Developing on the Job
It is a good idea to uncover the ways to move up the ranks in any new job.
Maybe it is becoming a charge nurse or volunteering for a unit or institutional
committee. Perhaps the institution has a process for promotion in a rank, such
as a career ladder program. Try to uncover institutional promotional methods
before starting a new job. Ask the human resources representative or your
supervisor to go over these steps so that you know what they are before tak-
ing the job. For example, if your institution has a ladder-type promotion, ask
what criteria are needed to move up the ladder. Often peer reviews factor into
annual performance reviews, so cultivate peer relationships and get feedback
as a routine part of your practice.
Orientation
Take full advantage of the orientation program in any new job and learn from
all the classes offered. During orientation, seek out possible mentors. Frequently,
these knowledgeable nurses do presentations during orientation sessions or act
as preceptors during clinical orientation. A mentor is a seasoned nurse who acts
as a competent role model and acts to support, guide, teach, and encourage
(Mijares & Bond, 2013) the novice nurse. During this time of newness on your
unit, be sure to observe other nurses and ask them questions about how they
do certain procedures or use various resources.
Frequently, resource time is offered to new employees as a part of the ori-
entation process. Use this time to look up resources at your new hospital, such
as manuals, toolkits, the committee structure (i.e., unit, specialty divisions, or
hospitalwide), opportunities to volunteer for committees, or other unit activi-
ties. Inquire about the research process and how evidence-based changes are
implemented on the unit. Ask whether there are journal clubs or similar venues
where practice updates are discussed. Many times facilities have interest groups
whose purpose is to discuss specific practices.
Schedule a time during orientation to meet with nurses in advanced roles
(such as clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, or nurse researchers)
who may be resources for your unit. Get to know these nurses because they can
provide excellent resources and updates for your unit. Inquire whether nursing
and/or interdisciplinary rounds or other learning opportunities are provided.
If you have a professional development staff educator assigned to your unit,
determine his or her role in EBP updates. Talk with your nurse manager or
supervisor about how he or she sees EBP and how you will receive updates
for your practice. Try to understand the level of support from senior leader-
ship because operational support is important for maintaining an innovative
environment (Nelson-Brantley & Ford, 2017).
KEY TERMS
ladder program:
An organizational
process for
promotion
and career
advancement
preceptors:
Knowledgeable
nurses who provide
clinical orientation
for new employees
role model: One
who demonstrates
desired characteris-
tics and skills17.2 Developing Oneself 457