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Most healthcare organizations expect employees to take responsibility for their own careers. That means young professionals today have to create their own unique career path by developing their skills, making strategic decisionsand networking with the right people. If you’re just getting started in healthcare, here are six tips for advancing your career:
1. Continue YourEducation
A healthcare education never truly ends, and healthcare providers who fail to expand their formal education will struggle to advance their careers. Fortunately, almost every healthcare specialization comes with plenty of certificate or advanced degree options. For instance, nurses can obtain a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) and specialize in clinical, pediatricoroncology care. Almost all advanced healthcare management positions require a master’s degree, so those who earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management must continue their education to be sure they can get ahead.
2. Take Initiative and Become a Leader
Students can demonstrate their level of leadership and responsibility by taking assignments seriously and asking for more. Always be prepared to share credit and accept accountability for failed tasks, which demonstrates maturity and a high EQ. Instead of being an everyday employee, become a passionate advocate and an expert in your field. This is possible through mentoring new employees, chairing committees, volunteering with nonprofitsand joining yourhealthcare association.
[ Read: What Physicians Should Know About Working with Recruiters ]
3. Work Your Network
Be sure to build and utilize online and traditional social networks. By meeting and maintaining contact with new people, healthcare providers canexchange industry information and share approaches to solvingproblems. Professional colleagues are the best sources of insider information regarding upcoming promotion or research openings. Professional social networking is also a greatway to connect with diverse people in different disciplines.
4. Find a Mentor
It helps to network with experienced professionals who can also act as mentors. Because it takes time to develop a relationship with a mentor, work on simultaneously establishing a few mentoring relationships with qualified candidates. For example, a nurse could seek clinical advice from a team supervisor and career advice from a veteran hospital administrator. Most people enjoy opportunities to share their wisdom and experience, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
[ Read: Survey Shows New Opportunities for Advanced Practice Providers ]
5. Keep itProfessional
Every healthcare organization will have its own list of key professional components, such as integrity, respect, advocacyand maintaining confidentiality. Be sure to cultivate additional attitudes, such as compassion and a positive attitude, but also strong soft skills, such as interpersonal competency and ethical decision making.
6. Get Training Where You Can
A sixth and final way to advance your healthcare career is through taking advantage ofon-site classes and cross-training opportunities. Every improvement opens more doors and provides more opportunities for career advancement.
As you grow and develop, your healthcare career will as well. Take initiative and make those first few steps to get ahead and make a place for yourself in the industry!
