Networking in nursing provides opportunities to connect with peers and mentors, access professional development resources, learn about opportunities, and continue to develop as a professional. See how networking can boost your future nursing career with help from Marquette University’s DE-MSN program.
Networking In Nursing: Making Professional Connections
For nursing students, academic demands often take center stage. In this fast-paced environment, professional networking may seem like something to revisit after graduation. However, networking in nursing is a core professional competency. The relationships you build now can influence the quality of care you provide, the support you receive, and the career paths available to you in the future.
Marquette University’s Second Degree Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program leverages your non-nursing bachelor’s degree to provide a pathway to an MSN in five or eight semesters. As a full-time nursing student in Pleasant Prairie or Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you will have plenty of networking opportunities as you work through a curriculum of nursing theory coursework, on-site skills labs and clinical simulation, and clinical courses at top area health care facilities.
Explore what networking in nursing looks like, discover the importance it has on your career, and see how you can apply networking skills as a nursing student and beyond.
What is Networking in Nursing?
Networking in nursing means developing and maintaining professional relationships that help you learn, collaborate, and grow over the course of your career. There are multiple methods of networking, both formal and informal. Formal networking can take place in a more structured setting where people specifically gather to make professional connections. Formal networking events can include conferences, workshops, seminars, and professional meetings and gatherings. Informal networking refers to more casual interactions, like personal conversations or social gatherings.
As a Marquette DE-MSN student, you will be embedded in several networks: your cohort, program faculty, clinical course preceptors, and other professionals you encounter in a clinical setting. Recognizing these relationships as part of your professional network is the first step toward making meaningful connections.
Why is Networking in Health Care Important for Nurses?
Networking builds connections and opportunities throughout your nursing career. Many nursing roles are filled through internal referrals or informal connections rather than public postings. You can get to know your colleagues and peers and possibly connect with mentors who can help you grow professionally. With these professional relationships, you can enhance your patient care by collaborating with other professionals, have support at work, and stay informed.
Nursing school and early practice are also demanding, and having a web of peers and mentors to talk with can ease stress and make you feel more connected. Networking in nursing helps you stay grounded and resilient.
How to Build a Strong Professional Network in Nursing
When trying to build a strong professional network in nursing, you need to engage in professional activities. Attending seminars and conferences through professional organizations is a great way to start. These events can offer you the opportunity to meet other nursing students or professionals.
In clinical settings, networking in nursing involves learning names, introducing yourself confidently, and asking thoughtful follow-up questions when things slow down. When you work with a great nurse, try to maintain this professional connection. Your peers are just as important. The classmates in your cohort will enter specialties and roles across the country. Staying in touch through group chats, LinkedIn, or alumni networks creates a base of colleagues you can turn to years from now if you need a sounding board or when you’re exploring new opportunities.
Leverage Nursing Associations and Conferences
Nursing associations and conferences are great resources for nurses to find mentors, build a professional network, and gain access to educational resources. Organizations like the American Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau, among other state-level organizations, are great places to go when looking for educational associations. ANA offers membership assemblies, workshops, webinars, and even online courses. Sigma Theta Tau offers webinars, online courses, and job listings. Each of these is a great resource for students.
Use Online and Social Media Platforms
Social media is a crucial resource when building your network. Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook groups are great ways for nurses to connect with each other, share experiences, and participate in discussions. Building a professional online presence builds professional relationships with nurses across the country and even worldwide. A professional social media presence, like a well-established LinkedIn, can be a positive influence or a place to look when applying for jobs.
Find and Maintain Mentorship Relationships
Finding a mentor, especially at the beginning of your nursing career, can be hugely helpful. A mentor is more than a friendly coworker. They can take a sustained interest in your growth, offer guidance, and help you think strategically about your path.
As a Marquette DE-MSN student, potential mentors might include faculty members, clinical instructors, preceptors, or nurse leaders you meet at events. Mentorship often starts informally, so stay open to connections and maintain a positive attitude.
The Role of Networking in Career Transitions
Establishing a good network for yourself will make transitioning in your career easier. Having professional relationships and colleagues who understand your knowledge and skill set can give you opportunities to advance into leadership roles in the future. It can also allow you to explore other specialties or educational or research positions.
Interested in becoming a travel nurse? Find out more about what the role may look like.
Ready to Pursue Nursing with Marquette?
If you are interested in learning more about networking in nursing or are ready to start your nursing education journey, Marquette University’s DE-MSN program provides the foundation to further your education and start establishing a network for yourself.
Contact an admissions adviser to start the conversation today and take your next step toward nursing.