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What professional development looks like for nurses
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 Jasmine, our Nurse of the Month for December 2024! Jasmine’s dedication, passion, and adaptability embody the very best of what it means to be a VNS nurse. In her own words, working with VNS has allowed her to “fall in love with nursing all over again.” Rediscovering a Passion for Nursing Jasmine cherishes the flexibility that comes with being a VNS nurse. She loves being able to plan holidays without the need for approval and appreciates the opportunity to choose the facilities she works at. This freedom has allowed her to explore various nursing specialties, enhancing her skills and keeping every shift exciting. "Working with VNS made me feel that I am in control of my life, which made me enjoy nursing more than ever. It’s true what they say: you never feel like working a day in your life if you love what you do,” Jasmine shares. Specialising in Excellence With a background in Coronary Care, Jasmine has also embraced the challenges of Emergency Departments (ED) and Intensive Care Units (ICU). Her preferred facilities span across Melbourne, including: Epworth Richmond (ED, CCU, ICU) Cabrini (ED, CCU, ICU) Knox Private Hospital (ED, ICU) Mulgrave (ED) St John of God Geelong and Berwick (CCU, ICU) St Vincent’s Private (CCU) Box Hill (ED, CCU) Melbourne Private (ICU, CCU) While she enjoys the dynamic environments of these departments, she also finds occasional shifts in the wards equally fulfilling. A Memorable and Rewarding Experience One of Jasmine’s most unforgettable moments with VNS was in the ED Resus Bay, working with Category 1 patients in critical condition. “It is very rewarding to stabilise these patients so they can undergo life-saving surgeries or receive intensive care. It’s experiences like these that make you realise the importance of our role as healthcare providers,” Jasmine reflects. Advice for Aspiring Agency Nurses Jasmine’s advice to those considering agency nursing is both candid and encouraging: “You must be flexible, adaptable, resourceful, and detail-oriented because every hospital has its own policies and protocols. But be warned, once you become an agency nurse, you’ll love it as much as I do and may never want a permanent position again!” Jasmine, thank you for your incredible contributions to VNS and the wider nursing community. Your passion and professionalism inspire us all!
This November, VNS is proud to honour Josephine as our Nurse of the Month! After spending over a decade overseas, Josephine returned to Australia and found her professional home with VNS. Her dedication and passion for nursing, particularly in aged care, have made her an invaluable part of our team. "My nursing specialty is Primary Health Care, and I chose to pursue Sub-Acute nursing, focusing mainly on aged care—which I absolutely love. VNS gave me the opportunity to explore this new path, and I’ve developed a deep compassion for it," says Josephine. Josephine works primarily at Chestnut Gardens, a facility she considers her second home. She values the flexibility and support VNS provides, from offering tailored placements to weekly pay. "The VNS team is so welcoming and friendly—I wouldn’t trade this agency for anything." Thank you, Josephine, for your incredible contributions to aged care and for representing the VNS spirit with such dedication. We’re honoured to have you as part of our team!
This October, we are excited to celebrate not one, but two outstanding nurses as our Nurse of the Month winners – Chris and Li. Both have exemplified dedication, skill, and passion in their roles, making a positive impact on the patients and teams they work with. Li's Journey in Nursing Li has found great support working with SwingingShift Nurses. "The team is professional and friendly, always assisting with my shift requirements," she says. Li’s caring nature is what drove her to become a nurse. “I like helping people with their needs," she shares. She appreciates how SwingingShift Nurses ensures her work suits her preferences and strengths, and doesn’t hesitate to recommend the agency to friends and colleagues. Chris' Experience with VNS As an Operating Theatre Technician working in Melbourne’s inner suburbs, Chris values the simplicity and smoothness of the process with VNS. "From dealing with the allocations team, being alerted about a shift, to completing it and being remunerated—it’s all very uncomplicated," Chris explains. He finds the diversity in shifts especially rewarding, meeting new people and learning different approaches in each setting. His advice to fellow nurses: “Get out there, there’s lots to learn and see.” Congratulations to Chris and Li for being our Nurse of the Month winners! Your hard work and commitment inspire us all.
This September, VNS is proud to celebrate Somali as our Nurse of the Month. With a diverse background in aged care, mental health, and emergency nursing, Somali has become an integral part of the VNS team, consistently delivering compassionate and high-quality care across various facilities. What Somali loves most about VNS: "The unique combination of flexibility, variety, and supportive VNS staff. I enjoy the freedom to choose my shifts and work environments. The diversity of patients and settings keeps my work interesting and evolving, ensuring no two days are the same." Her specialities: Somali specialises in aged care, mental health, and emergency. She regularly works at Werribee Mercy Hospital, St. John of God, and Monash Health. A rewarding experience: During a shift at Casey Hospital's emergency department, Somali cared for an elderly man who had fallen at home. He was disoriented, anxious, and without family. Thanks to Somali’s expertise, not only did his physical condition improve, but his anxiety was also alleviated. His daughter, upon arriving, was deeply grateful for the care Somali provided, sharing that she hadn’t seen her father so calm in weeks. This experience left Somali feeling deeply fulfilled, knowing she had made a lasting difference in both his physical and emotional recovery. Somali’s advice to aspiring agency nurses: "Embrace flexibility and adaptability as you’ll encounter various healthcare settings and patient populations. Effective communication is key, and strong time-management and decision-making skills are essential. Lastly, always keep your skills up to date, as agency nursing demands readiness for any challenge." We are truly grateful to have Somali as part of the VNS family!
At VNS, we take pride in celebrating the dedication, skill, and compassion of our nurses. This August, we are thrilled to recognize Jay as our Nurse of the Month. With his expertise in stroke and general medicine and his commitment to patient care, Jay exemplifies the values we cherish at VNS. You can read his full interview below: 1. What do you love most about working with VNS? Working for VNS agency has given me the chance to work in a range of specialties, and this exposure has given me greater insight, clinical knowledge, and skills across various areas of medicine and the healthcare industry. In addition to the flexibility and adaptability to match my availability each week. 2. What is your nursing specialty, and what facilities/locations do you usually work at? My primary expertise is in stroke and general medicine. I specialize in medical nursing, though I also have experience working in surgical wards on occasion. I primarily work at Frankston's Peninsula Private Hospital and Cabrini Hospital in Malvern. However, I am open to traveling to other locations as needed. 3. Describe a rewarding experience you’ve had whilst working with VNS. While working a shift at Peninsula Private Hospital, I noticed that a patient was unwell at the start of my shift. By engaging in a conversation and applying my stroke protocols and initiatives, I was able to identify that the patient was having a stroke. The joy and gratitude expressed by the patient’s family were profoundly moving. Witnessing the positive impact of our combined efforts and knowing that I played a role in their recovery was incredibly rewarding. The experience underscored the value of adaptability, teamwork, and the vital support provided by VNS Agency, reinforcing my commitment to nursing and patient care. 4. What advice would you give to other nurses looking for an agency nurse? Look for agencies with a good reputation, positive reviews, and strong support systems. Check if they offer the types of shifts and locations that align with your preferences and expertise. Jay's dedication and passion for his work continue to inspire all of us at VNS. We are proud to have him as part of our team and look forward to supporting him as he continues to excel in his nursing career.
We are thrilled to announce that Vega, one of our dedicated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurses, has been named VNS Nurse of the Month for June 2024! Since joining VNS at the beginning of 2023, Vega has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment, making a significant impact on the patients and colleagues she works with in the Geelong and CBD areas. Spotlight on Vega: A Conversation with Our Star Nurse What do you love most about working with VNS? "I love the flexibility that VNS offers. It's super handy and efficient to have the VNS application to choose shifts from, and the fast response I get from the VNS team has always helped me to pick up shifts. The team has always tried to provide me with the shifts that I prefer, and I am really thankful for that. It really made agency nursing a great experience for me." Can you tell us more about your nursing specialty? "My nursing specialty is ICU - Critical Care. I would normally work in hospitals like Epworth, St John of God, Cabrini, and Geelong Hospital." What has been the most rewarding aspect of your job? "I think meeting and working with other nurses has been great for me. I am able to work alongside incredible nurses who have helped me ease into agency nursing really well; they were very helpful and made me feel valued." What advice would you give to someone considering agency nursing? "Just take the first step and apply. The first time I thought of agency nursing, it scared me because I love routine and knowing my workplace, but the team at VNS is incredibly helpful with any questions that you have, and the facilities you work in are understanding and will help you throughout the shift. So far, I love agency nursing and the flexibility it offers, and you still get to know the different facilities really well!" Celebrating Vega's Achievements Vega's dedication and professionalism shine through in every shift she takes. Her ability to adapt to different hospital environments and her unwavering commitment to patient care has made her an invaluable member of the VNS team. We are proud to have Vega representing VNS and setting such a high standard for agency nursing. Congratulations, Vega, on being our Nurse of the Month! Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we look forward to seeing you continue to excel in your nursing career. Thank you for your exceptional service and for being an inspiration to your colleagues and patients alike.
Congratulations to our nurse of the month for May 2024 – Joy! Joy has been with VNS since 2018 and is a specialist nurse who works in Anaesthetics and Recovery. She’s a dedicated, hardworking nurse who has been doing incredible things. We want to thank her and show her our appreciation for all that she puts in each day. You can read all about Joy’s time with VNS in the interview below. What do you love most about working with VNS? Basically, I have been with VNS since I graduated from my nursing course. They are flexible and always find work for me if I would like to work. What is your nursing speciality and what facilities/locations do you usually work at? Theatre anesthetic and recovery, aged care. Cabrini, Ramsay, Healthscope, St John of God, almost everywhere in Melbourne; Theatre and aged care Describe a rewarding experience you’ve had whilst working with VNS? It is very hard to explain here. I consider everytime I worked with VNS, a rewarding experience. As a VNS agency nursing, you do not have to worry about the work, they can always find you something to do, it really depends on you whether you would like to work or not. What advice would you give to other nurses looking for an agency nurse? The pay is not bad, but you need your skills to be prepared and be brave enough to work in an unfamiliar or stressful environment. You can go there a bit earlier to familiarize yourself.
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.
Congratulations to our nurse of the month for March – Rosalyn! She has been doing an incredible job as a midwife in post-natal departments and delivery suites. We’re so excited to present Rosalyn with this award to recognise all the hard work and dedication she has provided. You can read all about Rosalyn’s time with VNS below. What do you love most about working with VNS? I have recently gone back to study further nursing and rarely know what I'm doing more than a few weeks in advance. There is always excellent flexibility in choice of shifts. What is your nursing specialty and what facilities/locations do you usually work at? I work as a midwife within postnatal, antenatal, delivery, and special care nursery. I have had the pleasure to work over a lot of hospitals in Melbourne,taking shifts from 5 minutes down the road to over an hour away. Describe a rewarding experience you’ve had whilst working with VNS? I have gained so much knowledge by heading to different hospitals. Previously, I had worked at the same hospital for a long time and having the opportunity to move around has allowed me to develop new practice skills that have made me a better midwife. What advice would you give to other nurses looking for an agency job? Look for shifts that allow you to move out of your comfort zone to gain those valuable skills for your career.
Congratulations to our nurse of the month for February 2024 - Lianie! We're excited to present you with this award. You've been hard at work on the medical and surgical wards with your patients. So, we wanted to thank you! You can read more about Lianie's time with VNS below. What do you love most about working with VNS? Definitely the first thing that comes to mind is the flexibility of choosing your own roster and not feeling pressured to work insane hours. Working with VNS definitely gives you the freedom of not being committed to just one hospital or health care setting, it gives you a great opportunity to work within a wide range of different specialities. It has also allowed me to build relationships on the wards as well as expand my professional network every time I pop in somewhere new. The higher pay rates are also a great incentive. What is your nursing specialty and what facilities/locations do you usually work at? I mostly specialise in Medical and Surgical, and I work a great deal down the Mornington Peninsula. Describe a rewarding experience you’ve had whilst working with VNS? There is no one particular experience that comes to mind, however, working regularly across some facilities, the team on the wards has really made me feel comfortable and valued, its great sometimes knowing what you're walking into and having people smile and remember your name when they see you, it has given me a sense of belonging and familiarity. What advice would you give to other nurses looking for an agency job? I would whole heartedly advise to give it a go. I would also advise other nurses to thoroughly research and compare different nursing agencies considering factors such as reputation, support for staff, professional development opportunities and work life balance. Additionally, it's important to clearly communicate your preferences, priorities and career goals to make sure you have a good fit for the long run.