Welcome to America, international nurses! Congratulations on setting your sights on pursuing a successful nursing career in the land of opportunity.
In this blog post, we’ll be your roadmap to success, guiding you through the essential steps you need to take to grow your career. Let’s get started on this exciting journey together!
More Learning, More Earnings
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published that higher-educated nurses earn more than their colleagues who are non-degree holders.
This confirms that to break through in the US nursing field, you must continue to learn, expand your knowledge and be up-to-date with the latest trends.
Nursing is a profession that requires a high level of skill and expertise, and there are always new developments in medical science, technology, and treatments.
Investing in your professional development significantly increases your earning potential and the benefits that come with the job.
In addition to a higher-paying position, here are some of the reasons to invest in your professional growth as an international nurse in the US:
- Improves the quality of care given to your patients.
- Increases recognition from colleagues and employers.
- More opportunities for professional advancement.
But how do you pursue professional growth as an international nurse in the US? Read on to gain insight into what it takes to be successful US nurses.
Professional Growth Means Success
By enhancing your skills, advancing your knowledge, and expanding your expertise, you can open up new opportunities for career growth and increase your earning potential.
Let’s take a look at 3 ways to enhance your career as US nurses.
Professional Networking
Southern New Hampshire University defines professional networking as “a process by which you expand your knowledge and capability by leveraging relationships with other professionals.”
Networking can be as simple as having conversations with people, getting to know them, and allowing them to get to know you. Building and nurturing professional relationships is the essence of networking and will give you the advantage that you need to establish your nursing career.
Check out these strategies to build a strong professional network:
- Become a member of a professional society or association.
- Utilize social networks and online media platforms.
- Participate in industry conferences and events.
- Network and connect with classmates and colleagues in the field.
- Leverage your existing connections.
- Create and share business cards.
One thing to note is that you will naturally expand your network through your existing contacts and by meeting new people as you progress in your career.
Next, let’s explore another method to enhance your professional growth.
Continuing Education
Continuing education is an essential component of professional development for nurses since it involves pursuing additional education and training beyond the initial nursing degree and licensure.
Its purpose is to keep you up-to-date on the latest developments in healthcare, expand your knowledge and skills, and enhance your ability to provide high-quality patient care. Here are other reasons to pursue continuing education:
- Continuing education is a requirement for nurses to maintain their license in most states in the US, and also provides the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their field.
- Nurses can do continuing education by specializing in a variety of areas such as critical care, oncology, pediatrics, geriatrics, and more, which opens up new career opportunities and can lead to higher salaries.
- Continuing education can also lead to career advancement opportunities, such as becoming a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse manager, and offers higher salaries.
How do I pursue Continuing Education?
- Workshops and Conferences
- Online Courses
- Degree Programs
- On-the-Job Training
- Professional Associations
You can also visit the American Nurses Association (ANA) website to find out more about career and professional development through continuing education.
Cultural Competence
A culturally competent nurse is someone who can attend more deeply to their patients’ needs because she can easily communicate and provide them with personalized care based on their cultural needs, beliefs, and health practices.
Cultural competence is a skill required of nurses aspiring to work in the culturally diverse communities of America because:
- It leads to high patient satisfaction and quality care through personalized care.
- It bridges gaps, prevents stereotypes, and educates nurses into providing the best care to patients regardless of social status or belief.
Be Culturally Competent
According to the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, cultural competence centers around understanding, communicating and interacting with people effectively.
Here are some ways we can apply this skill:
- Empathize with our patients.
- Encourage our patients to work with the best healthcare practice that works best for them.
- Respect the patient’s religious beliefs and practices.
- Speak in terms that the patient can easily understand.
- Appreciate a patient’s individuality.
Conclusion
Remember that aiming to grow professionally leads to enhanced abilities, fresh career opportunities and higher income potential.
In order to achieve that, you need to expand your professional network, pursue continuing education, and be culturally competent. All these can be achieved if you become part of a team that truly values you as a professional.
If you are an aspiring US nurse, join our RAHS Community where nurses are our passion. Click here to apply now!
Let’s Get Started
Ready to become a US licensed nurse? Let us help you get started! Visit our website to learn how you can begin your journey as an American RN today.
In my previous Blog, I talked about the 3 Steps on Applying for Nursing Job in the USA. Check the link if you haven’t read it yet.
But if you’re interested to watch the full detailed 3-part videos in advance, here is the way to register and get your exclusive access:
About the Author
Rosemarie Tamunday Casanova, RN, BSN, MHA – CEO
I have been a nurse for over three decades and have worked in various settings, including long-term care facilities, teaching hospitals, and trauma centers. Over the years, I have held several critical care positions and even earned a master’s degree in Health Administration. My journey in entrepreneurship began in 2000 when I co-founded a staffing and recruitment agency with my partner, Health and Technology Professionals.
After relocating to Florida, I established my own Home Care Agency and have been operating it successfully for over a decade. Despite our success, I have always been aware of the ongoing need for registered nurses in the US. This led us to reignite our recruitment services and assist international registered nurses in finding employment in the US.
