Cross Training: A Nurse’s Professional Growth

Cross Training: A Nurse’s Professional Growth

Given today’s shortage of nurses, the national trend is toward increased floating and offering nurses cross training to new areas. This is another opportunity for professional growth. It is important for nurses in their first job to be articulate about their competencies for a new patient population if they are asked to float.

One way to minimize the stress of being asked to float to a different unit is to volunteer ahead of time for cross training to the new area. It will allow you the opportunity to experience working with different ages or types of patients. If you are thinking of pursuing a nursing profession and be able to accomplish this training, inquire from colleges and universities. Nursing degree programs are being offered even in the internet. You can search recommended sites like the following:

http://www.studentdoc.com/become-a-nurse.html

http://www.nursinglink.com/benefits/articl…ecoming-a-nurse

http://www.bls.gov/k12/help04.htm

Cross training has some long-term benefits. If you are considering a career in a specialty, spending some time cross training to that area can help you decide whether you want to pursue that field. It is also beneficial to the nurse seeking a new position. When you are applying for a new job, experience in more than one clinical area enhances a resume and makes you a stronger candidate.

Some health care organizations reward nurses who volunteer to cross train so they can safely float to different areas. These rewards may be monetary. Other institutions offer incentives such as reduced weekend or holiday commitments, as rewards for cross training or floating.