A nursing career is not only built on developing the skills and expertise needed to make you a great nurse, it also requires a bit of strategic networking. Although networking is a term most commonly used in business, it can also be used to advance nursing careers. Whether you just graduated or have been a nurse for some time, use these tips to expand your professional network:
Form relationships
One of the easiest ways to network is to form positive relationships with instructors, co-workers and fellow students. To begin the process, make a list of 10 to 20 people you know who may be able to help you with a job search. This can include everyone from former managers to nurses in another department. Invest in these relationships prior to your job search and they will come in handy down the line.1
Go to nursing conferences
Once you have exhausted your knowledge of the people you know, it’s time to meet new individuals in the nursing community. One effective way to do this is to attend conferences hosted by organizations such as the American Nurses Association and Honor Society of Nursing. When you are at the conferences, try to introduce yourself to the presenters and exchange cards.2
Use the Internet to your advantage
Living in a digital age gives you the unique opportunity to expand your professional network without ever leaving home. Be sure you are using the Internet to your advantage. Create a LinkedIn profile and remain active on the networking site – add people you know and those who attended your alma mater. If you are a “2nd connection,” ask the person you know in common to make a virtual introduction via message or email.3 1 Scrubs Magazine, ‘Networking tips to help you land a better job,’ Aug. 16, 2013 – http://scrubsmag.com/networking-tips-to-help-you-land-a-better-job/ 2 Gokenbach, Val, Nurse Together, ‘9 Tips to Keep Your Network Strong and Boost Your Nursing Career,’ Sept. 11, 2012 – http://www.nursetogether.com/tips-keep-network-strong-nursing-career 3 Gokenbach, Val, Nurse Together, ‘9 Tips to Keep Your Network Strong and Boost Your Nursing Career,’ Sept. 11, 2012 – http://www.nursetogether.com/tips-keep-network-strong-nursing-career
