Here's how you can advocate for yourself and advance your nursing career as an executive.

As a nurse executive I pursue skills building by looking for opportunities to enhance my education through professional organizations. These organizations provide resources and networking opportunities that are designed for advancing the leadership skills of nurse executives. Lastly reaching beyond nursing ro inter professional organizations have also proved effective in helping to build skills that reach beyond nursing.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, obtaining an MBA is a strategic move for those aspiring to be hospital administrators. This advanced degree equips you with critical skills in leadership, finance, and strategic planning—areas essential for driving organizational success. With an MBA, you gain a holistic understanding of both clinical and business operations, enabling you to bridge gaps, optimize resources, and improve patient outcomes. In a competitive job market, this credential sets you apart, demonstrating your commitment to excellence and positioning you as a versatile leader ready to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare administration. #CareerGrowth #HealthcareLeadership #MBABenefits

One thing that I have found helpful with seeking mentorship is connecting with professional organizations. These organizations sometimes have formal mentorship programs. I also find that LinkedIn connections can be used as a starting point for mentorship relationships.

One thing I’ve found helpful is to be involved in a structured mentorship program. Structured mentorship programs are usually provided through a professional organization or if you’re organization for this opportunity to its employees. As a mentee, a structured mentorship program provides an opportunity to select a mentor based on your preferred preferences. You’ll also be able to gain an insight into what the future may hold if you choose to pursue a similar career path. This is especially important if you think you know what you want but are uncertain because you lack details regarding the role itself. Mentorship, training, and peer collaboration program objectives/learning outcomes differ and need to be recognized as such.

Seeking nurse executives as mentors in professional organizations is a game-changer for your nursing career. These leaders bring invaluable experience, insights, and networking opportunities that can accelerate your professional growth. By learning from their journeys, you gain strategic perspectives on leadership, advocacy, and innovation in healthcare. Their guidance can help you navigate complex challenges, avoid common pitfalls, and open doors to new opportunities. Engaging with nurse executives fosters a culture of continuous learning and excellence, empowering you to become a future leader in nursing. #NurseLeadership #MentorshipMatters #ProfessionalGrowth

In my experience, the ability to articulate your vision is essential in nursing leadership. This skill also applies to communication expert opinions as well as patient safety concerns. The art of story telling combined with an evidence-informed communication can ensure clear concise communication. Data is also an effective tool to assist the nurse executive to communicate effectively.

An example I’ve seen in this is that nurses should seek out opportunities to be involved more in their organization. This can be as basic as joining a committee and working on a project. You will establish yourself as a trusted leader if you take progressive leadership roles and join boards/committees. Seek out a mentor who can guide you.

Having a voice in the nursing community is crucial for advancing to an executive position. Advocating for policies not only showcases your commitment to the profession but also positions you as a proactive leader. By championing initiatives that improve patient care, nurse working conditions, and healthcare systems, you demonstrate strategic thinking and influence. Active engagement in policy advocacy builds your network, enhances your visibility, and reinforces your reputation as a leader. To rise to executive roles, it's essential to be seen and heard, driving meaningful change in the nursing community. #NurseLeadership #PolicyAdvocacy #CareerAdvancement

In my experience, aside from communication, it is also very helpful to take a negotiation class. In today's healthcare landscape, it's not enough for nurse executives to just communicate effectively. To truly excel, mastering negotiation is crucial. Taking a negotiation class empowers nurse leaders with the skills to advocate for resources, navigate complex stakeholder dynamics, and drive impactful change. Understanding BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) equips you with the confidence to secure the best outcomes for your team and patients. Elevate your leadership by embracing negotiation – it's a game-changer in advancing your career and enhancing patient care.

I am currently on several listservs and have notifications enabled for nursing newsletters written by what I call “the nursing greats”, these are companies that I have met through conferences and through various accreditation programs. Message me for details about which blogs/newsletters I subscribe to! You will gain a lot of insight by reading what is happening elsewhere and assessing your organization’s state afterwards. It is a great way to question the current practice and continue the pursuit of excellence!

In my experience, networking during networking events is very effective in advancing your career as a nurse executive. A lot of CNOs attend these conferences not only to learn but often, they are keynote speakers during these events. Hence, be intentional and introduce yourself. Once you get their contact information, send them a thank you e-mail and arrange a mentorship conversation. This will maximize your learning as an emerging leader.

One thing I’ve found helpful is to ensure you have a national market rate comparison of what your role is expected to achieve and what the average salary compensation would be equivalent to —for those deliverables. It can be tough, but be prepared to negotiate in today’s market. If your skills are in demand and your work ethic is top tier, you will set yourself apart from the rest. I negotiated my rate with a former employer and felt it was a fair negotiation. I have a proven track record of providing many priceless creative works, imparting needed knowledge, holding teams to a high standard, and meeting deliverables. Look up market rates and know your worth.

One of the best bosses I’ve ever had was not bossy at all. She was an exceptional, visionary Nurse Executive and lead by example. She always modeled the way. This individual, while walking with me one day stopped to pick up a piece of paper trash. It was such a small action but one that massively influenced my leadership style and journey. It truly is the little things that matter most! Every leader will lead with their own personal style, but the best that I have seen are those that are active listeners and engage others in the decision-making process. There will be times during your leadership that you need to make *tough* decisions and it is important you weigh every aspect and also share the rationale to maintain trust!

Embrace the opportunity to lead with boldness and integrity. Based on my experience as a nurse executive in a level 1 trauma center, you'll face challenges that require decisive action and innovative thinking. Cultivate a leadership style that inspires trust and motivates your team to achieve excellence. By leading with conviction and a clear vision, you not only advance your career but also contribute to shaping the future of nursing and healthcare. Your ability to navigate complexities and drive positive change will set you apart as a transformative leader. Let's pave the way for a healthier, more resilient healthcare system together. #BoldLeadership #NurseExecutive #HealthcareInnovation

Promoting your personal brand and staying resilient are crucial for advancing your executive career. Be mindful of how you present yourself both in person and online, ensuring that your professional image reflects your strengths and aspirations. Consistently showcase your expertise and achievements to build a reputation that stands out. At the same time, be prepared for challenges and setbacks. Maintaining resilience means viewing obstacles as learning opportunities and staying determined in your pursuit of career goals, even when faced with difficulties. This combination of a strong personal brand and unwavering resilience can significantly enhance your career trajectory.

In my personal experience, to advance to a nurse executive, embrace authentic and servant leadership. Authentic leaders lead with honesty, integrity, and transparency, building trust and fostering a culture of respect. As a servant leader, prioritize the needs of your team, empowering them to excel and grow. This dual approach not only enhances team morale and performance but also establishes your reputation as a compassionate and effective leader. By staying true to your values and serving others, you pave the way for meaningful impact and career advancement in nursing leadership. #AuthenticLeadership #ServantLeadership #NurseExecutive #LeadershipGrowth