Putting People at the Center of Professional Development:
The Power of Community in Nursing
By Crystal Schiano
Like many of you, growing up I was always told I could be anything I wanted to be. In many ways I feel by choosing the profession of nursing, this dream has been self-actualized. Over the past decade, my nursing career has taken me through diverse and transformative experiences in critical care, surgery, leadership, quality improvement, and administration. I have pursued multiple degrees and sought guidance from specialized mentors, all with the goal of expanding my impact in healthcare. This journey, though marked by moments of self-doubt and vulnerability, has ultimately led me to a deep sense of purpose and passion.
In thinking back on my biggest“ aha” moments and professional breakthroughs, each of these events has one common denominator— people. My professional relationships have landed me career decisions, job opportunities, professional fulfillment and board appointments. The people that I have surrounded myself with have led me through my career“ jungle gym” like skilled guides, navigating a complex maze.
As a nursing student in 2025, you have the most career possibilities this profession has ever seen. However, to stay resilient, remain purposeful, and make the mistakes needed for growth, putting people at the center of your professional journey is critical to your success.
How can you grow your professional network in a meaningful way?
Your healthcare journey is a significant investment of time and energy that started years ago. Continuing to invest in yourself and your relationships is key, but how? Ultimately, there are three key methods to meaningfully build your professional network:
1. Engage in professional organizations throughout all phases of your career.
2. Continuously seek new perspectives.
3. Create meaningful professional relationships.
Engage in Professional Organizations
Healthcare leaders that have come before us have created and fostered professional organizations that provide support, education, professional opportunities, and a vital network. My first true engagement with a professional organization was with the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses( AACN). Months after expressing my interests in the website profile section, AACN sent out a call for applications. I applied, was accepted, and was soon traveling to the AACN headquarters in Aliso Viejo, California to train for the Beacon reviewer program, which educates application reviewers on the qualities of excellence that make up a Beacon-awarded unit. This experience instilled in me a deep sense of pride in my vocation, a strong professional identity, and a wealth of valuable skills that I have been able to transfer and adapt across many different facets of my career.
The same year my unit won their
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