Nurses are more in demand than ever before, making the nursing profession rich with opportunities. You may be wondering, “Why is nursing a good career?” With most nursing roles projected to grow from 2020 to 2030, there’s never been a better time to be a nurse. But with so much job growth potential comes competition, which makes it important to consistently invest in yourself and your skills.
Any sort of professional development needs clearly determined professional goals in order to be effective. Your professional goals should always be SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. Here we’ll share 15 nursing career goals to consider for yourself and tips on how to achieve them.
Pursuing a career in nursing can be incredibly rewarding As a nurse, you have the ability to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every single day. However, with so many potential nursing career paths, it can be challenging to set clear goals for professional development
In this article, we’ll explore 13 examples of short and long term nursing career goals as well as the key benefits associated with each one.
Short Term Nursing Career Goals
1. Earn a Specialty Certification
Getting certified in a nursing specialty demonstrates your commitment to providing exceptional care in your chosen area It also helps you stand out when applying for jobs Some common specialty certifications include
- Pediatric Nursing
- Oncology Nursing
- Critical Care Nursing
- Emergency Nursing
Benefits:
- Increased knowledge and skills in your specialty
- Enhanced patient care abilities
- Improved job prospects and earning potential
2. Complete Continuing Education
Continuing education is essential for all nurses to maintain your license. But you can go above and beyond by taking extra CE courses related to your interests. Options include:
- Workshops
- Conferences
- Online education
- In-person classes
Benefits:
- Stay updated on the latest evidence-based practices
- Expand your nursing expertise
- Earn CE credits for license renewal
3. Get Comfortable with New Technology
The healthcare field is constantly adopting new technologies. Make it a goal to get trained on any new technical systems or devices used in your healthcare facility. This could include:
- Electronic medical record (EMR) software
- Telehealth platforms
- Diagnostic equipment
- Robotic assistive devices
Benefits:
- Improved ability to utilize technologies for patient care
- Increased value as an employee
- Enhanced confidence in adapting to new innovations
4. Improve Time Management Skills
Nursing involves juggling a high volume of tasks and responsibilities. Set a goal to evaluate and streamline your time management approach. Strategies can include:
- Creating efficient routines
- Managing distractions
- Prioritizing urgent tasks
- Learning to delegate when possible
Benefits:
- Ability to complete nursing duties on time
- Reduced stress
- Increased productivity
5. Strengthen Communication Abilities
Communication is a vital nursing skillset. Look for areas where you can improve, such as:
- Active listening
- Speaking clearly concisely
- Writing documentation thoroughly
- Communicating compassionately with patients
Benefits:
- Enhanced patient relationships
- Improved team collaboration
- Reduced errors
- Higher quality care
6. Expand Your Knowledge Base
Make it a priority to regularly expand your core nursing knowledge. Dedicate time to reading journals, taking courses in new topics, or shadowing in unfamiliar departments.
Benefits:
- Increased competence across nursing domains
- Ability to understand new developments in the field
- Improved critical thinking and clinical judgement
Long Term Nursing Career Goals
7. Earn an Advanced Nursing Degree
Furthering your education can open the door to new opportunities. Consider degrees like:
- MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
- DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
- PhD – Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
Benefits:
- Eligibility for leadership, research, or teaching roles
- Increased earnings potential
- Next step for career advancement
8. Obtain an Advanced Practice Certification
Earning an advanced practice certification qualifies you take on greater responsibility. Options include:
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
- Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
- Certified nurse midwife (CNM)
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
Benefits:
- Expanded scope of practice
- Improved diagnostic, prescriptive, and treatment capabilities
- Higher level of prestige and pay
9. Transition Into Nursing Management
If you want to influence care delivery beyond direct patient practice, consider transitioning into a management role such as:
- Charge nurse
- Nursing director
- Nurse manager
- Healthcare administrator
Benefits:
- Opportunity to shape policies, processes, and systems
- Increased earnings
- Ability to advance organizational goals
10. Become a Nurse Educator
If you have a passion for teaching, look into nurse education roles in settings like:
- Universities and nursing programs
- Hospitals
- Community colleges
- Non-profit organizations
Benefits:
- Chance to develop the next generation of nurses
- Flexible work options
- Positive influence on many careers
11. Start Your Own Business
Many nurses leverage their expertise to launch businesses like:
- Private practice
- Home healthcare agency
- Consulting firm
- Coaching and education company
Benefits:
- Unlimited earning potential
- Control over your work
- Flexible schedule
- Ability to help patients in new ways
12. Obtain Expert Witness Certification
After gaining extensive experience, consider pursuing certification as a legal nurse consultant or expert witness. This allows you to provide expert opinions for legal cases.
Benefits:
- Opportunity to influence legal outcomes
- Competitive compensation
- Intellectually stimulating work
- Chance to expand nursing impact
13. Volunteer for a Cause Important to You
Look for volunteer nursing opportunities that align with your values. Possibilities include:
- Medical missions abroad
- Community clinics
- Outreach programs
- Health advocacy organizations
Benefits:
- Chance to increase healthcare access
- Making a difference for vulnerable populations
- Gaining fulfilling experiences
- Opportunity to develop new skills
Key Takeaways on Nursing Career Goals
- Set both short and long term goals to provide direction and motivation.
- Continually expand your nursing competencies and knowledge.
- Consider specializing, advancing your education, or expanding your role.
- Look for goals that align with your values and interests.
- Keep the benefits for patients and the community central.
By setting intentional nursing career goals and re-evaluating them annually, you can achieve professional success and personal fulfillment. With an empowering vision and consistent effort, you’ll be prepared to make the most of all the incredible opportunities this rewarding field has to offer.
Why Are Goals Important for Your Nursing Career?
Setting long-term goals will help you advance in your career as a nurse. Accomplishing these goals will increase your personal and professional satisfaction and will also combat burnout. Setting goals for your nursing career can help you:
- Plan ahead
- Constantly develop skills
- Improve earning potential
- Feel fulfilled
Nursing Goals: What is your goal in nursing
What benefits do nurses gain from short-term career goals?
Here are some additional benefits nurses might gain from short-term career goals: Demonstrate your commitment: Setting and achieving goals may help show how much you care about your career and field. You may want to do this to pursue promotions or establish your reliability with a professional you admire.
What are short-term career goals for nurses?
Short-term career goals for nurses are objectives that these healthcare professionals set for the near future. These may include completing daily tasks, improving their skills and learning new practices. Here are some short-term career goals nurses might set:
What are long-term career goals for nurses?
Long-term career goals for nurses are aspirations they set for the distant future. Nurses may pursue these ambitions over months or years. Some long-term career goals that a nurse might set include: Gain a promotion: A possible long-term career goal you might set to pursue a higher rank in the facility where you work.
What is a good career goal for a nurse?
12. Become an advocate. A noble career goal for a nurse is to become a better advocate. Advocating can be for your patients, for new policies at work, or for practices you believe strongly in. Nurses can help advocate for patients by guiding them through the medical system and providing resources.
