Some nurses may reach a point in their careers where the question isn’t just “How do I make more money?” but “How do I grow meaningfully, sustainably, and with purpose?”
The Workforce Education Trends Report from Strategic Education sheds light on how healthcare professionals, including nurses, address these questions. It also looks at how healthcare workers often feel undervalued and how career advancement opportunities can be a lever to retention, satisfaction, and engagement.
Let's look at how some nursing professionals think about and pursue career advancement, not just a higher salary, and why it matters now more than ever.
How feeling undervalued affects the profession
The Workforce Education Trends Report revealed that 42% of healthcare workers feel underappreciated by their managers or organizations. Many shared that they lack clear paths for growth or leadership, and few are aware of the continuing education benefits their employers already offer.
Data from the Nurse.com 2024 Nurse Salary and Work-Life Report echoes this frustration. Fifty-four percent of nurses shared that not being heard was a top aspect of their work that negatively affects their mental health, while 30% said not being given the opportunity to provide input or feedback also negatively impacted their well-being.
And despite modest salary increases shared in the Nurse.com report (a 2.6% increase for RNs), 34% of nurses said they’re dissatisfied with their current salary.
But the bigger issue? Twenty-three percent of nurses are considering leaving the profession altogether, driven by a combination of factors, including dissatisfaction with management and lack of advancement opportunities.
This data tells us something critical. Compensation alone isn't the only resolution. What matters more in the long run is being seen, heard, supported, and given room to grow.
Career growth isn’t just about promotions
Nurse career advancement doesn’t have to mean becoming a manager or a leader — unless that’s your goal. It can take many forms:
- Clinical specialization: becoming an expert in a field like wound care, critical care, oncology, or palliative nursing.
- Education and training: becoming a preceptor, clinical instructor, or nurse educator.
- Informatics and innovation: integrating technology into care delivery or working on artificial intelligence or EHR optimization.
- Policy and quality improvement: influencing healthcare outcomes at the system level.
These pathways offer more than just titles. They offer agency, meaning, and long-term impact, all of which contribute to a fulfilling nursing career.
Certifications and degrees directly boost nurse income
If financial growth is a motivator for you, certification and higher degrees are proven to result in higher salaries.
According to the Nurse.com report:
- 36% of RNs who earned a specialty certification saw a salary increase, averaging $10,000 more annually.
- For LPNs/LVNs, certification resulted in a $13,482 salary bump.
- APRNs saw the largest gain, with certification leading to a $40,000 increase.
Moreover, 37% of all nurses plan to pursue a degree, and among RNs, nearly half (48%) plan to earn an MSN, a clear indicator that education supports growth.
What’s holding nurses back?
Even with the benefits, there are barriers to nurse career advancement. Strategic Education’s report identifies three major ones:
- Upfront costs for degrees and certifications
- Time constraints from long shifts or multiple jobs
- Lack of awareness about employer-supported benefits
Similar findings are shared in the Nurse.com report:
- Only 35% of nurses receive tuition reimbursement, even though many employers offer it.
- Among those who do receive education support, 67% shared they only get partial coverage, with a median reimbursement between $3,000 and $4,000.
- Many nurses, especially those in acute care, report being unable to take breaks or manage their workload, making the idea of school feel out of reach.
Why advancing your career matters
Despite these barriers, the benefits of professional growth are too significant to ignore. Here are a few reasons why investing in your own development matters:
- Better job satisfaction: Nurses who see clear opportunities for professional growth and pursue them are more likely to stay and feel motivated. In the Nurse.com report, 28% of RNs rated advancement opportunities as an important factor to their job satisfaction, showing that visible advancement paths are powerful loyalty drivers.
- Resilience against burnout: When your work aligns with your goals, it can help reduce day-to-day stress. In fact, one-quarter of RNs in the Nurse.com report said the mission of their organization was an important component of their job satisfaction.
- Greater impact and influence: Moving into leadership, educator, or innovation roles lets you shape clinical practice, policy, culture, and the future of the profession.
- Longer-term financial upside: While nurse career advancement isn’t only about pay, many advanced or specialized roles command higher compensation down the line.
Making a plan for career advancement
Professional growth isn’t just about climbing the career ladder. It’s about finding deeper fulfillment, building resilience, and creating lasting impact. Here are some steps you can take to grow professionally even under challenging circumstances:
Do a self-assessment
Knowing what drives you is key to growth. Conducting a self-assessment is a powerful first step, even when progress feels out of reach.
Ask yourself questions, such as:
- What roles energize me?
- What do I want to be doing in three to five years?
- What skills do I enjoy using (or want to develop)?
Taking time to reflect can help you chart a clearer path forward.
Look into your growth gaps
Start by identifying the qualifications required for the role you’re aiming for. This might include specialty certifications, an advanced degree, leadership training, or hands-on experience in a specific area.
Be sure to explore what support your organization offers to help you reach those goals, such as:
- Tuition reimbursement
- CEU stipends
- Paid study time or flexible scheduling
Taking advantage of these resources can make advancing your career more accessible and affordable.
Volunteer for growth
Not all professional growth happens inside the classroom. Look for hands-on opportunities that develop leadership and expand your influence, such as:
- Leading a quality improvement project
- Participating in a shared governance or policy committee
- Precepting new nurses
- Shadowing a nurse manager or educator
These experiences strengthen your leadership abilities but also increase your visibility, paving the way for future advancement before a formal role becomes available.
Pursue mentorship
Mentors provide invaluable guidance, support, and insight as you grow in your career. They can help you navigate challenges, set goals, and build confidence. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance, finding a mentor can make a lasting impact.
Professional associations are an excellent place to connect with experienced professionals who are open to mentoring. Don’t hesitate to reach out. Many are eager to share what they’ve learned.
Final thoughts on nurse career advancement
Whether you want to stay bedside, teach, lead, innovate, or shift careers, career advancement is your path to power. It gives you options, confidence, and influence in a healthcare system that often feels chaotic.
Perhaps most importantly, it helps you stay in the profession without losing what matters most to you.
