Some nurses are perfectly fine with working the floor and staying close to patients. However, others might feel like they’re ready for a greater role. Maybe they’re getting near the end of their career or are ready for something new. Some may feel like they’re limited in their current roles and could do much more. If you feel like it’s time for you to move up, know that there are many ways that you can move to leadership or administrative positions in nursing. It could be simpler than you thought as well. Let’s take a look at how you can do it.
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Know what Type of Setting You Want to Work in
There are many administrative and leadership roles in nursing, but you have to be clear about what you want to do. Nurse administrators can work in all sorts of settings. Some may want to deal strictly with the business side while others might still want to have contact with nurses and patients. If you want to be close to patients, then you could look at paths like nurse manager. Or maybe you want to work in a laboratory or as a nurse advocate? Knowing where you want to work will allow you to get a clearer idea of the credentials you’ll need.
Make Sure that You Have the Skills and Aptitudes
Know that even if you would love to work in a better role, not everyone was meant to be a leader or a great administrator. If you’re looking for a leadership role, then you have to look at how you behave in your functions.
Are you known for your kind words of encouragement? Are you the life on the floor? Do people often come to you when they have difficult tasks to complete? Have you been instrumental in solving disputes between nurses?
If you responded yes to most or all of these questions, then you might have what it takes to be a great leader. If you want to be an administrator, on the other hand, you will need to have great organization skills, focus, check love trendify and a great analytical mind.. You will also be called to solve complex problems. You may need to speak with union leaders one day or deal with budgeting or understaffing issues the next. This is why you will need to have great problem-solving skills and be adaptable.
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Get the Qualifications
There are many ways that you can get to your desired position. If you wanted to become a nurse manager, then you can look at MHA programs. However, if you want to get the best credentials to fill all kinds of administrative roles, we suggest you look at the DNP.
Getting your DNP could allow you to fill nurse practitioner positions, or even work in research. You could also get work in academia with a DNP degree.
If you currently have a bachelor’s degree and assume that a doctorate is out of reach, don’t. There are many ways that you can get your credential while still working. One would be to look at BSN to DNP programs online. There are tons of great accredited BSN to DNP programs online that will allow you to get your credentials at a much faster rate. Or you could take courses part-time to make things easier for you.
Online programs will give you the same qualifications as any other degree and there will be no way for anyone to know that you got yours online. Also, some online programs don’t require you to sit for class at specific times which makes things easier if you have a hectic schedule.
Keep Your Credentials
Having a DNP is great but know that you are far from done. As you may know, continuous education is essential for nurses, and it will be even more important to you. You will still need to renew your license and things such as basic life support and CPR qualifications. Some may also want to get optional nursing administration qualifications, and these will have to be maintained as well.
Increase Your Knowledge
As an administrator, you will also need to be abreast of all the most recent changes in treatment and technology. This is why you need to take the steps yourself to further your knowledge even if it’s not mandated. We suggest that you constantly keep learning about new government regulations, business practices, and organizational rules.
You will also need to be familiar with new record-keeping technology and still handle tasks such as hiring new candidates, conducting staff evaluations, and making sure new hires are properly trained.
Consider Looking for a Mentor
Not enough nurses have mentors, but these could be your best ally if you’re trying to transition into an administrative role. In this case, it would be best to find someone who is or was an administrator themselves. They’ll be able to tell you what the job is really like and whether you are cut for it.
Having a mentor is also great if your goal is to be promoted from within. Moving to a different organization as a leader or administrator can be really difficult. But, if you get a position where you are currently working, you’ll have a good understanding of the culture, protocols, and procedures there. You also won’t have to deal with trust issues as you’ll be well known within the organization.
If you get a mentor that is also a co-worker, they could become your greatest cheerleader. They could even groom you to become their successor. A mentor will also be there if you’re feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. They could give you the spark needed for you to believe in yourself and keep going.
So, if your goal is to move to something greater and become an administrator or move into a role as a leader, follow our few tips. Also, make sure that you speak with people who went through the process and get as many impressions as you can.
