Advancement in nursing career

[StaceyTr88]

I have currently been an associate RN for a year. I am starting to wonder what advancement opportunities are out there for me. Anyone have any suggestions??

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Usually continuing education is the key to advancement. There are a jillion RN-to-BSN programs out there - find one and get started. Then think about what you want to do with it!

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

I have currently been an associate RN for a year. I am starting to wonder what advancement opportunities are out there for me. Anyone have any suggestions??

As in you have an ADN? To echo what maryjean said, your first step is probably to get a BSN. I don't want to relive all the "are BSNs worth it?" arguments on AN, but, in my part of the world anyway, almost every job "above" a staff nurse requires a BSN. Is this a good thing? I don't know, but it is how it works.

Otherwise, join committees, be active in your unit/hospital in ways other that just patient care, don't say anything controversial on Facebook , and then start applying. Brace yourself for rejections, but realize that they will only help you better yourself for future applications/interviews.

Good luck!

[forevernursem]

Definitely look into RN to BSN degrees! BSN nurses have more job opportunities than the ADN nurses. After getting a BSN, you could further your education with a masters. There are TONS of stuff you could do with a masters: NP, teaching, CRNA, literally the opportunities are endless. There are even RN to Master degrees, so you won't have to get a BSN first.

Research some stuff and find what looks the most interesting to you, and go for it!