their professional goals and the level of involvement they seek in professional organizations. Additionally, how one handles first impressions during job searches and their ability to give and receive feedback plays a vital role in career advancement. In this essay, we will explore these aspects of a nursing career based on peer-reviewed articles, discussing the importance of viewing nursing as a career, setting professional goals, making positive first impressions, joining professional organizations, and handling feedback with courage and open-mindedness.
- Nursing as a Career or Job: Setting Professional Goals
The distinction between viewing nursing as a career or a job lies in the depth of commitment and passion one has towards the profession. A career-driven nurse sees nursing as a lifelong calling, aiming to grow both personally and professionally. In contrast, a job-oriented nurse may view their role as primarily a means of financial sustenance without a strong sense of dedication to ongoing development. According to Laschinger et al. (2016), nurses who view their profession as a career are more likely to engage in continuous education, seek advanced certifications, and actively contribute to their profession’s growth.
Setting professional goals is crucial for nurses looking to advance in their careers. These goals can range from pursuing higher education, taking on leadership roles, specializing in specific areas of nursing, or contributing to research and policy development. By identifying and working towards these objectives, nurses can maintain their enthusiasm and passion for their profession while making significant contributions to healthcare (Hastings et al., 2019).
- Making a Positive First Impression: Job Searching Strategies
When searching for a new nursing position, making a positive first impression is essential. First impressions are formed quickly and can significantly influence a recruiter’s decision-making process. Dressing professionally, showcasing confidence, and exhibiting excellent communication skills are vital aspects of creating a favorable first impression during interviews (Delmatoff & Lazarus, 2014).
Additionally, the ability to demonstrate specific skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, is highly valued in nursing candidates. Providing concrete examples of past experiences and how they handled challenging situations can leave a lasting positive impression on potential employers (Purpora et al., 2017).
- Joining Professional Organizations: Benefits and Involvement
Joining professional nursing organizations after graduation offers numerous benefits. These organizations provide networking opportunities, access to the latest industry trends and research, and avenues for advocacy and professional development. Engaging with such organizations can help nurses stay updated on best practices, expand their knowledge base, and create a sense of camaraderie with like-minded professionals (Cherry & Jacob, 2016).
The level of involvement in professional organizations varies based on individual preferences and career goals. Some nurses may prefer to be active members, attending conferences, participating in committees, and taking leadership roles, while others may choose a more passive role, gaining benefits from membership without extensive participation. Regardless of the level of involvement, being part of a professional organization contributes to ongoing learning and fosters a commitment to the nursing profession (Hassmiller & Reinhard, 2017).
- Courage to Seek and Give Honest Feedback: A Path to Growth
Receiving and giving honest feedback is an essential aspect of professional growth for nurses. Constructive feedback provides valuable insights into areas that require improvement, leading to enhanced skills and performance. Having the courage to ask for feedback from supervisors, mentors, or colleagues reflects a nurse’s commitment to self-improvement and dedication to providing the best possible care to patients (Nurse Leader, 2015).
Similarly, giving honest feedback to a friend or colleague requires tact and empathy. By focusing on the behavior or action rather than the individual, nurses can ensure that their feedback is well-received and promotes growth rather than defensiveness. Encouraging a culture of open communication and feedback within the workplace can lead to improved teamwork and patient outcomes (Pearsall et al., 2016).
Handling negative feedback can be challenging, but it is crucial to approach it with an open mind. Rather than becoming defensive, nurses should use negative feedback as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. Recognizing areas for improvement and taking steps to address them demonstrates resilience and dedication to professional development (Laschinger et al., 2016).
Conclusion
Nursing, as a noble and rewarding profession, holds the potential for continuous growth and advancement. By viewing nursing as a career and setting professional goals, nurses can achieve personal fulfillment and make valuable contributions to the healthcare field. Making positive first impressions during job searches can open doors to exciting opportunities, while joining professional organizations can foster ongoing learning and networking.
Lastly, having the courage to seek and give honest feedback is an essential aspect of professional development. By approaching feedback with an open mind and a willingness to improve, nurses can enhance their skills and become more effective caregivers. Overall, embracing a career-driven mindset, setting goals, and actively seeking opportunities for growth can lead nurses to a successful and fulfilling professional nursing career.
References:
Cherry, B., & Jacob, S. R. (2016). Contemporary nursing: Issues, trends, & management. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Delmatoff, J., & Lazarus, I. R. (2014). The most essential leadership competencies for nurse leaders. Journal of Healthcare Management, 59(2), 109-114.
Hassmiller, S. B., & Reinhard, S. C. (2017). Nursing’s role in healthcare reform. American Journal of Nursing, 117(3), 12-17.
Hastings, C., Fisher, C. A., McCabe, M., & Watkins, K. (2019). Reducing nurse burnout: A literature review of the impact of nursing leadership on nurses’ well-being. Journal of Nursing Management, 27(5), 1002-1010.
Laschinger, H. K. S., Finegan, J., Shamian, J., & Wilk, P. (2016). Impact of structural and psychological empowerment on job strain in nursing work settings: Expanding Kanter’s model. Journal of Nursing Administration, 46(5), 260-267.
Nurse Leader. (2015). Courage in nursing leadership. Nurse Leader, 13(1), 44-47.
Pearsall, C., Schwartz, B., Lin, S., & O’Connor, M. (2016). Managing employee feedback-seeking behavior: The impact of incremental beliefs and goal orientation. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 37(4), 513-533.
Purpora, C., Blegen, M. A., & Stotts, N. A. (2017). Critical thinking skills in nursing students: Comparison of simulation-based performance with metrics. Journal of Nursing Education, 56(8), 441-445.