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How Nurses can keep Holiday Anxiety Under Control

How Nurses can keep Holiday Anxiety Under Control

The holidays are a stressful and hectic time for anyone. For nurses, the winter rush is stacked on top of their regular, occupational pressure.

Between lengthy shifts, negotiation-free time and all the Christmas-related obligations, anxiety naturally begins to build up. This stress cannot be completely mitigated or removed, but nurses can do their best to keep things under control.

So that your holiday season is as merry and jovial as possible, this guide will go over tips on how to regulate holiday anxiety, as a nurse.

 Recognize that Stress is a Problem

Admitting that you have an issue is the first step towards addressing it. You want to recognize that the holiday season is getting to you, in a real way.

Holiday stress can take on many different shapes. Irritability, depression, and uneasiness are just a couple of its manifestations.

If it is severe enough, you could end up feeling a host of physical symptoms. Indigestion, insomnia, overeating, fatigue and regular headaches are natural products of stress.

 Do not let it Build Up

 You may be tempted to keep all these thoughts to yourself. You could justify it by telling yourself that “others do not need to get as stressed as I do.”

If you keep holding it to yourself, you will eventually reach a boiling point. Suffering silently will only lead to further suffering.

Instead, you want to talk it out with someone who is willing to lend an ear. Whether it is a close family member, a friend or a lover, solidarity can make a world of a difference.

 Create a plan of Attack

 Working off the cuff is the perfect way to get yourself tangled and stressed out of your mind. Instead of improvising, try to make a holiday plan that covers all the possible bases.

Make a list of all the obligations and tasks you would like to accomplish. Get-togethers, gift-buying, workplace dues and more all fall under this umbrella.

 

Be Realistic

A lot of holiday stress can be linked to overextending. You cannot go to every Christmas party, buy every gift you want or make all your obligations work.

 It pays to be realistic. You need to know the constraints you are working under and make compromises, whenever necessary.

 You will not hit all your holiday goals perfectly and that is completely fine.

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Why the 12-hour Shift Could Cause Nursing Burnout

Why the 12-hour Shift Could Cause Nursing Burnout

In 2015, BMJ Open published a study examining the correlation between the 12-hour nursing shift and burnout. Its sample size consisted of around 31,627 registered nurses across 488 hospitals and 12 countries.

The results were somewhat predictable. Compared to healthcare professionals (HCPs) working 8 nursing shift hours or less, nurses who took 12-hour shifts were “more likely to experience burnout, depersonalization, and high job dissatisfaction.” Naturally, these correspondents were also more likely to express interest in leaving their jobs altogether.

An increase in working hours was found to have a correlation with other negative outcomes. More burnout was linked to a stark decrease in the quality of care and significantly higher risks of medical error. The economic damage due to “increased absenteeism and higher turnover” was also notable. Too many long nursing night shifts burn patients, facilities and HCPs alike, in the long run.

Concerns about mandatory overtime skyrocketed during the pandemic. Reflecting BMJ Open’s findings, increased work hours (among other factors) lead to burnout and increased turnover rates.

Eight years later and the results of this study are hauntingly relevant. 12-hour shifts for nurses are not uncommon, in the current environment. In extreme cases, some HCPs may have a schedule of 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week.

Hospitals will not change their operations overnight. However, if they want to avoid further short-staffing problems in the future, then reevaluating the 12-hour nursing shift will be an essential step forward.

A packed nursing shift report sheet may look nice at the moment, but the consequences of such overwork could prove dire in the long run. All the available evidence points to a similar conclusion: The 12-hour nursing shift causes burnout.

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HCP Facilities

HCP of the Month January 2023 – Ibrahim

HCP of the Month January 2023 – Ibrahim

VitaWerks is proud of what the marketplace has become, and just how many lives we have been able to improve. We partner with so many excellent HCPs, that it is hard to count them all. With our platform, we want to bring attention to some of the best healthcare professionals picking up shifts on our app. 

This January we have happily selected Ibrahim as our HCP of the Month. Ask any co-worker, or healthcare facility he has ever worked with, and the first thing they will mention is his drive. He is easily one of the most driven and resilient healthcare professionals that we have ever seen. In any setting and no matter the task, you can always count on Ibrahim to provide 100% effort and attentiveness. All this is driven by an unstoppable passion for helping people in need. 

“No matter what we assign him, we never hear any complaints,” “Under no circumstances has Ibrahim ever called sick. He is one of the most hardworking individuals we have ever worked with. His character is exceptional as well,” noted a manager at one of our partnered facilities. “Very easy to work with, and he follows every single instruction without any issue whatsoever. I am not exaggerating when I say that everyone in the facility loves him.” 

On his off days, you can commonly see Ibrahim staying fit and active. He loves getting his reps in with a nice workout, shooting hoops at a nearby rec center, and playing football. When he is not on the move, he loves nothing more than taking his time with a compelling novel. It is clear that approaches his hobbies with the same kind of enthusiasm.

With an industry as demanding as healthcare, HCPs who stay motivated and energized are irreplaceable. They can galvanize and motivate their whole team, at the best of times. They can even inspire and uplift patients who are going through difficult personal struggles. 

HCPs like Ibrahim are why we developed the VitaWerks app. These heroes deserve the highest rates you can find on the market. They also deserve the flexibility to set their schedules and achieve work-life balance. That is why we have made it our mission to pay back the HCPs who have given our communities so much. “VitaWerks has been such a great agency to me,” Ibrahim lauded. “Customer service is excellent and always available. The staff always offers me competitive rates, as well.” 

We look forward to all the great things he will certainly accomplish! 

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Taking the Next Step: How to Advance Your Nursing Career

Taking the Next Step: How to Advance Your Nursing Career

Nursing is a constant journey. Whether you want your master’s degree, doctorate or change careers entirely, HCPs are constantly looking to advance their station.

Without a plan-of-attack, it will be difficult to get anywhere. No matter your goal, this guide will go over how you can take the next leap in 2023. 

RN to BSN

It is no secret that hospitals lean towards accepting nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher. This is why RNs with associate’s degrees or diplomas are going back to school to acquire their BSN: to (hopefully) increase their hireability and earning potential.  If this applies to you, this guide is here to help. 

Accelerated BSN

If you want to become a nurse, but you already completed a different bachelor’s course, fret not. Non-nursing bachelor graduates can take Accelerated BSN programs where you can earn your nursing credentials at a faster pace. To learn more, refer to the “How To Become A Nurse If You Already Have A Degree” section of our BSN guide.

MSN

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) opens the possibilities for higher earning nursing jobs, in the future. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in particular require an MSN at minimum, and are among the highest paid and most respected RNs in the industry. Our MSN guide covers everything you need to know about getting an MSN degree.

DNP

Your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest level of nursing education attainable, at the time of writing. While relatively new, aspiring nurse administrators and APRNs want to keep their eyes out for this terminal degree. Learn more on our comprehensive, step-by-step DNP primer. 

Changing your nursing career

If you wanna move away from clinical nursing work, your nursing experience will carry over to a number of related, non-clinical roles. This list of common nursing career changes is not comprehensive, but it is a great starting point if you are looking for alternatives. 

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DAISY Foundation Unveils New Ethics Award

DAISY Foundation Unveils New Ethics Award

Even today, ethics in nursing is a multilayered and complex issue. Handling end-of-life care, the burnout and distress caused by long shifts, and working around costly medical errors are just a few of the problems that may be faced in a clinical setting. The DAISY Foundation has recognized the difficulty of navigating such issues, and has revealed an award that celebrates nurses who successfully do so. 

In partnership with the American Nurses Association (ANA), the “DAISY Award for Nursing Ethics.” will be given to nurses and nurse leaders who upheld ethical standards and “human values” in their practice and approach to leadership. 

The award criteria will be in line with the ANA’s pre-existing code of ethics in nursing. For the uninitiated, this document is a “guide” that defines the standards of ethical practice that all nurses in the country are expected to observe. 

Within this framework, nurses can make informed, guided decisions with the goal of improving a patient’s quality of care. They will also be held accountable for all their professional decisions, good or bad. 

Without a moral foundation, patients would not entrust their safety and sensitive information to nurses and facilities. The healthcare industry is built off of these principles of ethics in nursing. This is why the DAISY Ethics award is so important– it honors the brave healthcare professionals who observe ethical conduct, no matter how difficult or complex the situation becomes. 

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HCP

Registered Nurse RN Salary Guide

RN Salary Guide

RN Salary Guide

As ageing populations and chronic conditions increase, registered nurses (RN) will only grow in relevance over the coming years. With the RN yearly salary sitting at $77,600 and a projected employment growth rate of 6% (between 2021 to 2031), the future for RNs looks to be a promising one.

Do not expect every healthcare facility to pay you $77,600 right out the gate, however. Your pay in practice ultimately depends on a number of factors and circumstances.

This salary guide will go over everything you need to know about RN pay, as of December 2022. Do note that all these numbers are subject to change.

 RN Salary Range

How much does an RN make starting out, really? RN nurses’ salary per hour sits at around $37.31.

However, it is extremely unlikely for nurses starting out to make this amount. Like with any other job, income for HCPs has a wide range determined by several key factors.

Education

Higher levels of nursing education usually equate to more experience, knowledge and top-quality training. Because of this, hospitals will offer you higher salaries and more varied job opportunities (both clinical and administrative.)

Below are the average RN salaries for each educational level, according to Payscale’s user base.

Speciality Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Salary $74,000 $91,000 $100,000 $109,000

At the bare minimum, becoming an RN requires an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). While Associate’s Programs are faster (around 3 years) and cheaper than their counterparts, they are accordingly paid less on average. Though RNs are higher than LPNs technically, some Licensed Practical Nurses may outearn you at this level.

BSN nurses go through a more extensive 4-year program that equips them with more significant theoretical and practical nursing skills. In addition to more clinical opportunities, BSN nurses can qualify for well-paying administrative positions with sufficient experience.

Two-year MSN programs are the minimum requirement for Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (ARPN) roles. Between nurse practitioners, nurse anaesthetists and nurse midwives, APRNs are the highest-level clinical positions in nursing. These nurses are afforded the best salaries and additional autonomy, depending on their state.

DNP is a newer terminal nursing degree and is not a strict requirement for APRN roles as of now. It is still worth considering, as it provides training for nurses looking to take on high-level administrative and managerial duties.

Location

Different states pay nurses differently. Where you live will hugely influence how much you can earn, as an RN.

Below are the current highest-paying nursing states, according to the BLS:

● California: $124,000

● Hawaii: $106,530

● Oregon: $98,630

● District of Columbia: $98,540

● Alaska: $97,230

Remember that the raw median salary is only part of the puzzle. Employment level determines the difficulty level of finding a nursing job in that area.

With that in mind, these are the states with the highest employment level:

● California: 324,400

● Texas: 217,630

● New York: 188,300

● Florida: 187,920

● Pennsylvania: 149,270

 

Cost-of-Living 

With the highest employment level and median salary, California appears to be the nurse-friendliest state in the nation. The highest income tax in the nation and expensive cost of living must be considered, however.

Your RN nurse salary per hour does not exist in a vacuum. It must be considered alongside cost-of-living before you accept a cross-state job and relocate.

We recommend this cost of living calculator, but there are a host of other resources available online.

Experience

In Payscale’s database, entry-level nurses with at least 1 year of experience earn around $99k while those with 20+ years can make as much as $198,000 annually. The RN starting salary per hour is naturally lower than a veteran’s hourly rate. Though the sample is small, it reflects the gap in salary between new and veteran nurses.

How much an RN makes starting out does not compare to a nurse with more years under their belt. Because of their deeper knowledge and more developed skills in the space, experienced nurses will earn more than their rookie counterparts.

Specialization and Role

Nurses can find work in a variety of different industries. Per the BLS, these are the current highest-paying nursing sectors and their mean salaries:

● Government Facilities: $85,970

● Hospitals: $78,070

● Ambulatory care centres: $76,700

● Nursing homes: $72,420

● Education: $72,420

Certain jobs are also more sought after than others, such as APRNs. Certified Nurse Anesthetists ($203,105), Nurse Practitioners ($119,387) and Nurse Midwives ($117,856) earn significantly more than their RN counterparts, because of their specialized skills and highly-demanded services.

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Choosing the Correct Nursing Degree and Level

Choosing the Correct Nursing Degree and Level

From education to training, there are multiple levels to nursing. Not everyone needs to settle for an associate’s degree, nor do they have to spend a fortune for their doctorate.

Ultimately, your priorities and goals will depend on what works best for you. To help you choose, this guide covers everything you need to know about the nursing degree types and levels of education.

 What are the salaries for each level of nursing?

 Below are the current average salaries for each nursing level, according to Payscale’s user base.

Speciality Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Salary $58,000 $74,000 $91,000 $100,000 $109,000
 LPN

Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse is one of the fastest ways to become an HCP. The LPN diploma programs only take around 12 to 15 months, while an associate’s degree takes around 2 years.

LPN nursing degrees are relatively more affordable, although this is not always the case. Tuition will cost you around $10,000 to $15,000, depending on where you enroll.

LPNs primarily take on direct care roles, such as helping patients with eating, bathing, dressing and cleaning. Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or doctor, they can take on more advanced tasks like collecting biological samples, performing CPR and administering medications.

Becoming an LPN is worth considering if you want to become an HCP as fast as possible. If you wish to pursue further education down the road, there are RN bridge programs available to you. Just keep in mind that RN graduates will outearn you, upon graduation. Catching up with them will be a lengthy and costly process.

 ADN

To become a Registered Nurse, you need an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) at the bare minimum. These programs only take around two to three years to complete. This makes the program appealing to nurses who want to become RNs as quickly as possible.

 However, ADN nurses are accordingly paid less than their Bachelor’s or Master’s nursing degree counterparts. They also may not be afforded the same job opportunities and options for career progression.

 Registered nurses take on a number of different roles in healthcare, including (but not limited to) performing diagnostics tests, monitoring patient conditions, assisting in the development of care plans, supervising the nursing assistants and LPNs under them and providing patient education, every step of the way. Compared to LPNs, they take on a considerably greater number of responsibilities.

 Tuition depends on where you enroll. Public schools can charge between $8,000 to $22,000 while private institutions can ask for up to $50,000.

 BSN

Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) have extensive four-year training programs that go over critical theoretical and practical nursing knowledge. Thanks to this, they are afforded more career opportunities compared to lower levels of nursing.

 Hospitals will typically prioritize BSN RN applicants, compared to ADN ones. In addition, nurses can even qualify for administrative roles, if they want to pivot from clinical work. These nurses focus on finishing paperwork, hiring employees, developing detailed training plans and more.

 Tuition is considerably higher, compared to ADN. Public schools will charge $40,000 to $80,000 and private universities could ask for $60,000 to as much as $120,000. In addition, out-of-state students usually pay considerably more.

 The cost is high but the dividends are huge. Whether it is salary or professional opportunities, BSN nurses have a considerable leg up over their aforementioned counterparts.

 MSN

 Maybe you are looking past RN roles. If that is the case, you may want a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

 These two-year MSN programs are the minimum requirement if you want to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). APRNs like Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists and Nurse Midwives are among the highest-paid nurses in the whole industry.

 Becoming an APRN and getting your MSN nursing degree is a huge commitment. Minimum requirements include (among other things) at least a BSN and significant clinical experience. Additionally, the programs themselves are extremely expensive and difficult.

 They provide specialized services that require extremely advanced education and training. Anesthesia, for instance, is a staple for many medical procedures but is dangerous without trained professionals administering it. Naturally, these professionals are paid handsomely and enjoy additional autonomy (depending on where they live.)

 If you do not want to become an APRN, you can take an MSN program for non-clinical roles such as management or nurse education. These paths do not pay quite as much, but they are still well-compensated and in high demand.

  DNP

Doctor of Nursing Practice is a relatively new terminal nursing degree type. Because it is not as standardized, APRNs are not strictly required to take on their doctorate.

 That being said, it is still worth considering if you want to “future-proof” your credentials. Possessing a DNP also provides a sense of prestige and tenure that the MSN does not. In certain states, DNPs can even operate their own practices, which is more than can be said for most nurses.

 DNP also provides specialized training for nurses looking to achieve high-level administrative and directorial roles in the future.

 How much a DNP nursing degree costs depends on your path. MSN to DNP, the most traditional path, may cost you as little as $17,660 or as much as $169,510.

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Licensed Vocational Nurse LVN Salary Guide

LVN Salary Guide

LVN Salary

Whether they are called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), hospitals rely heavily on their skills and experience. Between administering medications, supervising nursing assistants or supporting the nurses above them, good LVNs ensure smooth operations all around.

Currently, the average salary for LPN sits at $48,070 a year and the profession has a 6% employment rate between 2021 and 2031. Though more modest compared to works like registered nurses, this is still a respectable outlook. In reality, your income will be determined by a host of different factors and sits at a wide salary range. How much do LVNs actually make, then? If you are an HCP looking to maximize their value, this guide has you covered.

Location

Thanks to varying population densities and demand, the salary for LVN greatly depends on which state or city you live in. LVN salary in Dallas, Texas is not the same as the average rate in Wyoming, and Michigan.

Currently, the highest-paying LVN states are as follows:

  • California: $65,140
  • Alaska: $63,650
  • Washington: $63,250
  • Massachuestts: $61,820
  • Nevada: $60,490

The annual salary in a vacuum only paints part of the picture. CNAs also have to consider employment level, which can determine the difficulty of finding jobs in the first place.

  • California: 72,180
  • Texas: 64,680
  • New York: 40,470
  • Florida: 37,740
  • Pennsylvania: 36,810

 

Education

 LVN salary vs RN is not much of a competition, with RNs earning $77,600 on average. This is largely due to the disparity in training and education.

RN programs are 4-year long and cover both theoretical and practical nursing knowledge, in-depth. By contrast, LVN programs only take one year to complete and do not go nearly as detailed.

Although the gap cannot be fully closed, LVNs can increase their earning potential with additional certifications like IV Therapy, Long Term Care, Basic Life Support and more.  Provided they are relevant to the facility or department you are applying for, they will look incredibly good on any resume.

You can find these certifications in many community colleges and healthcare facilities.

Cost of living

California stands out as the state with the highest median salary AND employment rate. You might be wondering “is there a question at all,” for nurses looking to relocate?

You also have to take into consideration the high-income taxes and the expensive cost of living in general. All these expenses drag down your effective buying power, in the end.

Whether you are moving to California or Colorado, a state’s cost of living plays a significant role in determining how much money you actually see. This nifty cost-of-living calculator can help first-time LVN movers, and there is no shortage of insightful resources.

Industry

 Though LVNs can find work anywhere, certain facilities and industries will pay better than others. Of particular note, government facilities ($52,210/yr) and residential care facilities ($49,620/yr) require quality LVN services and will pay the best as a result.

Home healthcare and hospitals do not pay as well, but at $48,350/yr and $47,000, respectively, they still pay a reasonable amount. The former in particular has risen in prominence, with more people staying at home due to the pandemic.

Physician offices are the least lucrative of the highest-paying industries at $46,870. These roles are still well worth considering, especially if you want to become a physician in the future.

Experience

Facilities will always take proven HCPs over rookie ones. As a result, experienced nurses typically have a higher average LVN salary. According to Payscale, year 1 nurses earn around $22.57 per hour while nurses with 20+ years of experience make $25.66/hr.

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How to overcome nursing test anxiety 

How to overcome nursing test anxiety

Nursing school can be a gauntlet. Students are expected to balance difficult technical courses, clinical rotations, and commonly work side jobs on top of everything listed. 

With so many responsibilities and requirements for nursing school, the pressure commonly gets to a lot of HCP hopefuls. Because of the difficult material and stressful environment, nursing test anxiety is experienced at a higher rate compared to other college courses. 

Instead of brute forcing through your worries, consider these smart and healthy coping strategies. You will be surprised by how much easier things could be, with the right approach. 

Watch what you drink

Many people turn to alcohol or caffeinated drinks, whenever they feel nervous or depressed. However, drinking too much of either can aggravate symptoms of depression and anxiety in nursing students.

Just be mindful of your intake. Provided that you consume either in moderation, you should be fine. 

Manage your time better

Scheduling headaches is a common root cause of test anxiety disorder. Juggling study time, multiple assignments, and work is no easy feat. 

Getting organized is the perfect way to make life easier for yourself. You do not need to strictly adhere to the schedule, but some structure to your day helps you stay focused and motivated.

Look into some exercise 

A good workout lets you release pent-up test anxiety while getting healthier. Exercise releases endorphins that bolster your mood and calm you down. 

You do not need to pay up for an expensive gym membership to pump iron 3 hours a day. A 30-minute walk, in between your daily tasks, is more than enough.

It helps even more if you enjoy the routine. Yoga, swimming, and hiking are just a few workout activities that will help you stay fit while lowering your test anxiety level. 

Make use of campus resources 

You may not be aware of the resources available to you. Nursing schools often provide counseling services and online apps to help their students battle anxiety and fulfill their potential. 

Test anxiety tip: Study smarter, not harder. Studying longer hours with few breaks is less effective than maximizing the time you have. 

It is understandable to feel a bit hesitant but keep an open mind. It is best to maximize the advantages available to you, while you are still a student. 

Build a strong support system 

A strong support system of friends and experts can help you weather the storm. Talking to the right people and healthily venting your emotions can make a huge difference in overcoming test anxiety. 

Fellow HCPs can give their perspective and advice for nursing school and stress mitigation. Most universities even have mentors and counselors who offer this kind of support.

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Why Nurses Should Set SMART Goals for 2023

Why Nurses Should Set SMART Goals for 2023

A new year is a new opportunity. Every New Year’s eve, we set goals and resolutions that we intend to accomplish in the following year. As the saying goes: it is better to work smarter, not harder. To grow professionally, you need both the right kind of nurse goals along with a well-developed plan of attack. In this article, we will show you how you can set and pursue SMART goals for nurses, in 2023. 

Defining SMART

Aspiring nurses need to know what they need and how they plan to get there. By setting SMART goals, you answer all these questions and provide your career with much-needed structure. 

For reference, a SMART Goal is: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed.

You want to set specific goals that will provide your efforts with focus. If you want to become a registered nurse, “passing the certification test” or “submitting your first job applications” would be your specific goals. 

When your goals are measurable, you can quantify whether or not you have succeeded in them. If you tell yourself that “I will submit three job applications,” then you will only succeed if you submit three or more. 

You will set yourself up for failure if your goals are not attainable. Landing your first nursing job within three days is technically possible, but highly unlikely. When you know you can finish something, you are more motivated to take action. 

Be sure your goals are realistic when you consider your current situation and capabilities. It is OK to aspire for bigger things down the road, but those benchmarks will take a lot of time. 

Finally, giving your goal a specific time frame makes you conscious of your progress. Some self-imposed pressure helps in getting things done, and a reasonable time limit provides just that. 

Examples of Smart Goals For Nurses

Finding a new job 

Say you want to look for new registered nursing roles in the new year. Job hunting can be a tricky prospect, so expecting to immediately land a new gig is not very SMART.

In this instance, an intelligent goal example would be “submitting 6 nursing applications over the next 5 months.” You are setting a clear timeframe for you to gather all the required documentation and tailor your application to each facility. 

Making it a specific number of applications also ensures your progress is numerically measurable. 

Pursuing further education 

Nowadays, nursing schools let students learn at their own pace. To set SMART goals for nursing students, you want to know how long it will take to complete your program. 

If you are pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing, and you want to finish it as soon as possible, enroll on an Accelerated MSN program. Although the curriculum is compressed and very busy, it lets you earn your credentials much faster.

A SMART goal for nursing students would be “finishing your MSN within 15 months while finishing 103 credit hours per year.” This is a brutal schedule, but the benchmarks are clear and attainable for those who can handle the workload.