Gifted Healthcare Blog

National Nurses Month is a special time to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of nurses. In Week 3 of this month, the focus is on Professional Development, and as a nurse, investing in your professional development is key to advancing your nursing career. Whether it’s attending conferences, joining professional organizations, setting goals, completing continuing education, or finding a mentor, there are many opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge. Here are five professional development tasks that can help you take your nursing career to new heights in 2023.

Attend a Nursing Conference

Attending a nursing conference is a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in your field. It also provides networking opportunities with other nurses and healthcare professionals. As you plan your conference attendance, be sure to explore the 2023 conference offerings and select the ones that align with your career goals.

Set aside time this week to explore 2023 conference offerings here and begin to plan your attendance.

Join a Professional Nursing Organization

Joining a professional nursing organization provides access to valuable resources such as continuing education programs, scholarships, and discounts. There are many nursing organizations to choose from, including the American Board of Nursing Specialties, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and the National Association of School Nurses. These organizations also offer opportunities to network and connect with other professionals in your field. There are several nursing organizations to choose from, including:

• American Board of Nursing Specialties
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing
• American Academy of Nursing
• American Association for Men in Nursing
• American Association of Occupational Health Nurses
• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
• Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
• National Association of School Nurses
• National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations

Set Your Next Goal

Setting a goal is a great way to stay motivated and focused on your career advancement. Identify a clear objective, such as earning a new certification, taking on a leadership role, or gaining more clinical experience, and create a plan to achieve it. Break down the overall goal into smaller steps to make progress and maintain motivation.

Complete Continuing Education Units

Continuing education is essential for nurses to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in their field. Completing CEUs ensures that you maintain your knowledge and skills and fulfill the requirements of your nursing license or certification. Explore the free CEU courses available from the American Heart Association’s Lifelong Learning Catalogue to find courses that align with your interests and passions.

Connect with a Mentor

Having a mentor can provide valuable guidance, support, and advice as you navigate your nursing career. Look for someone whose career path you admire and respect, and who is willing to offer actionable feedback and support. You can find a mentor through work, conferences, or professional organizations. Additionally, consider paying it forward and mentoring someone just beginning their nursing career.

Investing in your professional development is crucial for advancing your nursing career. By attending conferences, joining professional organizations, setting goals, completing continuing education, and finding a mentor, you can enhance your skills, stay current with the latest developments in your field, and network with other professionals. Remember, Gifted is here to support you in taking your nursing career to the next level.