5 Reasons Nurses Should Engage in Professional Networking

Posted on 22nd August 2023

Professional networking is a recognized and powerful tool for career progression and growth, regardless of your chosen field. It’s about building connections, expanding your knowledge base, and potentially opening doors to new job opportunities. For those in the nursing profession, networking cannot be underestimated.

While networking may sometimes induce discomfort, as it can be misinterpreted as self-serving, the benefits far outweigh any initial unease. Every nurse should consider making professional networking an integral part of their career development strategy. Here are five compelling reasons why.

Career Advancement

Career progression is securing a job that’s a notch higher than your existing role. This could mean stepping into a leadership position or specializing in a particular field, such as moving from a general medical or surgical unit to the intensive care unit (ICU). Unlike entry-level roles, advanced positions often come with an expectation of a smooth transition with limited training from the employer.

Engaging in professional networking can significantly facilitate this career growth. By interacting directly with individuals who already occupy the positions you aspire to, you can acquire the requisite knowledge and skills to make your upward move in your nursing career more attainable and less challenging.

Finding employment

Referrals are responsible for one in five hires, and are recognized by 82% of employees as yielding the highest return on investment among all recruitment sources. Healthcare, like many other industries, greatly benefits from the efficiency of referrals. Healthcare recruiters recognize that a good referral can significantly expedite the hiring process, often cutting the time to secure a candidate by half compared to conventional career sites.

However, to successfully venture into the nursing profession via networking, have a well-crafted resume, cover letter, and as a bonus, an online masters in nursing. These documents are your professional representation and can greatly influence an employer’s initial perception of you. Actively networking and presenting a strong professional profile, nurses can enhance their chances of landing job opportunities and advancing their careers.

Learning Opportunities in Healthcare

The rapid pace of advancements in healthcare science and technology necessitates nurses commit to ongoing learning to ensure safe practice. Maintaining an up-to-date understanding of your field’s latest developments, issues, and possibilities is more straightforward when you’re part of a professional association.

These organizations often provide their members with access to continuous education programs at discounted prices and a range of published journals. They also host conferences, which serve as platforms for both learning and networking. Some even offer certifications specific to your expertise, reflecting your dedication to delivering top-notch healthcare.

Trends and Advancements

Even though you undergo mandatory continuing education to keep your license active, it does not necessarily mean you are keeping up with the plethora of technological advancements and latest best practices in the field. Since nursing is an ever-evolving profession, staying updated on the latest developments is crucial.

Having a strong professional network can simplify the process of keeping up with new trends. By regularly interacting with other nurses who work in various facilities, you naturally get to learn about the introduction of new tools or procedures. Without this network, your knowledge update could lag, causing you to fall behind. This could potentially hinder your progress in the field.

Professional Support

Numerous institutions provide scholarships and research funding for students. The funds collected from these institutions’ membership dues and fundraising campaigns are utilized to support students throughout their nursing education journey. Nursing research grants are highly sought after, often aiding nurses in conducting minor studies that may not qualify for support from other sources.

Endnote

Networking is incredibly important for nurses to advance their careers. They can benefit from the collaborative exchange of knowledge and experiences with peers. Professional networking events such as conferences can be intimidating initially. However, they provide a comfortable environment and meaningful conversations can allow mingling and meeting other professionals.