November 25 2016 - So you've already earned a nursing degree of some sort and you're looking for ways to further advance your career to make a higher salary and get more hours? Don't be discouraged by the fact that you're not yet making as much as you'd expected, because there are always plenty of alternative opportunities that can elevate your career path. Fortunately, it's relatively easy to make your way to the higher rankings in the nursing field when compared to other occupations, and if you stick with the tips given below, you should have no problem seeing a significant improvement in your career status in the near future:

1. Study for a Masters of Nursing Online

If you're already a nurse, the most sure fire way for you to advance your career would be to study for a masters of science in nursing online. Once you've obtained your MSN, you'll have the experience needed to occupy higher-paying roles within hospitals and other medical facilities. This step should definitely be at the top of your list of priorities if you're serious about making an effort to maximize your salary and career benefits as a nurse. The great part is, you can do almost all of it online in your own time, so it's usually possible to cram it into a busy schedule even if you're already getting lots of hours at work.

2. Apply at a Different Hospital

If you already have an MSN or want to take a more immediate approach to advancing your career, you might want to consider applying at a different hospital or facility. You might be in the unfortunate position of working for an overstaffed institution, in which case it would be wiser to simply search for an understaffed employer instead. If you've tried being patient and have done a great job during your time with your current employer, but still aren't seeing any positive schedule or pay rate changes, it might be time to look elsewhere for employment.

3. Do Your Job Well

People in managerial positions tend to favor employees that do an excellent job, and will usually trust them with higher-paying jobs that carry more responsibility. Of course, ideal employees also receive pay raises and scheduling preference wherever possible. Strive to be the best nurse you can be, show up on time every day, and be an enjoyable co-worker to be around, and you'll probably find that your situation will just naturally improve as time passes.

4. Focus on Personal Development

Finally, once you've obtained an MSN online and have taken the above steps into consideration, focusing on improving your personality is something you should be doing on a regular basis. Make an effort to be kind, attentive, responsible, and friendly to your associates and patients, and you'll inevitably notice an improvement not only in your career but also your social life.

Long-term Commitment Brings Long-term Success

In closing, improving your career isn't something that's going to happen overnight. It takes months and years of dedication and commitment to ensure that you're building a foundation for stable and desirable employment.