Networking in Nursing: 10 Tips to Get Connected

If you have long-term goals of becoming a nurse leader, networking is an essential skill. But even if you’re not looking for career advancement, building relationships can help you grow professionally, learn new things, and feel more satisfied with your job. Plus, you might make new friends along the way. Here’s why and how to get started networking in nursing.

Why invest in networking as a nurse when you don’t need connections to find nursing jobs? Advantages of networking in nursing include:

• Learning: Connecting with other nurses and healthcare professionals can help you pick up tips on best practices, new techniques, and the latest trends. Being connected can help you stay informed on what’s happening in healthcare.

• Opportunities: Whether you’re aiming to move up at your current job or try something new, having a strong network can help you find job leads and get recommendations. Networking can help you discover new nursing roles and even gain mentorship from experienced clinicians.

• Community: Working in healthcare can be challenging, but having a group of peers with whom you can share experiences and advice is associated with better satisfaction and attitude. Having other nurses to go to when you need support can help mitigate nurse burnout and stress.

• Advocacy: Connecting with like-minded professionals can make it easier to organize around issues, such as improving patient care standards, advancing healthcare policies, and addressing workplace challenges. The importance of networking in nursing goes beyond individuals — a connected nursing workforce can advance the profession.

How can you get started networking in nursing? Examples of ways to connect with other nurses are closer than you think. Let’s get into our top tips for networking as a nursing professional.

10 Tips to Get Started Networking in Nursing

1. Be Helpful

Being helpful is one of the most underrated types of networking in nursing. Whether it’s offering to pass medications to someone else’s patient when they’re overwhelmed, covering a shift, or lending a listening ear, being supportive at work naturally helps you build relationships.

If a colleague is nervous about inserting a Foley catheter, offer to go in the room to help. If another nurse is getting a new admission, take the initiative to set up the room for them. Your willingness to support others strengthens your relationships and shows that you’re a reliable team player.

2. Reach Out

Don’t wait for other people to connect with you. Take the initiative to start the conversation. Whether it’s sending a quick email to a nurse you admire or connecting with a former classmate on social media, reaching out can open doors.

If you read an article by a nurse leader that resonates with you, reach out to express your appreciation and start a conversation. Ask a colleague if they’d like to have coffee outside of work sometime. A simple message or invitation might lead to a fulfilling friendship or a new opportunity to learn.

3. Take Part in Committees

Joining committees at work is a great way to meet colleagues and make a difference. Whether it’s a quality-improvement committee or a patient-safety task force, getting involved can lead to meaningful connections. Plus, you’ll be adding excellent experience to your nursing resume. For example, participating in a fall-prevention committee can help you collaborate with nurses from different units and share best safety practices with one another.

4. Join Professional Organizations

Becoming a member of national organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA), the National League for Nursing (NLN), or other nursing advocacy groups can connect you with a broader network of nurses. These nursing organizations host events, webinars, and forums where you can connect with peers. For example, attending an ANA conference can help you meet nurses from across the country who share your interests.

5. Subscribe to Professional Publications

Staying informed by subscribing to nursing journals and magazines keeps you updated on industry trends and research. It also provides conversation starters when networking. For instance, discussing a recent study you read in a nursing journal can spark engaging discussions with colleagues and peers and make you a resource on your unit.

6. Become a Local Volunteer

Volunteering locally is a great way to give back and meet new people. Helping out at a community clinic or a local charity can lead to valuable connections. For example, volunteering at a free health clinic can introduce you to healthcare professionals who are dedicated to serving your community.

7. Attend Nursing Events

Make it a point to attend both in-person and remote nursing events, whether they’re local meetups or national conferences. These gatherings are excellent opportunities to learn and network. Attending a nursing symposium can provide insights into the latest practices and introduce you to experts in the field.

8. Seek Mentorship Opportunities

Finding a mentor can be incredibly beneficial for your career, and it’s a proven method for strengthening the nursing workforce. Preceptors can be a great resource for new nurses, but you can find informal mentors at any point in your career. For instance, if you’re interested in changing specialties, you might seek out an experienced nurse who knows that area and can help you navigate the transition.

9. Offer Mentorship to Others

Just as you seek mentorship, consider offering it to others. There’s almost always someone who has less experience than you. For example, third-semester nursing students can mentor newer ones. Sharing your knowledge and experience can be rewarding and help you build relationships while affirming your own nursing knowledge.

10. Join Nursing Interest Groups

Joining interest groups focused on specific areas of nursing can connect you with peers who share your passions. Whether it’s a group for pediatric nurses, community health nurses, or those interested in research, specialty communities offer support and collaboration. These smaller groups can help you stay updated on new research in your area, and they’re also great memberships to list on your resume.

Key Takeaways About Networking as a Nurse

The importance of networking in healthcare goes beyond career advancement. Being well-connected can make you a more confident, resourceful, and competent clinician. Taking advantage of networking opportunities, taking initiative when you can, and volunteering for groups can help you learn from others and offer support where it’s needed. Networking isn’t just about what you can gain, but also about what you can contribute to your nursing community.

Find Nursing Jobs, No Networking Necessary

While you’re learning more about networking in nursing, you might be seeking other ways to advance your career. With job notifications from IntelyCare, the opportunities come to you. Learn more about roles in your area and specialty.