Today's nurses are in a unique position, with more chances than ever before to advance their careers and make a difference in the lives of their patients.

When it comes to nursing, there has never been a better time than right now. As technology improves and life expectancy rises, new ways of working in the nursing field are becoming more commonplace.

These new opportunities are exciting, and it's up to you to learn more about them and prepare for them. If you're looking for inspiration to land your next nursing position, consider these five ideas.

Concentrate Your Skills in High-Demand Areas

Many nurses' training days and the nursing profession as a whole have evolved considerably in the last generation and since. Hospital beds are now occupied by an increasing number of elderly patients with a wide range of long-term health disorders and frailties. As a result of advances in medical technology, patients who once needed to recuperate in a hospital for many days can now do so at home with the help of caregivers. A procedure that used to need significant surgery is now performed using interventional radiology techniques. Nursing has had to adapt and alter in order to fulfill the ever-increasing needs of the public.

Invest in Your Future Education

If you've been a nurse for any length of time, there's always something new to discover. Find out what skills you need to take your profession to the next level and seek ways to expand your horizons.

There are numerous options for training and education, including advanced degrees. Opportunities to learn online have revolutionized education, thanks in large part to the internet. Flexible learning methods are common in these programs, making them perfect for people who need to juggle employment and school.

Subspecialize

As a nurse, there are countless avenues to pursue in your profession. In order to develop specialized knowledge, it is beneficial to have a specialty in your portfolio. As a result, you'll be able to pursue positions with specific skill sets that pay more and offer better benefits. 

Many nursing subspecialties are in high demand, yet there aren't enough skilled workers to fill them, such as pediatrics, mental health, renal, critical care, and cancer. If you want to work in a community environment, you can use your specialty to manage niche departments or work as a clinical nurse in a specialty area. It could also serve as a stepping stone to a career in clinical or research education.

Have a Mentor

Nursing advancement is more than just completing courses or earning a degree. You'll need to learn the softer skills involved with leadership, developing others, and handling difficult circumstances effectively. If you're serious about improving your leadership abilities, finding a mentor who can walk you through real-world leadership situations is a great place to start.

Stay Up-to-date with Innovations 

Nurses have a wide range of options for advancing their careers and innovating. Look out for the next big thing, and be ready to jump in. Global shortages of specialty doctors and the potential for nurse practitioners to fill in their voids are two examples of this.

Nurses have yet another opportunity to deliver relevant and useful advice or teach others through the use of technology.