Hospitals and clinics across the country continue to report growing nurse shortages. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, nearly 100,000 registered nurses left the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another 610,000 plan to leave by 2027, citing stress, burnout, and lack of advancement opportunities. For many nurses, bedside care is no longer sustainable. Long shifts, emotional exhaustion, and limited flexibility push skilled professionals to consider different paths.
Yet the solution isn’t always leaving healthcare; you can evolve within the profession. Career advancement allows nurses to stay in their work while gaining more autonomy and influence.
Today, nurses have more career options than ever. Gotham Companies helps nurses navigate this shift by connecting them with flexible roles and long-term opportunities that support growth beyond direct patient care.
Exploring the Path to Nurse Leadership
Leadership roles in nursing are more accessible than most professionals realize. Nurses who begin in bedside roles can pursue positions such as:
- Nurse Manager: Oversees a department or unit and manages clinical staff, budgeting, and scheduling. These professionals play a key role in maintaining the quality of care while improving operational efficiency.
- Director of Nursing (DON): Sets policy, handles compliance, and ensures the delivery of consistent nursing care across departments. Directors also participate in strategic planning with hospital executives.
- Chief Nursing Officer (CNO): Serves on the executive leadership team. CNOs represent the interests of nursing staff at the highest levels and lead efforts in clinical innovation, quality improvement, and workforce development.
Advancing to these positions requires both clinical experience and education. But it also calls for the soft skills nurses already use every day: communication, critical thinking, team coordination, and patient advocacy. The biggest leap is often not in skill, but in mindset.
In-Demand Specialties to Open New Doors
Not every nurse wants to manage a team. Some prefer to grow their career through specialization. Clinical tracks in informatics, case management, or public health can lead to high-impact roles with more predictable hours and less physical strain.
For example, nurse informaticists use data to improve patient care systems and electronic health records. Legal nurse consultants assist in medical-related legal cases. Nurse educators train future generations of healthcare professionals in academic or hospital settings.
These roles often offer remote or hybrid options and place nurses in positions of long-term influence. Gotham Companies helps candidates identify these specializations and find positions that align with their skills, certifications, and lifestyle goals.
How Per Diem and Contract Roles Accelerate Growth
Short-term assignments are not just for travel nurses. Per diem and contract positions offer exposure to new environments, specialties, and systems, without the commitment of a permanent role. These roles provide a valuable test run for nurses considering a transition to leadership or a new specialty.
Working across different hospitals or departments also helps nurses build diverse experience, which becomes essential when applying for supervisory or administrative positions. For example, a nurse who has completed several contract roles in surgical and critical care settings may be better positioned to lead a multidisciplinary team.
Gotham Companies specializes in connecting nurses with flexible assignments that match their career development plans. Whether you want to gain ICU experience or work in a rural clinic before stepping into a director role, our team can guide you through the process.
Balancing Work and Continued Education
Many leadership roles require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. But returning to school while working full-time can feel overwhelming. That’s why the right schedule matters. Per diem assignments often give nurses more control over their hours, leaving space for classes and studying.
Scholarships, tuition reimbursement, and online programs also make it easier than ever to upskill without financial strain. Many healthcare employers offer incentives to support nurse development. Still, navigating the logistics takes planning.
Gotham Companies helps candidates align their job schedules with education goals. Whether you’re completing clinical hours or preparing for certification exams, we work to place you in roles that support your progress, not disrupt it.
The Role of Mentorship and Networking
Leadership isn’t a solo journey. Nurses who move into higher-level roles often cite mentors as one of the biggest influences on their success. A mentor can offer career guidance, advice on managing people, and help navigate challenges like impostor syndrome or professional transitions.
Networking also plays a major role. Professional associations, hospital committees, and LinkedIn communities provide access to job leads. The more you connect with others who have advanced their careers, the clearer your path becomes.
Gotham Companies provides career coaching and industry insights to help nurses grow their networks. Our recruiters often introduce candidates to mentors, peer professionals, and healthcare decision-makers.
Taking the Next Step in Your Nursing Career
Every nurse’s path beyond the bedside looks different. Some will pursue leadership in large hospital systems, while others will find their voice in health tech, public policy, or education. No matter the direction, what matters most is taking the first step.
Start by assessing your interests. Do you want to manage people, solve system-wide problems, or impact care at a strategic level? Next, talk to a recruiter who understands your field. Share your goals and ask for placement options that support those ambitions.
At Gotham Companies, we believe in more than just filling shifts. We invest in the long-term success of every nurse we work with. Whether you’re ready to lead a department or just exploring your next move, our team can help you navigate the journey from bedside to leadership.
Reach out today to learn how Gotham can support your growth and help you shape the future of healthcare.
