Moving Up the Leadership Ladder: Using a Career Coach

Nurses have learned a great deal through their educational and clinical experiences and that knowledge has served them well as they perform their clinical responsibilities. Those with a desire to move up the leadership ladder need to develop a knowledge base and skill set that is wider than what they obtained as undergraduates or even in graduate school. Sophisticated nurse leaders are aware of and know how to capitalize on their competencies, and how to adapt to changes to job search and interviewing strategies needed to move up the leadership ladder. In particular, emphasizing and capitalizing on different competencies become vital when attempting to secure a leadership role outside of those in the traditional, acute-care hospital setting.

Are you curious about how some nurse leaders have been able to successfully transition from a traditional role to a new role that was, at least at first glance, outside their comfort zone? More often than not these nurse leaders are in constant consultation and dialogue with mentors, either inside or outside of nursing (or both), have worked with an executive recruiter (a head hunter), or are engaged with an outplacement firm or with a career coach. Working with a career coach can assist nurse leaders in the process of “repackaging” their expertise, experience and competencies for a desired role that is outside their comfort zone. Career coaching prepares and supports nurses so they make informed decisions about their career development and trajectory. Solution-oriented career coaching involves taking concrete steps—résumés, cover letters, Skype interview preparation, developing employment contracts and change of control agreements—all designed to help meet career trajectory goals. A career coach can assist a nurse leader in ensuring that you have the essential career evidence that reflect your readiness and fit for the new role—not just focusing on what you accomplished in the past.

Career coaching can be helpful at every point of a nurse leader’s professional path, from the early career years, to helping explore strategic options for graduate school or when exploring career options outside their traditional comfort zone. A nurse leader’s career path of today is not as direct as it has been in previous generations, nor will it prepare that nurse leader for the key leadership careers of tomorrow.

See more of: Career Transitions: Capitalizing on Your Leadership Competencies
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