Nursing is a constantly evolving, ever-changing field of practice and that is likely at least part of what drew you to the profession in the first place. It is not surprising then that at some point in your career, you may want to advance your career and consider pursuing an advanced nursing degree to take your career to the next level.
Why consider advancing your nursing career?
When it comes to advancing your nursing career, many are driven by one of three primary motivations: new job roles, greater pay, and increased job satisfaction. Pursuing an advanced degree in nursing, however, is a commitment of both time and money and there are a few things you should consider before taking the leap.
- What do you see yourself doing in the next 5 to 10 years?
- Have you thought about providing care from a nursing perspective?
- What are the necessary steps to help me get there?
- What do I want my personal contribution in nursing to be?
- Are you currently working as an RN but looking to become a nursing leader?
How to decide if you should advance your nursing career
To help you answer these questions and ultimately help you to determine if and how you want to advance your nursing career, experienced professionals recommend a few strategies:
- Find a professional mentor – Finding someone you can consult with, ask the advice of, and learn from can prove invaluable in navigating your career and helping you identify new career options. If you’re interested in finding a mentor, try looking into formal mentoring programs run by your employer, professional nursing organizations, or your state’s professional nursing group. You can also ask your employer’s human resources office, reach out in a nursing-focused social media group, or simply ask your coworkers if they know of anyone who might be interested in being a mentor.
- Earn a specialization certification – Unlike other healthcare careers, nursing allows you to change specializations throughout your career. Narrowing your focus can be a great way to increase your level of expertise and make the most of the parts of your job that you like best. Becoming certified in your desired specialty can help advance your career especially if it’s through a reputable organization.
- Join a professional organization – Joining a professional nursing organization can allow you to make new connections outside of your current colleagues and former nursing school contacts. These are the types of contacts that could help you find an advanced practice nurse to shadow or help you meet a nursing mentor. Nurses in professional organizations may also receive invitations or discounts on nursing conferences or continuing education courses.
At OAAPN, we offer a Student Membership for all RNs enrolled in a program for initial certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Certified Nurse Midwife, or Certified Nurse Practitioner.
Becoming an advanced practice registered nurse
Pathways differ to becoming an APRN in Ohio, but they generally involve the completion of undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing; the attainment of both an RN license and national certification; and finally an application to the Ohio State Board of Nursing for advanced practice licensure.
After earning an RN license, many seeking to become an APRN choose to work for a year or more to gain the clinical experience necessary for furthering their education. Following at least one year of work experience, prospective APRNs in Ohio typically apply to a graduate program in nursing and seek one of the following specializations: adult-gerontology (acute or primary care), pediatrics (acute or primary care), women’s health, family care, psychiatric-mental health, and neonatal care.
The vision of OAAPN is that Ohio APRNs will be recognized as leaders in providing affordable, accessible, quality healthcare for all Ohioans. And it is thanks to our members who choose to invest in themselves and our shared profession through membership.