What does 2026 hold for nursing?
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Pay Transparency in Nursing
By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL
Pay transparency is a growing demand across industries, including healthcare.
Applicants want to know the compensation for a job before applying for a position. Thanks to pay transparency laws, job seekers in 10 states currently see the wage or salary of a role in the job posting.
Why is pay transparency important?
Pay transparency supports pay equity, which is still a big issue in nursing. Becker’s recently highlighted gender pay disparities in nursing, which shocked me. As a former ED nurse, I’m not easy to shock.
No transparency laws in your state? Try this:
Research nurse wages in your area on websites like Glassdoor or search the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Ask someone. Snoop around on social media nursing groups and ask about pay for facilities. Do this anonymously whenever possible to avoid problems with potential employers.
Explore growing platforms like Bluem, where nurses will be able to anonymously report their wages.
New Thing Nurse helps the nursing and NP community thrive in their careers! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺
About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.
How to Get Hired 101: Effective Communication in Healthcare
By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL
When considering the qualities to highlight during a job interview, it is crucial to emphasize your ability to communicate effectively. Healthcare employers look for nurses with exceptional communication skills for every role.
The importance of effective communication in healthcare:
Patient Safety Relies on Effective Communication:
Optimal communication among healthcare providers and during medical encounters is vital for ensuring patient safety.
Productive Teamwork Depends on Clear Communication:
Clear communication is essential for fostering productive teamwork among the clinical staff.
Digital Communication Skills are Essential:
Strong communication skills are not limited to verbal interactions but also extend to digital formats such as email, EMR documentation, secure texting, and more.
Skilled Communication Promotes Equitable Care:
Inclusive communication contributes to creating equitable care environments for diverse patient populations and staff.
Need help showcasing your communication skills? Reach out to New Thing Nurse, and find out how to SHINE in your next interview!
New Thing Nurse helps the nursing and NP community thrive in their careers! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺
About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.
Nurses Week Gift Ideas!
By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL
Nurses Week is May 6-12 - in just a few days!
Professional appreciation is important. This year’s Nurses Week theme is "Nurses Make the Difference.” Whether you are planning celebrations for staff or looking for a cute gift for your nurse friend, check out these resources to make your Nurses Week extra fabulous:
Free Nurses Week Content - Nurses associations have Nurses Week websites to help you plan your week! Check out the offerings from the American Nurses Association and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
Shop Etsy for Nurses Week - I love Etsy for meaningful gifts for friends and colleagues. I can always find fun and unique items to show others that they’re appreciated.
Nurses Week Discounts + Freebies - Businesses are already sharing their Nurses Week freebies and discounts! Don’t miss out on a deal by following the curated list from Nurse.org or this freebies and discounts blog from AACN.
New Thing Nurse helps the nursing and NP community thrive in their careers! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺
About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.
Where is nursing going?
By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL
Nursing is constantly changing. Here are a few trends on the horizon for our profession:
Stabilizing the Workforce - Moves to improve staffing and retention will continue to be a priority. Check out recommendations from national nursing organizations to overcome staffing challenges.
Virtual Everywhere - Virtual nursing opportunities will expand. Learn what virtual nursing is and how it could impact your healthcare organization.
Innovation in Nursing - Nurses are leading the way in innovation. Listen to an interview with Dr. Bonnie Clipper, CEO and Founder of Innovation Advantage, discussing revolutionizing how virtual nursing care is delivered in hospitals.
School or No School? - There are now many ways to achieve your career goals in nursing without more school. Learn about non-traditional nursing roles that might interest you
New Thing Nurse helps the nursing and NP community thrive in their careers! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺
About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.
Do you love this?
By: Sarah K. Wells MSN RN CEN CNL
February is Heart Month. My question: is your heart in your current job?
Here are few prompts to consider when thinking about this question:
Resonating? - Is your job resonating with your professional values and passions? If not, consider why and if that can be changed.
Balanced? - Does your job allow you to have a good work-life balance? Or are you sacrificing one for the other? Are you able to make it better?
Satisfying? - Do you leave work feeling fulfilled or deflated? Is your time at work satisfying you? Professional satisfaction can come in many different forms.
Growth? - Is there opportunity for growth in your position, personally or professionally? Are you progressing towards your career goals?
If your heart isn’t in your job, chat with New Thing Nurse to plan your next career move.
New Thing Nurse helps the nursing and NP community thrive in their careers! Join us on IG or Facebook @newthingnurse 🩺
About the Author: Sarah K. Wells, MSN, RN, CEN, CNL is an experienced nurse career strategist dedicated to helping nurses and nurse practitioners of all experience levels and specialties achieve success in their nursing and NP journeys. Sarah founded New Thing Nurse to help provide support and guidance to the nursing community in a simple and direct format. Sarah’s vision is to foster a more supportive and fulfilled nursing world that spreads throughout healthcare and beyond.