Every kind of nurse can thrive and have a more fulfilling career as long as they have a support system. Building a community of like-minded nurses can make the tough times on the job feel less lonely. Other nurses can help give direction and guidance in times of need, and they can also teach you about new opportunities and roles you can pursue!
Connect With Colleagues
The easiest way to build a community can start right in the workplace. When you have a very stressful situation as a nurse, your support from your colleagues makes a world of difference. They can enable positive recovery after draining experiences.
If you have great teammates, keep them close! Not only will your tasks become easier because you have the proper support, but you can also keep these people as connections for years to come, even if you end up leaving the job.
A great way to create strong connections with teammates is to actively listen, be empathetic, and always offer support when needed.
Support Groups
Organizations and groups for nurses are often plentiful, depending on what you are looking for. If you want to network for new opportunities, check out LinkedIn groups.
If you want to chat about struggles or have questions about being a nurse, Facebook groups can also be helpful. (I invite you to join my new Facebook group, The Nurse Break Room.)
For something more official, the American Nurses Association (ANA) offers a paid membership program. As a member, you’ll receive information on the latest in healthcare and keep you in the loop about all things nursing. They even have a mentorship program where you can get personalized mentoring on your specific nursing needs. The ANA website lists these member benefits:
- Advance your career with free development resources and webinars;
- Stay current with the most up-to-date nursing news;
- Save money with big discounts on CE, certification, publications and more;
- Network and connect with Registered Nurses (RN) for support and advice;
- Make your voice heard with opportunities to tell policymakers what you think; and
- Receive state nurse association member benefits.
Verizon Fios
Nurses can get Fios Home Internet starting at $20/month. Plus, get a $100 Verizon Gift Card!
Educational Development
Look for opportunities to further your education. When you do, you’ll meet so many like-minded nurses who share the same goals as you. Not only that, but your professors will become a part of your circle, too. Your professors may even serve as a reference in the future when you’re ready to advance your career.
Online schools have made getting advanced education more accessible than ever. Just decide on what skills you want to advance, and you’re ready to start researching the best schools and programs to meet your needs.
Advocacy Groups
Maybe you’re passionate about one particular area of concern in nursing. You can find an advocacy group for that particular issue and join a movement! Here are a couple to consider:
- National Nurses United focuses on safe nurse-to-patient ratios
- Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation pushes more nurses to take care of themselves and live a healthier lifestyle
Find what you’re most passionate about and join an advocacy group to grow your community.
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Create Your Own Group
If you can’t find a specific group that speaks to you, create one! Take charge and create your own group on Facebook or LinkedIn, and then spread the word to your friends, colleagues, and family. Over time, your group can grow into a thriving community.
Nursing is a tough profession. Pressure, responsibility, and difficult situations are all part of the job. I strongly believe the happiest nurses are those with strong support communities. With the right support system, you can weather any storm.
I hope this post inspired you to start prioritizing building a community for a happier life as a nurse!
Pooja Patel is a registered nurse of eight years with a master’s degree in nursing leadership. Her primary specialty is in women’s health. She has worked as a labor and delivery nurse, fertility nurse, and now a fertility nurse manager. She has also worked in corporate insurance and ambulatory care. Pooja started her wellness and lifestyle blog, Nurse Bestie, to help overwhelmed nurses conquer their stress and learn how to live a happy and healthy life. She’s passionate about being healthy and sharing all of its life-changing benefits for busy nurses.
