Nursing is a diverse career path with many opportunities for growth. Whether you have been practicing for a few months or a few decades, it is never too early (or too late) to think about your professional future and the direction you want it to take.
I began my career as a medical-surgical nurse after graduating with my BSN. I was quickly exposed to our healthcare's complex problems and challenges. With only a year of clinical experience, I decided to pursue an advanced position in nursing by obtaining my doctoral degree. I am determined to become an innovative practitioner adept at tackling these challenges and improving quality healthcare and patient outcomes. Unfortunately, I encountered a lot of resistance from my seasoned co-workers because of my “lack” of clinical experience. One comment I received was, “You are a great nurse and very smart, but you’re too young to get your DNP.”
I countered that with something my mentor once said, “Never lose sight of the nursing leader you are now and the nursing leader you will become.”
Investing in professional development during the first years of a nurse’s career sets the path of their leadership trajectory. During this decade, many seasoned nurse leaders will retire. That is why preparing early career nurses to become decision makers and leaders is essential to the future of global health. While clinical experience is important for leadership, it should not be the only factor in determining an individual’s leadership potential. Early career nurses can gain leadership skills and experiences through effective training.
Early career nurses’ empowerment, development, and engagement is an end in itself, as well as a means to improving global health. We should not only support, but lead efforts to improve healthcare. Early career nurses are prepared to rise to the challenges of healthcare and drive change—provided they are empowered, engaged, and given the chance to lead. And remember, all nurse leaders were novice nurses at the beginning of their careers.
Are you an early career nurse looking to step into a leadership position? Here are five tips I wish I knew earlier:
- Ask for opportunities
Do not be afraid to ask your nurse manager or supervisor about leadership opportunities. You can also identify areas where you can provide new insight or help.
- Seek out constructive criticism
Find a colleague who can offer candid feedback about your performance.
- Focus on your professional development
Pursue advanced certifications relevant to your clinical practice area. Seek advancement opportunities, and prioritize continuing education and advanced learning opportunities.
- Communicate and connect
Take the time to get to know your co-workers. This will make you a better leader.
Sigma is committed to empowering early career nurses.
Sigma recognizes early career nurses as essential partners in the creation of positive change. Sigma is committed offering multiple opportunities that empower early career nurses to gain leadership skills and experiences. For example, Sigma offers the Nightingale Challenge, which helps develop the next generation of young nurses as leaders, practitioners, and advocates in health; and the Nurse Leadership Academy for Practice, which provides a leadership development experience designed to prepare nurses at the forefront of clinical nursing practice to thrive in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. There are also several webinars about nursing leadership on Nursing Centered.
If you have questions you can’t find answers to, though, send me a message on The Circle! I don’t know it all, but I’ll be glad to be in your corner as we look for answers together.
Dania Itani Mousa, BSN, RN, CMSRN, is a nurse at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center in Long Beach, California, USA, and a DNP-FNP candidate at Loma Linda University. In addition to being the United Nations Youth Representative for Sigma, she is a member of Sigma’s Iota Eta Chapter at California State University and Gamma Alpha Chapter at Loma Linda University.