For many years, we have referred to the nursing career pathway as a ladder—something you climb, step by step, with the goal of reaching the top. But nursing careers today do not always follow a straight line. Many of us are weaving our own paths—taking steps sideways, gaining new skills, and following our passions into different areas of the profession. In this article, I’ll explore how the traditional career ladder model is shifting and why nurses, leaders, and educators should embrace a more flexible, personalized approach to career development. 

The Traditional Nursing Career Ladder

The ladder model is familiar; you start at the bedside, move into a charge nurse role, then maybe unit manager, and eventually into executive leadership. It is a straightforward pathway that has helped many nurses understand what’s possible.

This model offers a clear sense of progression, and for some, it works perfectly. But for others, it can feel limiting. Not every nurse wants to move into management. Some want to specialize clinically, go into education, whether that be academia or professional development, or work in policy or tech. The ladder does not always reflect these paths, and it does not leave much room for lateral movement or skill development outside of the leadership track. 

The Rise of the Nursing Career Lattice

The concept of a career lattice better reflects how many nurses grow professionally today. Instead of following a path into clinical staff management, nurses are increasingly exploring a variety of roles—such as case management, informatics, education, quality improvement, consulting, and entrepreneurship. These transitions are not always lateral; many represent advancement and professional development through titles such as manager, director, or program lead.

In a lattice model, a nurse might spend time in bedside care, then shift into a teaching role, or take on a project in quality improvement. These changes may not initially come with a new title, but they often help develop new skills, broader influence, and greater job satisfaction.

When we honor these nonlinear paths, we create more opportunities for nurses to stay engaged, grow professionally, and contribute in ways that align with their interests and strengths. 

Implications for Leadership Development

Leadership in nursing is not confined to formal titles. In a lattice model, leadership shows up in different ways—a nursing professional development practitioner mentoring new grads, a nurse scientist driving evidence-based practice, or a nurse informaticist improving workflow with tech.

To support this, we need to rethink how we develop leaders. That means offering mentorship opportunities, encouraging cross-functional experiences, and recognizing contributions beyond clinical staff management roles. As nurse leaders, we must be willing to spot and support leadership in all its forms. 

Educational and Organizational Support Needs

If we want to support nurses in weaving their careers, we need flexible educational options and supportive workplace structures. That might look like modular, stackable credentials—where nurses can earn micro-credentials that build toward a larger degree—or cross-training programs that expose nurses to new areas of the organization.

Organizations can also create career mobility by offering job rotation, tuition support, and clearly mapped development pathways. These strategies help nurses stay curious, motivated, and engaged with their professional growth. 

Case Examples

I have seen nurses step away from the bedside and thrive in academic roles, simulation labs, quality improvement teams, and even policy work. One colleague moved from clinical nursing into a telehealth startup, blending her expertise in care delivery with a passion for technology. Another built a rewarding career as a community health advocate, shaping local policy and outreach programs.

These nurses did not climb—they wove. Their careers reflect the flexibility and creativity that the nursing profession now embraces.

At American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University, we recognize the importance of flexibility and accessibility in nursing education. Our programs reflect the diversity of today’s nursing roles, offering specializations that support a range of career pathways—from nurse leadership and education to informatics, case management, and advanced practice. With multiple entry points including RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, and graduate certificate options, our curriculum is designed to support lifelong learning and career mobility. In addition, our partner engagement team works closely with healthcare organizations across the country to build meaningful relationships that support nurses in pursuing continued education. These partnerships help align academic offerings with workforce needs and ensure nurses have access to affordable, flexible pathways that align with their professional goals.

This structure empowers nurses to grow at their own pace and in directions that align with their evolving goals. As the profession moves away from rigid career models, we are committed to providing an educational foundation that supports both upward and lateral movement—making it possible for nurses to build the careers that best fit their lives, their communities, and their callings. 

Beyond the Ladder: Honoring Every Nurse’s Unique Career Path

As nursing continues to evolve, so must our approach to career development. The ladder worked for a time, but today’s nurses need room to explore, shift, and grow in ways that feel authentic. The career lattice isn’t just a concept—it’s the future.

Let’s support nurses in finding their path, wherever it leads. Whether it is climbing or weaving, every step forward matters—and every journey deserves recognition.