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It’s no secret that having the right “connections” and knowing the right people can increase your chances of landing that much sought-after job. However, the question remains: how do you best utilize a network of friends, acquaintances and colleagues without exploiting them and burning bridges? To minimize the “taking advantage of friends” factor, consider this definition of a “network”: a group of friends, colleagues and acquaintances who support your career goals – and whose goals you support in return – and with whom you share and request knowledge from when needed.

Networking in the Healthcare Field: From Your ACLS Instructor to Your Co-Workers

Having a broad network and knowing whom to call upon when the time comes can make a world of difference when making a career move; whether that move is from one employer to another or to a different stage in your career. Your network can give you advice, offer resources you may not have considered, or simply point you in the right direction for making that big career move.

This can be particularly helpful in the healthcare field. Many jobs and careers require similar knowledge bases and certifications. If, for example, you’re moving from caring for adults to caring for children and you’ve completed your PALS courses, it’s time to consider maximizing the career benefits by letting your network know about your enhanced skill set.

A professional network can also offer great opportunities for mentorship while moving up in the healthcare field. Often certification course developers and skills test providers for ACLS, PALS, BLS, first aid, CPR or AED courses can provide valuable insights into the healthcare field and can offer advice and recommendations on what areas – professionally and geographically – offer what you may be looking for in a career.

If you’re taking your certification class online, look to in-person skills test PALS, BLS, first aid, CPR and AED and ACLS instructors to connect with networks that may extend into hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices. Maintaining a connection or pulling these individuals into your own networks can prove beneficial when making that move to the next stage in your career.

Building and Sustaining Your Network

Building a network is primarily about finding the links between you and another person. Shared interests, experiences, friends or colleagues are solid links to have with another person; they create shared stories that help form the bonds of lasting relationships. Every time you meet someone, whether face-to-face or virtually, you have an opportunity to extend your network.

Once you’ve built that invaluable network, it’s up to you to maintain it so that its value continues to grow. Consider grabbing coffee or an after-work cocktail or simply sending along an e-mail note every other month or so to see how things are going. Let individuals in your network know what’s going on with you and your life’s happenings. An excellent rule of thumb for maintaining relationships within your network is to ask friends, colleagues and new contacts about what’s new in their lives rather than leading with news about yourself. Everyone appreciates it when others take a genuine interest in them and who they are; and it offers the chance for both of you to learn more about what you have in common. Many key business and job opportunities flow from simple one-on-one relationships that grow over distance and over time.

Social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter, provide user-friendly outlets for updating individuals in your network. When used consistently and in a professional manner, social media are great tools for landing interviews after completing your ACLS, BLS or PALS courses.

If you have decided to make a healthcare career change and – through your network – have determined that certifications are necessary, look to Health Ed Solutions' CPR, AED, ACLS, BLS and PALS courses. These courses prepare participants to perform life-saving measures in their healthcare careers.