Effective professional networking

J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2017 Aug;29(8):441-445. doi: 10.1002/2327-6924.12484. Epub 2017 Jun 13.

Abstract

The reasons for nurse practitioners to develop a professional network are boundless and are likely to change over time. Networking opens doors and creates relationships that support new opportunities, personal development, collaborative research, policy activism, evidence-based practice, and more. Successful professional networking involves shared, mutually beneficial interactions between individuals and/or individuals and groups, regardless of whether it occurs face to face or electronically. This article combines nuggets from the literature with guidance based on the authors' combined experience in networking activities at the local, national, and international levels.

Keywords: Nurse practitioners; advanced practice nurses; communication; networking; professional growth; relationships.

MeSH terms

  • Communication*
  • Community Networks / organization & administration
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Nurse Practitioners / organization & administration
  • Nurse Practitioners / psychology*
  • Professional Role / psychology*