Jun 17, 2022 03:23 PM EDT By David Thompson, UniversityHerald Reporter

As a nurse, you have many opportunities to advance your career. By taking on new responsibilities, pursuing additional education, and networking with other professionals, you can position yourself for success. Here are five simple ways to advance your nursing career:

1. Pursue Additional Certifications

Most nursing roles require at least some type of certification. The American Nurses Credentialing Center's certifications list more than 100 distinct nursing certifications. Many are advanced practice nursing certifications such as DCN, ACLN, AHA, and NNP. 

You could also try branching out to other fields such as social work, which will provide you with a variety of options. You can do an online masters in social work and proceed from there. When you pursue additional certifications, you are essentially expanding your knowledge and strengthening your nursing credentials. These can help you make more demandable nursing services and find jobs that offer more responsibility and learning opportunities.

2. Attend Conferences

Attending conferences is a great way to learn about upcoming trends and receive expert advice from professionals in your field. This is especially helpful during your nursing school phase when you're looking for feedback on your application and are looking to expand your horizons and gain experience in unrelated fields. 

There are numerous nursing conferences each year, many of which are open to the public. They feature speakers from all walks of life, sharing knowledge and offering insight into the field. Some conferences even host professional development activities, where you can receive internship or residency training from leading experts.

3. Join Professional Organizations

If you are interested in working in a particular field that is part of a larger profession, joining a professional organization such as the American Nurses Association or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners can help bolster your credentials and expand your perspective on the field. Professional organizations provide an excellent opportunity to network with other professionals, share your experiences and receive recognition for your achievements. They also help to provide additional certifications for advanced practice nursing (DCA, DNC, NDT) and other related fields.

4. Volunteer for Leadership Responsibilities

Volunteer to be a leader in a nursing facility. This will give you experience in how organizations work and the skills needed to be a leader. It will also allow you to learn what makes a good leader and how to build relationships with others.

5. Have a Plan

Sometimes the path to advanced nursing is the hardest. You feel like you're going in circles, stuck in a job you hate, or running out of time. Having a plan can help you. If you have a lot of free time, try to find ways to invest that time in your career.

Get involved in extracurricular activities that offer some degree of challenge. Don't put off essential responsibilities because you're afraid you won't be able to do them correctly. Do them well and on time, and you'll have a better chance of advancement.

There are many ways to advance your nursing career and pursue additional certification. To reach your full potential, you must use your head and heart when deciding where to look for a new job. By using these tips, you will be well on your way to advancing your nursing career.

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