Ambitions make people look for a way up the career ladder in any profession. And an innate talent for leadership and the ability to effectively manage will be an advantage not only for the person who takes on this leading role but also for the community they lead.
It is best to start planning your future career steps while you are still studying – even if, at university, you currently feel that you are not even capable of being a nursing essay writer. It is historically proven that the most successful and famous people began their formation at a fairly early stage of their lives. Personal growth is hard and demanding work, so you need to start working hard right away if you want to prove yourself as a leader.
Challenges of the Nursing Career
Just like any other career, nursing also comes with its challenges. Certainly, the level of assumed responsibility varies due to the job status and qualifications, yet challenges come with each position.
The work of a nurse is quite routine and mostly consists of providing care and completing clearly defined tasks. However, sometimes there may be unpredictable or even extreme situations that require a quick reaction. There may also be cases, for example, with an inconvenient schedule, which will require innovative solutions. In such situations, you can show your leadership skills and thus declare your future career aspirations.
Consequently, what concerns building a reputation for yourself as a leader? The task here consists in making yourself noticed by both the supervisors and the other staff. That might pose a challenge if the structure of your institution needs to be disseminated into smaller units, and it is rather hard to stand out or if you are working night shifts. And even in this case, there are ways and means to assert yourself if you are really striving for it.
Gaining Leadership in Nursing: A Guide
To become a leader in a nursing career, it is optional to have a certain degree or a nurse manager position. You don’t even need to become a chief nursing officer.
Leadership is something different from the titles. It is not only about the ability to manage the situation and staff and solve various problems that arise at work. It is about the ability to make a community want to follow your instructions and trust you unconditionally.
So, the question is whether you have the necessary qualities for this and are ready for the challenges. Or rather, are you prepared to work on yourself to acquire not only hard skills but also these crucial leadership soft skills?
The necessary traits for a leader are considered to be as follows:
- moderate perfectionism
- strategic vision
- high level of empathy
- strong communication skills
- desire for innovation
- unbiased attitude
- self-confidence
- good self-discipline
- resilience to failures
- decisiveness
Naturally, those traits are just as well applicable to ambitious people pursuing nursing careers. Identify your weaknesses and focus on working on these qualities one by one for the sake of your career success.
Alternatively, pay attention to hard skills: it’s essential to take on the leading role in difficult situations, get out of your comfort zone and think outside the box. Look for opportunities to do something for the benefit of society and opportunities for professional development: from reading professional journals and scientific articles to attending conferences and taking educational courses. Finally, do not underestimate maintaining contact with colleagues – their affection will also help you raise your status.
Instead Conclusion
So, the task of becoming a leader in a nursing career is not much different from assuming this role in any other profession. Such an image significantly improves career opportunities and diversifies the routine activities of a medical worker.
The key to success is paying attention to soft and hard skills simultaneously. By developing your communication skills and emotional intelligence, you can earn your staff’s trust and inspire them. Meanwhile, by enriching yourself professionally at courses and conferences and reading innovative materials in your free time, you will be able to consolidate your professionalism in the eyes of your supervisors & colleagues.
