Merriam-Webster defines a stepping stone as "1) a stone on which to step as in crossing a stream or following a path or 2) a means of progress or advancement."1 Often, stepping stones are described as a way to get somewhere, literally, stepping on a stone to cross a stream. I recently returned from a trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park where I used pebbles or larger stones to cross a stream without getting wet (sometimes unsuccessfully). That water was cold.
Stepping stones can also be used to advance your nursing career. They could be specific actions, such as earning degrees or certification. Or some have described these as "moments" such as seeing your name in print after publishing your first article.2 Many people believe that the only way to advance your career is by furthering your academic education. However, there are many ways to accomplish this including education: joining and becoming active in professional organizations, public speaking, and publishing. This article will describe these methods of advancement and provide examples that may be helpful in attaining your professional goals.
EDUCATION
Of course, furthering your education is a great stepping stone. This does not necessarily mean more college and advanced degrees (which does not hurt). Obtaining certification in your area of specialty is a great way to get started. Certification indicates excellence and knowledge in a specific field of care.3 After obtaining certification, although no small feat, consider mentoring others and/or offer to teach in a review course. Public speaking is a good way to advance your career.
As you become more comfortable with public speaking, expand your experience into teaching continuing education (CE) in local programs. Use these smaller teaching activities to expand into participation in larger conferences. For example, I spoke at a local CE conference where an editor of a nursing journal was in attendance. She asked whether I would be interested in writing about the topic. With her assistance, the manuscript was accepted. Once this was published, I was approached to speak on the same topic at a national conference.
Another way to advance your career is to attend education conferences-local, regional, and national. Here, you can network and make connections with others in your field of expertise. Be sure to talk to leaders in the field. In addition, make connections with the vendors. At one conference, I met with a regional sales representative for a new antiarrhythmic medication. He asked whether I would be willing to provide CE to emergency medical personnel who would be administering the medication in the field. That one brief encounter at the conference led to several speaking engagements (and payment).
Thus, pursuing higher education, attending professional conferences, and participating as a speaker are stepping stones that can advance your career. Start small. The opportunities for growth will come.
PARTICIPATION IN PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Another stepping stone is to join your professional organizations. This is a great way to network with others in your field of expertise. In addition to those organizations for critical care nurses, such as the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, consider others such as the American Lung Association or American Heart Association. This is a great way to interact with professionals in other fields such as medicine, marketing, and public relations.
When you join an organization, become active. Volunteer your time, knowledge, and expertise. You will meet other like-minded individuals with interests similar to your own. You can make connections that will help further your career. For example, I volunteered to serve on a critical care nursing practice committee for the Kentucky Nurses' Association. After a short time, I was asked to provide a CE program on hemodynamic monitoring for a small hospital setting up their first critical care unit.
Joining a professional organization is an excellent stepping stone to advance your career. Furthermore, becoming active in that organization can lead to a myriad of opportunities.
WRITING FOR PUBLICATION
The stepping stone discussed here is one many people are reluctant to try-writing for publication. The process can be daunting even for experienced authors. However, it can be very satisfying when you see your name in print the first time (or even the 10th time).
"The hardest part of writing for publication is getting started."4(p76) I have been writing for publication since 1983 and occasionally still have difficulty starting. Here are a few tips to aid you4,5:
Start small. Consider writing for a newsletter for a professional organization or your employer. Even think about sending a letter to an editor about an article you read in their journal.
Choose a topic you like and know well.
Enlist the aid of nurses who have become successful authors. Reach out to members of an editorial board and ask whether they would like to assist a new author. In addition, consider asking school of nursing faculty for assistance. Faculty usually look for opportunities to publish.
Get a copy of the journal's or newsletter's guidelines for authors. Follow them completely. Do not deviate from the guidelines. They are rules. I believe instead of "Guidelines for Authors," the more appropriate title should be "Rules for Authors."
Becoming an author is an excellent stepping stone to advance your career. Your article may lead to a chapter or book. The article may lead to speaking opportunities at nursing conferences. Networking opportunities are an excellent stepping stone.
CONCLUSION
Remember, there are many pathways to career advancement. Do not be afraid. Take that first step. Sometimes you will trip and fall off the stepping stones and become discouraged, or wet like I did crossing the mountain streams. Just pick yourself up and try again. Take a leap of faith and use stepping stones to guide and advance your career. You never know where you may land.
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