The Path to Building a Successful Nursing Career

This textbook provides a one-stop reference resource and guide for nurses interested in advancing their careers. It addresses self-assessment, goal setting and self-discipline, as well as academic paths and non-academic career paths, and includes two chapters on strategic path development, covering internal motivation, risk taking, work—life balance, work environment, networking, professional membership and mentorship. Lastly, the book discusses professional growth topics such as civility, burnout, professional development and “keeping informed,” and explores specific professionalism topics like professional behavior, ethics, social media and executive presence.Intended for nurses at any level, this textbook examines topics relevant to today’s nursing professionals and offers guidance on building a successful nursing career. It also helps student nurses create a path for their career and professional growth, both during their training program and beyond.

About the Author

Dr. Jennifer M. Manning, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs at Louisiana State University Health Science Center School of Nursing, has 20 years of nursing experience and twelve years of advanced practice registered nurse experience. She served as the Director of the RN-BSN program from 2012-2015 and the Traditional BSN program in 2015. Dr. Manning is actively involved in recruitment, progression, retention, and graduation of undergraduate nursing student initiatives. She has taught at the undergraduate, masters, practice doctorate, and research-focused doctorate level. She has mentored nursing students, nursing faculty, and registered nurses. She has published multiple book chapters and many scholarly manuscripts. She reviews for journals and publishers. Her research interests include nursing education, nurse work environments, and nursing leadership.