Nurses are considered key professionals in society, and compose the largest percent in the overall healthcare population. The everyday responsibilities and duties of nurses comprise of physically and mentally challenging disciplines with the perpetual end goal of improving patient health. Apart from physical and mental stress, nurses are also exposed to emotional stress as they manage frustrated patients who criticize their work.
Playing such vital roles, you’ve got to think that nurses all over the world are in great employment condition. Sadly, it is the exact opposite. Despite their troubles and sacrifices, nurses are stuck working in poorly paid positions with a dim future for promotion. Meanwhile, other registered nurses are still struggling to find work and are currently unemployed in droves. So, what are the main reasons nurses do not get their anticipated promotions and due priority? Here are the top 3 reasons that may shed some light on this critical matter.
Economic Conditions
At present, global economic conditions have driven companies and employers to their limitations. As a result, facilities employing nurses have resorted to stretching their budgets and cutting more workers just to remain afloat. And with the reduced labor force, nurses are now required to perform heavier workloads without any significant increase in pay or benefits as their corresponding employers have no means of providing it.
Lack of Requirements
Upon graduation, registered nurses are required to attain a specific level of experience alongside proper certification. Without fulfillment of these requirements, a nurse may either be refused for work or be assigned to a basic position in which case there is little chance or a lengthier process prior an opportunity for promotion arises. Most employers would require nurses to have a bachelor’s degree at at least 2 years of work experience in order to secure a good position that is eligible for promotion after some time. Some employers, however, require a good performance record prior qualification for promotion.
Level of Competition
As a nurse, you are probably aware of how many nurses graduate each year. The level of competition increases by thousands on an annual basis. In fact, the number of unemployed nurses stack up over time as new nursing graduates are introduced to the employment-scarce healthcare industry. And in many cases, you’ll find yourself outmatched by other competitors who have a higher level of work experience and credentials to offer. With such a tremendous level of competition for job openings, the high demand for nursing practitioners will become worthless.
Tips to Get Promoted as a Nurse
So, after grueling examinations and hundreds of hours completing both classroom- and clinical-based practices, are you really going to settle for less than what you’ve been trained for? Here are tips and tricks to get promoted and further your career as a nurse.
- Work hard everyday. Though this looks somewhat vague and obvious, many people overlook the power of hard work these days. Show your boss that you arrive on time and perform your work responsibilities in an enthusiastic yet efficient approach. Dress and groom yourself appropriately and prepare for your work in advance.
- Accumulate experience. Attending and participating in programs commenced by reputable health organizations like Red Cross will earn you certifications. These certifications will serve as evidence to your professional experience thereby serving as a plus to employers when considering your eligibility for a promotion. Volunteer your free time in various healthcare environments and facilities not only to advance your skills and knowledge but also to showcase your dedication to the field.
- Establish strong connections. As you study the course, establish rapport with your professors because they may be able to point and refer you to an employer.
Sandy Turner is an ER nurse and guest author at BestCollegesOnline.org, where she contributed to the guide to the Top 10 Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs.