Where are You on Your Career Ladder?

Case Management Focus

Nursing is a career that requires planning and adjustment as you progress. In this post, I hope to stimulate you to think about where you are on your career ladder. 

Whether you are a newbie, a more seasoned nurse, or looking at retirement, everyone needs a plan to determine their own career ladder. 

A career ladder is a metaphor for job promotion. In business and human resources management, it typically describes the progression from entry-level positions to higher levels of pay, skill, responsibility, and authority. 

Climbing the nursing career ladder can be difficult. Professional stagnation is among the leading causes of dissatisfaction in the nursing field. Having a clear picture of career opportunities is essential to retain the current workforce, to motivate those new to the field, and to encourage experienced candidates to seek upwards mobility. Various strategies may assist in professional satisfaction and combating the ongoing nursing shortage. 

Here are some ideas to help you climb your career ladder: 

1. There are many entries to becoming a nurse. Many enter the healthcare industry at a nurse aide level. The next level is a licensed practical nurse, then a registered nurse. You can become a registered nurse via the associate degree level or earn a bachelor’s degree. The entry-level for professional nurses today is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN. If you do not have a BSN and plan a career in nursing, I recommend setting your first goal at achieving the BSN degree. 

2. Many nurses stay at this level for their entire career and are quite satisfied. Having A BSN opens many doors to explore and navigate freely as you progress through the years. Roles you may take for advancement include clinical jobs in various settings, working your way up the supervisory ladder, and seeking leadership/administrative positions. 

3. Some may want higher degrees such as a Master or Doctorate in Nursing. Others may pursue higher degrees in non-nursing areas that are intriguing. 

4. Thinking about your goals will help you decide on the level of education you want to pursue. Each level brings increased responsibilities that make your career enjoyable and allow you to shape the future of an organization, a department, or at a higher level, healthcare public policy. 

5. Certification is another area of growth that many nurses strive to achieve. Professional Nurse Case Managers may step up to certification due to job requirements, or you want to pursue certification for your own to highlight personal/professional goals. There are many certifications allowing you to choose a specific area of focus. Explore various certifications carefully as the process toward certification is time-intensive and costly. The value of certification is that it makes you more marketable. It is a way to showcase your expertise in a specific area. 

6. Explore areas of healthcare in which you would like to work. Get to know the practice by shadowing someone doing the work you are interested in. It takes time to learn a new area of practice, so investigating a new area before committing to change can save time and money on education and training. 

7. Another way to grow professionally is to join and become active in your professional organization. Immersing yourself in professional organizations will help you discover new areas in which you can delve into. Networking is an invaluable tool as you move through your career ladder. 

8. Consider orienting new employees to your area of practice or mentoring more seasoned professionals into roles that fit their goals. Helping others to explore their goals and move into areas that help them grow. Being a mentor usually comes later in your career as you find you have much to share. Helping someone find their niche while enhancing your own practice is a win/win scenario. 

9. Balancing your career goals and your life outside of work is essential. This balancing act can be a challenge. Decide what is important to you and work toward finding a balance that helps you meet both personal and professional responsibilities. Some things to consider include how to finance your education if you choose to pursue an advanced degree; or planning steps to change your current focus to a new area of practice. Will your employer pay anything toward tuition or training? Can you get a scholarship, or must you take out loans? How will this impact your personal life/finances? 

10. One positive aspect of being a nurse is that you can take time off to raise your children, care for family members or just take time off for yourself. Many nurses work part-time while raising their families. The challenge with alternate working schedules is staying up to date with skills, passion, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Whichever way you choose, have a plan, review it often, and regularly update your resume/bibliography to show your progress. Keep track of what you have accomplished in your various roles. Be proud of the steps you have accomplished on your career ladder.  

Enjoy your career success and take advantage of opportunities that cross your path. 

Enjoy the ride! 

Resources 

Moving Beyond the Bedside, There No Limits: A free guide detailing various opportunities nurses can explore when ready to move beyond the bedside. 

Click here to access your free copy 

2025 Stepping Up to Certification: a free guide to the top certifications you can explore when ready to step up to certification. Click here to download your free copy.  

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