Even if you love your current job, you may be dreaming of what comes next. Do you envision more responsibility? A supervisory role? Leading a department or facility? Whatever your goals are, there are a few steps that will help you move up the ranks in healthcare.
Keep Learning
Many healthcare roles have continuing education requirements, but this goes beyond that. Have you considered additional learning opportunities? Further education and training might yield a different career in healthcare, perhaps even one that will advance quickly, because the fundamentals are already in place.
It might be more possible than you think. Even if your schedule is crazy, even if money is tight, or even if you dread going back to school. Whether it is through your community college or online schools that allow you to learn at your own pace, education is becoming more accessible.
Be a Leader
Every day, every shift can present opportunities for leadership. Do you take advantage of those opportunities? Healthcare leaders need a wide range of operational, relational, and analytical skills to carry out their responsibilities effectively. If you start demonstrating those skills in daily opportunities, colleagues and managers will start seeing your leadership potential.
There are a few key ways to demonstrate leadership abilities: if you communicate, listen, learn, remain flexible, and have a vision, you can mold yourself into a valuable and respected healthcare leader. If you work on these skills continuously, they will help you become a better leader, but they will also help you become better in your current role.
Grow Professionally
It’s important to foster professional growth, but it’s essential to do so if you hope to move up the ranks. One way to do this is to find a mentor; a mentor can be helpful in many different ways. For example, if the mentor is within your organization, you can learn a lot about behind-the-scenes organizational issues and values, and the knowledge can translate into quicker promotions.
You should also consider joining a professional organization within the field. Again, it can be a source of numerous valuable resources, including connections with others who are interested in healthcare, management, and improvement.
Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open
Even someone happy in a current job should keep their eyes and ears open for new opportunities. If you want to move up the ranks, this is essential. An important part of this is to ensure that your resume is always updated, flawless, and ready to go. Your resume is key to your job search, even if you’re not actively searching. That way, if the perfect opportunity to move up in the ranks comes along, you’ll be ready to apply.
Go for It!
At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. Eager to move up in the ranks? We applaud your ambition, and we’re here anytime you’re ready for your next assignment. Give us a call at 310.436.3650.
