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Professional development works differently in every industry. So, we’ve put together a guide specific for nurses. There are a lot of skills to develop or gain to help you grow as a nurse. Some you can grow on your own, others you need a little help. We’ll break down what professional development looks like for nurses, some skills you can develop, and how to get there. What is professional development for nurses? When it comes to professional development in nursing, there are multiple different aspects to look at. Nursing is always evolving. New technologies are implemented which shake up the way certain tasks are done, requiring training and further learning to master the technology. At the same time, different standards and processes are being implemented which need to be learned. These are just two things for nurses to look at. To add to the tech and procedures evolutions, you’ve also got to grow your clinical skills. Growing these can help you provide better care, try new specialisations, and update your existing skill set. Then you’ve got soft skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and more. Essentially, there is a lot that nurses need to look at, and can look at, for their professional development. It’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed, so we’ve got a guide to help you shape your own development. How you can take control of your professional development 1. Set goals Start by having some clear goals on what you want to achieve. Think about where you want to be in your career and what you need to do to achieve that. Which skills need to be developed? What technologies do you need to learn? What standards and processes need to be embodied? Some common goals can include: Acquiring skills in specific technologies Fulfilling continuing education requirements (CPD points) Refining interpersonal skills Honing a specific skill set to an expert level Taking a management/leadership position Obtaining professional certifications. 2. Align your professional and personal goals Before settling on your professional goals, it’s important that they align with your personal goals. When the two are aligned you can move forward with confidence and drive. It will also avoid any conflicts which may prevent you from achieving your professional or personal goals. Ask yourself (and answer honestly) the following: What do I want out of life? How will my work affect the relationships in my life? What makes me happy? What are the pros and cons of my professional development goals? What are the pros and cons of my personal goals? What resources are available to me? Where do I want to be in my personal life in five years? Where do I want to be in my professional life in five years? Once you’ve answered these, go back to your professional goals and review them. Adjust them so that they align with your personal goals. 3. Seek relevant training or experience to match these goals Now that you’ve set your goals it’s time to pursue them. The best place to start is to seek out any relevant courses or on-the-job tasks that you can do to gain experience in your preferred areas. If you’re an agency nurse, share your career goals with your agency. They will be able to help you find shifts in roles that will develop the skills you need. There are many courses available for nurses to learn new skills. Many educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and nursing agencies offer courses, webinars, training sessions, and more to help you upskill. Look for these opportunities that relate directly to your goals and use them as a springboard to further your own self-learning in these fields. 4. Review your career path As you develop and progress it’s important to take a moment to review your career path. Life situations change. So, you may need or want different things out of your career. It’s important to reflect on your goals regularly to make sure they match where you want to be now. Maybe you’ve made a major decision that changes your life circumstances, like studying or starting a family. In this case, you may need more flexibility than what your current employer or pathway provides. So, you may wish to find a path that allows that. It’s important to regularly review your career and make sure it continues to reflect your personal goals. Conclusion Professional development is important in nursing. There are a lot of developments and changes happening that need to be kept on top of all while you try to develop your own career. It’s what makes nursing one of the most dynamic and exciting careers. By following this guide, and setting goals, you’ll be well on your way to developing your career. If you need a bit more flexibility to help you achieve your career goals, chat to us about agency nursing !

Congratulations to our nurse of the month for April 2024 – Sunshine! Sunshine has been with VNS since 2022. She specialises in Cardiac Care and Mental Health. You can check out her full review below. What do you love most about working with VNS? Being an agency nurse for quite a while and doing travel nursing at the same time has given me the opportunity to prioritize what matters the most. Work-life balance at your own pace helps you combat career burnout. The flexibility of choosing where to go and when to work gives you the life you've always wanted. What is your nursing specialty and what facilities/locations do you usually work at? My specialty is critical care and emergency, but I do not limit myself to whatever is available within my scope of practice. From cardiology, stroke, renal, including mental health and clinical trials, I have gained the opportunity to broaden my knowledge and skills through the years. I work mostly in Monash Health, public and private hospitals across Melbourne and south-east suburbs. Describe a rewarding experience you’ve had whilst working with VNS? Nursing in this aptitude has been worthwhile. Every day is a different story and I could write a book. Some of my patients remember my name and how I made them feel during their difficult time. I have been treated as a regular staff member in the area I work for and gained good friends as well. Hospital staff recognize me every time I come to work, making me feel part of the team. What advice would you give to other nurses looking for an agency job? Be equipped and versatile! Agency nursing makes you adaptable in the workplace. Being a nurse in this capacity would allow you to grow and enjoy your nursing career at the same time. Work efficiently and hospitals would always request for you and book you in advance.