4 Reasons Why You Have to Make Time to Network

4 Reasons Why You Have to Make Time to Network

by | Aug 27, 2014 | Blog

Lots of professionals say they just don’t have time to network. With busy schedules, having a membership in a couple of professional organizations is about as far as they get. Or, some say, they are satisfied with their jobs and not planning on a career change, so why bother going to meetings or networking events?

In addition to the basics like education, communication skills, professional experience, and an affinity for your work, knowing how to network effectively is one of the skills you must have in your toolbox.

You’ve heard all the reasons why networking is important and you know how to work a room. But if you don’t actually get out there and do it, you’re losing a valuable opportunity.

Here’s why you have to make the time to network.

1. Life Is Unpredictable

You might love your job and not plan on leaving, but you could get downsized. Or you might decide to move. Or a family member could have a health crisis. Who knows what life is going to throw at you? But the more people you know and the more connections you have, any new career plan will be easier.

2. You’ll Gain Insight from Talking to Others

Even if you aren’t going to change careers or positions, networking offers tremendous opportunity to bounce ideas off people in your industry or who are like-minded. Are you having a staffing problem? It would be interesting to hear how managers in another location handled the problem successfully. Are you interested in executive nursing positions? A networking meeting is a great place to informally approach someone you admire.

3. You’ll Be Amazed at How Much You Don’t Know

You may not think you know everything in your field, but listening to speakers and hearing from peers in a networking arena will make you sit up and take notice. You will always, always learn something new by networking.

4. It’s Nice to Be with Other Nurses

Let’s face it – it’s fun to talk shop. Other nurses get you. They have a similar drive to help people. They understand why organizing all the nurses’ stations on each floor is important. They get the joys and they’ve lived the heartaches. Being around others in your industry validates your career choice and recharges you. Think of networking time as a way to help recharge yourself, not as a chore you have to do.

Networking takes time and effort, but it goes along way. The personal and professional rewards will be worth every minute you devote to becoming an active networker.

 

 

Should You Relocate? Three Things to Consider

Should You Relocate? Three Things to Consider

by | Jul 16, 2013 | Blog

Have you ever dreamed of living in another region? Have you often wondered if your location is a career roadblock?

Relocating for your career or for a desired lifestyle change is sometimes the best move for nurses and one that is frequently available to nurses specifically. Nursing skills are needed in all areas and a move can not only bring a career boost, but much needed personal change as well.

Before you start packing, there are a few things you need to consider. “Out of the gate, everyone should know their carrot or their reason for wanting to relocate,” says an account executive for a major healthcare staffing company specializing in the permanent placement of registered nurses staff to vp level. What you must decide, she says, is this: “What is your carrot?”

1. Career Advancement

If you feel like you cannot progress in your job where you are, relocation might be your ticket to more responsibility or a new career path. Standards vary by region, so if you are moving to an area where most nurses have advanced degrees, understand that will be something most employers will expect. But other regions may offer you great opportunities with your current education level or even give you prospects while you earn another degree. Set some short-term and long-term goals so you know where you want your career to take you. Will relocating help you reach those goals?

2. Family

Would you like to live closer to family members or even put a little distance between you and your loved ones? Do you and your spouse dream of retiring to a certain area in 10 to 15 years? Family is a big reason for wanting to move and you can take your career with you, but make sure you consider all the factors. If you have kids, investigate the schools. Check out home or rental prices to see if they are compatible with your expectations and budget. Be sure to look at the big picture when you think of making a move.

3. Economy

What is going on where you live? Is your region booming with nursing jobs or is it impossibly competitive to land a desired position? Some regions of the country are looking for nurses to fill spots and others are so tight that someone has to move or retire before anything opens up. If you want more responsibility or a bigger salary, you might look into other regions. You could find a job that pays better, gets you closer to your ultimate career goal, and is more stable somewhere else.

So, what is your carrot?

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