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How to Avoid Getting the Axe From Your Nursing Job

5. Make Yourself Indispensable

If your employer can’t bear the thought of losing you, you won’t get the axe no matter how many jobs they cut. Becoming indispensable means being the “go-to guy” (or gal) when it comes to your field, making yourself available to superiors and peers, and going beyond your job description. You don’t have to be a slave to your job to become indispensable, but you do need to stand out from the crowd.

If you find that your co-workers come to you with questions, your supervisor trusts you with important projects or research, and you typically get what you ask for, you are probably an indispensable part of your facility. Count your lucky stars.

6. Keep Up Good Relations with Your Colleagues

Your boss isn’t the only one who can get you laid off. Uncomfortable or hostile relationships with your peers cannot only make work unenjoyable, it can lead to the end of your job. Supervisors and managers can spot employees who cause a rift in the team or make life difficult. You co-workers don’t have to be your best friends, but if you make an effort to get to know them and get along with them, everyone will be happier and you will be more likely to keep your job.

7. Go the Extra Mile for Your Patients

We all know that patient ratios today are through the roof. With an increased demand for nursing professionals comes higher patio-provider ratios. This can lead to frustration and contempt, and that can lead to the axe. Even if you don’t spend hours with each individual patient, making the effort to get to know him/her and his/her family can make all the difference for the patient and your career. Simple things like remember names and a unique fact or two is a great start. You may be seeing dozens of faces a day, but if you remember a patient and they remember you, it can be your lucky day. In the age of websites that rate and rank nursing professionals, it’s best to have 5 stars next to your name.

8. Ask for the Promotion or Raise You Deserve!

You work hard and you’re great at your job. If you think you deserve a raise or promotion, ask for it! Let your supervisor know that you are ready to take on more responsibility or that you want a chance to move up. Many employers won’t offer a raise or promotion unless you bring it up. Afraid of asking in a shaky economy? Don’t be. The worst they can say is “No” and then you have at least secured a place in your employer’s mind when he/she does think about increasing salaries or promoting from within.

Idly sitting aside and letting someone else land the promotion you wanted doesn’t do anything to help your career, in the present or the long-run. Let your employer know where you stand and what your goals are, and you are more likely to get there.

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