You Want To Advance Your Nursing Career? Follow These Tips

by | May 4, 2021 | How To | 0 comments

You Want To Advance Your Nursing Career? Follow These Tips | Uncustomary

Nursing is a challenging yet rewarding profession. The role of nurses can never go unnoticed in any sector of the healthcare industry. They are the very first healthcare professionals that interact with the patients, and in some cases, the only ones that treat them. Apart from providing optimum care, these professionals build a solid relationship with patients and gear them towards a better life. 

Today, the continuous developments in the healthcare industry have entirely evolved the nursing profession. Therefore, aspiring nurses must stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques emerging in the field to stay ahead of the curve. There are plenty of opportunities available for nurses to advance their careers and become the future leaders of the nursing industry. It doesn’t matter at which stage of the nursing career you are in; there’s always room for progression. Constantly working on enhancing your nursing skills and knowledge helps you to have greater prospects and potentially level up in your career path. You can check a wide range of nursing job openings to make sure you are well-aware of the opportunities this continually evolving field can provide. 

Read on below to find out the tips that will put you on the track to success:

1. Map Out the Plan

Start by outlining realistic goals and targets for each year and set a timeframe for each of these goals. Figure out what you want to achieve and which kind of roles piques your interest. Maybe your seniors or other nurse practitioners inspire you, and you wish to become one. Perhaps you want to take on a challenging job role, and an advanced nurse practitioner appeals to you the most. Or the thought of teaching as well as joining the healthcare sector sparks interests, and you want to acquire the role of nurse educator. Consider asking yourself the following questions:

  • Which degree suits best to your goals, and what will be the duration?
  • Is there a prerequisite of work experience?
  • How can professional connections help you step up the clinical ladder?

2. Consider Further Education

Pursuing advanced education is necessary to take your nursing career to the next level, as it can open you to a world of opportunities. Consider enrolling in CCNE accredited online MSN programs if you wish to bring your skill set and knowledge up to par for advanced nursing roles. 

Admittedly, educational commitments require constant dedication, time, and effort. However, for a successful career, it is imperative to stay abreast of modern tools and technologies. By continuing further education, you will know the best practices to implement and provide the best possible care to the patients.

Also, earning additional certifications can provide you benefits in the long run. These certifications lay a solid foundation for the expertise and build in-depth knowledge about a specific area of interest.

3. Expand Your Network

If you are passionate about advancing in your career, be sure to include networking in your plan. Networking not only helps you make strong relationships with industry professionals. It also offers you the opportunity to build confidence and gain access to multiple job opportunities. However, don’t just restrict yourself to the nursing world. Step out of your comfort zone and interact with different people and other professionals in the healthcare industry.

With the growth in digital media, online forums have also gained much recognition lately. A social platform such as LinkedIn is the best way to connect with professionals and know what’s really in the field.

4. Become a Part of Professional Organizations

Join professional organizations, specifically the ones that are related to your field. That way, you can build up a great resume and get a chance to meet people who are passionate and career-driven like you. Since the process of learning never stops, learn from the valuable experiences of other people. 

Be an active listener and see what others have to say about the nursing profession. Since every person has a different way of seeing things, it is always good to exchange new ideas and broaden your spectrum of knowledge.

One more perk of joining professional organizations is access to conferences and conventions. Many organizations often invite nurses and offer discounts to such events. You can avail of the educational courses, employment assistance, and other resources through it.

5. Cultivate Your Skillset

While you are looking for ways to advance your career, don’t forget to refine your skills and enhance your personality. Apart from technical knowledge, soft skills also play a crucial role in career advancement. 

For an advanced role, you must possess strong leadership skills, know how to communicate effectively, and have a strong sense of empathy. Some of the primary personality traits that you should develop, irrespective of the specific field you choose, are:

  • Problem-solving
  • Detail-oriented
  • Teamwork
  • Time management

Since employers value these skills, it is imperative to equip yourself with these characteristics to update your CV and propel your career.

6. Find a Mentor

There are times when as a nurse, you might feel a bit overwhelmed or encounter situations that might be difficult to comprehend. In cases like these, having a mentor by your side can help you navigate through the career. Mentors are the role models from whom you can share problems, seek help and gain valuable advice. They can assist you through every thick and thin and help you grow personally and professionally.

You can join the mentorship programs initiated by the organization or by the state’s official nursing groups. However, suppose luck isn’t on your side. In that case, you can always reach out to people through social media forums or contact the organization’s human resources department.

Final Words

Nursing is not a static kind of job nor a stagnant career. The pace at which the field keeps growing seems inexorable. However, it is never too late to forge your career to the next level. Each day you will have to come across new situations and more complex problems. It might not seem easy, but the joy of helping others is what motivates and keeps you going.




In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle