Climbing into nursing leadership: 6 things you need to do to succeed

Being in a nursing leadership position is both exciting and challenging. To begin with, as a leader in nursing, you will receive more benefits, such as higher pay and have more control over your schedule.

However, transitioning to a nursing leadership role can be challenging because you need to show your ability to do more than care for patients and follow procedures. As a leader, it’s up to you to lead your team towards excellence and ensure everyone on your staff feels valued and supported.

If you’re looking to enter nursing leadership, you’re probably wondering what it takes to become a leader. Read on to learn more about what you need to do to ensure that you successfully climb into nursing leadership as quickly as possible.

Gain relevant higher education

The first step in climbing the nursing leadership ladder is attaining a higher education. Nurses must earn an Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree before moving on to positions of more responsibility.

To gain a competitive edge, undergraduate students should aim for graduate programs focusing on healthcare management and leadership. If you want to learn as you continue your job, consider enrolling in DNP nursing leadership courses online to make yourself more qualified for advancement.

It’s also essential to ensure a nationally recognized accrediting agency accredits any graduate program to advance through the ranks of nursing administration. Accreditation ensures you receive a quality education that prepares you for the real world.

Leverage mentorship programs

As a nursing student or professional, you should take advantage of every opportunity to get ahead. One way to do this is by leveraging mentorship programs.

The best way to utilize mentorship opportunities is to seek them out proactively. Take the initiative and find out who’s on your unit or who could help you advance at your company.

By finding a mentor in nursing leadership, you can learn the ropes and better position yourself for success. If you don’t have anyone within your organization available to mentor you, find someone outside your organization with an extensive career in nursing leadership.

You can also develop a mentoring program with one or more coworkers. Talk with people about their experiences, how they got where they are now and what advice they have for you.

You may take notes during these conversations to reflect on the insights later. That way, when it comes time to interview for that next job, you will already know the challenges, expectations, rewards and other vital details.

Utilize networking opportunities

Networking refers to connecting with people with the same interests, values and goals that you have. When you network, you’re more likely to get a referral from someone who knows someone in an area that can help advance your career.

Remember, networking takes time and effort on your part. It’s not just about finding a friend or colleague who knows someone who can help.

You need to go out and seek these people out by asking around about what their contacts might be able to offer you. An excellent way to start networking is by joining professional organizations for nurses.

There are many of these groups, and they cover a variety of specialties, such as pediatric nursing, cardiac care, administration and gerontology. Most offer regional events where you can meet local professionals working in your field.

Familiarize yourself with the operational aspects

In any organization, leadership roles require more than just an individual’s expertise in their field. Influential leaders must have a high level of knowledge about how the company or organization operates daily.

They must understand who the players are and how they fit in with other departments. Additionally, they need to know each department’s skills and abilities, so they can best deploy them to get the job done.

However, many nurses don’t consider this operational aspect to be a part of their qualifications. You might assume that because you are an expert in your field, you already know all about the inner workings of healthcare organizations.

However, you require not only an understanding of their specialty but also the ability to navigate all the various aspects that make up today’s healthcare organizations.

Develop essential leadership skills

To be an effective leader, you first need to develop essential skills. These skills include problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, communication and time management.

Leadership skills help nursing leaders work through problems that may arise in the workplace. For instance, effective leadership means identifying improvement opportunities and implementing changes to achieve organizational goals.

As a nurse manager, it is crucial to have sound judgment when dealing with staff members who may have different opinions on how best to handle situations. Communicating verbally and non-verbally will give employees the confidence they need in their leader’s commands.

You can develop these skills by taking courses, attending workshops or simply doing your research.

Embrace continuous learning

One of the most important things you can do to set yourself up for success as a nursing leader is to embrace continuous learning. In today’s ever-changing healthcare landscape, it’s more important than ever for nurses to be lifelong learners.

That means developing a thirst for knowledge and always looking for opportunities to learn from others. Learning new skills and constantly expanding your knowledge base will make you an invaluable asset to any team.

It will also ensure that you’re always able to keep up with the latest technology in health care. Continuous learning will prepare you for whatever challenges come your way, enabling you to mentor and support other nurses on your team.

For example, you might enroll in courses, read leadership skills books, attend conferences or ask your supervisor for guidance. Regardless of your approach, keep your mind open to new ideas that could help improve your skills and prepare you for future challenges.

Final thoughts

Achieving a leadership position in nursing takes time, energy and the ability to motivate and inspire those around you. To be successful, start by taking on more work responsibilities, volunteering for leadership roles and networking with other nurses.

Additionally, get involved in your community, continue your education and stay current on the latest healthcare news. Remember that leadership is about service, so always put your team first.