9 Easy Ways to Advance Your Healthcare Career

Most people in healthcare are expected to take their careers into their own hands. That means that young professionals must take responsibility and do their best to create a unique career path through the development of their skills, making strategic decisions and networking with the right people. But if you’re just getting started in healthcare and need a push in the right direction, here are some easy ways you can advance your career. 

1. Become a leader

Healthcare workers can demonstrate their professionalism and level of leadership by taking every task seriously and asking for more responsibility. Make sure to always be fair, so share credit when needed and accept blame when needed. Instead of just being an employee or a student, aim to become a passionate advocate and expert. You can achieve that by mentoring new staff, helping other students, chairing committees, volunteering and joining healthcare associations. 

2. Grow your network

No matter if online or traditional, do your best to build your social networks. People you meet and maintain contact with can help you with industry information and offer new approaches to problem-solving. Colleagues are the best source of information when it comes to new research, upcoming promotions and similar things. Networking is also a perfect way to connect with people from other disciplines. 

3. Continue your education

You can never learn everything there is to know about healthcare, so if you fail to expand your formal education, you will struggle to advance your career. Luckily, no matter your specialization, you can always apply for more certificates and advanced degrees. Nurses can obtain a Master of Science in nursing and specialize in different types of care, clinical, pediatric or oncology. Naturally, almost all advanced healthcare management positions require a master’s degree, so you must continue your education after you earn your Bachelor of Science to get ahead. 

4. Take advantage of all learning opportunities

There are also other types of classes besides Masters or Doctoral Degree you can take to obtain various certifications. Even if you’re really busy like most medical workers are during the pandemic, you can still find online courses that allow you to take exams in your own time. If you want to receive your ACLS certification, you can do everything online and avoid unnecessary exposure to other people. These sorts of certificates might open many doors for you and show that you’re willing to advance your skills. Opting for clinical research training is also a good way to improve. 

5. Find a mentor

Working with experienced professionals can also advance your career, so try to establish a few mentoring relationships. For instance, a nurse might seek clinical advice from a supervisor or career advice from a hospital administrator. 

6. Work on your professionalism

Every healthcare position has its own set of professional components. Be sure to cultivate attitudes like integrity, respect, advocacy and confidentiality. Additional attitudes like compassion and positivity, interpersonal competency and ethical decision-making are also important and will make you stand out. Many professionals are willing to share their wisdom, you just have to ask and be open to their teaching. 

7. The Be detail-oriented

Many professionals who feel like they are stuck at their job tend to start slacking off and developing poor work habits. Some of these habits include taking long breaks, arriving late, leaving early and missing work. If you want to get over a hump in your professional life and advance at work, make sure to do the little things right the first time. Showing up on time, leaving on time and making an effort in everything you do will show you’re serious about your career. If you’re a nurse, even if it’s something like learning new tricks to write better reports and staying organized during shifts. When others notice the effort you put in, it will open new opportunities.

8. Talk to your boss

Take some time to talk to your boss or manager. They have no way of knowing that you have high career aspirations and career goals if you don’t tell them how you feel about your current position and where you want to be in the future. Set up a meeting to discuss what you’re hoping to achieve in five or ten years. Once all the cards are on the table, you can brainstorm ways in which you can advance your career. This opportunity can also offer insight and provide you with advice on the development of your professional life. 

9. Get your personal life in order

When your personal and professional goals align, it’s much easier to dedicate time and effort into your career and reach your career goals.  As soon as there’s something in your personal life that’s keeping you preoccupied and stealing your attention, you will need much more effort to keep your career afloat. So, it’s important to navigate through your personal life until you’re confident enough to take up leadership positions at work. It’s much easier to focus at work when everything is in order at home. 

A career in healthcare can be very lucrative and fulfilling, so do your best to reach good career heights and you will enjoy every day you spend at work.