Careers are shaped and influenced by coworkers and other peers in the field. In healthcare, who you know can be just as important as what you know and which career path you choose. Networking in nursing is an important tool, regardless of whether you’re getting started in the field or you’ve been hooking up IV lines for 30 years.

At Utica University, we provide our students and alumni with the tools needed for a successful nursing career. Each component of Utica’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program—online coursework, nursing labs, and clinical rotations—is an opportunity for students to connect with peers, faculty, and nursing professionals that they can carry with them post-graduation.

Before you start building a professional network, it’s helpful to know why it’s vital for your career and professional development. Then, review the actionable tips you can follow to nurture your professional network, whether you’re just starting nursing school or working as a registered nurse (RN).

What Is Networking in Nursing?

Throughout your time in nursing school and your professional life, you’ll meet peers and potential mentors. All the people you meet in the context of the nursing field could become part of your professional network.

Networking is the intentional, planned process of forging connections with people and nurturing those professional connections over time. It begins by establishing a personal rapport, getting to know them, and keeping in contact, even if circumstances no longer allow frequent physical meetings.

For example, while a nursing student will one day part from their cohort, they can keep in touch with their fellow graduates long after starting a professional nursing career. A professional network will naturally grow and change over time.

Advantages of Networking in Nursing

There are many reasons why nurses should continue nurturing their professional connections throughout their careers. One of them is to enjoy the support of peers who understand the challenges of nursing. Nursing, while rewarding, also requires emotional resilience. Turning to peers for mental and emotional support can help nurses work through obstacles.

Another reason to nurture your network throughout your career is to make a positive, lasting impact on the healthcare field itself. Nurses often serve as advocates for their individual patients and for policy changes that benefit all patients. It can be easier for nurses with a robust professional network to make their voices heard and to make a meaningful impact on an organization or the field.

How Networking in Nursing Supports Long-Term Career Growth

Networking is also important for career growth and development. If you’re thinking of pursuing a graduate degree and becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or a nurse educator, you may have professional contacts who are already in the role you’re thinking of transitioning to. They can offer valuable insights as you consider your career move.

Your network may also help with lateral career moves. Perhaps you’re no longer satisfied with your chosen nursing specialty and would like to switch to a different one. If you have a robust network, there’s a good chance you know someone working in your intended specialty. You can solicit advice from them about making the switch.

Another way networking in nursing supports long-term career growth is by providing opportunities for professional development. Nurses must be lifelong learners who read nursing research in journals and attend professional conferences and seminars. Nurses can also benefit from mentoring, and it’s entirely possible to find a nursing mentor in one’s professional network.

H2: Why Is Networking Important in Nursing for Students?

As important as a professional network is for working nurses, it’s arguably even more important for nursing students. When you’re just starting your career, you’ll benefit from having people who can point you to job openings and provide recommendations and referrals for you.

For example, the professionals you meet during clinical rotations may help you identify job opportunities to explore even before you graduate. It’s entirely possible to receive an offer of employment before graduating and passing the NCLEX, simply by making a good impression during clinicals and nurturing your network.

There are other advantages of networking in nursing beyond finding a job. Nursing students can lean on their professional network, namely other members of their cohort, for support to help them get through the difficult times in nursing school.

Students can turn to nursing leaders and mentors to help develop their nursing knowledge and skills. Nursing mentors may also offer career guidance and help students explore potential nursing specialties to pursue after graduation.

Tips for Building a Professional Network During an ABSN Program

Knowing the importance of networking in healthcare is only the first step. Nursing school is an ideal time to start building your network because you’re likely to meet peers, instructors, preceptors, RNs in various specialties, charge nurses, and healthcare managers and administrators. It’s helpful to have a mix of different people in varying positions in your network.

Start working on your network with the following tips:

• Start or join a study group. Study groups are a great way to develop friendships among your peers in your nursing cohort.
• Be engaged in classes and labs. Ask questions, contribute to discussions, and don’t be shy about asking instructors for extra help when needed. Make yourself stand out in a good way to build strong working relationships with your instructors.
• Keep a positive attitude in clinicals. Maintaining a cheerful disposition, accepting feedback with an open mind, and being the first to volunteer for a task are great ways to make a good impression during clinical rotations.

Remember that meeting people and forging relationships is only the first step in networking. You’ll need to nurture your connections over time and offer value. Just as you lean on others in your network, they might turn to you when they need help.

Build a Foundation for Success at Utica University

With ABSN locations in Utica and Albany, New York, Utica University is an ideal place to start building your professional network as a nursing student. Our ABSN program offers clinical rotations at healthcare facilities throughout Central New York, which enables our students to make contacts across the region. In addition, our nursing curriculum focuses on graduating practice-ready nurse candidates by emphasizing evidence-based practices and compassionate, holistic care.

Contact an admission representative at Utica today to find out if our ABSN program is the right choice for your nursing future.