This post highlights all the best advice for a new nurse
Nursing can be a challenging but rewarding career. There are many different niches and specialties, making it a long-lasting career choice. But I remember almost 10 years ago, entering the nursing field and being absolutely terrified. This is NORMAL. You are entering a profession where patients’ lives can be at risk. But you are human too, and mistakes happen. I am here to tell you the best advice for a new nurse that I wish I was told when I first started. These are the things I have learned from years of working as an emergency room nurse. From how to stay organized to how to talk to the senior staff and how to prevent burnout. So put that stethoscope down and make notes; I’m going to help you start your career in nursing in the most successful way.
Table of Contents
How Do I Survive My First Year As A Nurse?
The first year as a nurse is known to be the most difficult for many reasons. You’re just getting out of school and are now thrown into an environment where everything is new. Every day you’re learning on the fly. Your skills are developing and you’re faced with many challenges. My biggest piece of advice to a new nurse starting out is to always ask questions. I know I feared “looking dumb” or looking like I didn’t know what I was doing. But I’m going to tell you that most senior nurses would rather you ask questions than make a mistake for them to have to help with later. No question is a dumb question when it comes to patient safety.
How Can I Manage My Time And Stay Organized During A Shift?
My number one piece of advice for any new nurse starting out is to go in early for your shift; about 15-20 minutes early is usually sufficient. Enough time to research your patients and write down all the pertinent information on a sheet that you can refer back to. I also find this helps when taking report, as you can be prepared to ask the questions you need to. Just remember to shred your patient information sheet prior to leaving hospital premises, as you don’t want to violate patient privacy. Now this organization method may differ for different specialties; for example, in some areas of the emergency department, it isn’t possible due to high patient turnover. But if you’re starting out on any inpatient unit or you tend to have a lot of admitted patients, this is good practice. Get my free nursing report sheet template below!
What Should I Do If I Make A Mistake?
You WILL make a mistake. If you talk to any experienced nurse, they will have many stories. Some mistakes are bigger than others. It’s terrifying, but we’re all human, and humans make mistakes. When you make an error, it’s common to feel ashamed and want to run from it or hide it. But the best thing to do is to OWN it. Speak to the most responsible physician caring for the patient so you can amend the mistake. Patient safety is always of the utmost importance, so ensuring that your patient receives any treatment for your mistake is crucial. I feel the hardest part of making an error as a nurse is telling the patient and/or their families. However, it’s your responsibility to do so, and it never gets easier.
How Do I Talk To Doctors Or Senior Nurses Without Being Intimidated?
For most new nurses, talking to senior staff or physicians can feel highly intimidating. But I want you to remember that every nurse and doctor started out similarly to where you are now. So hold your head high and speak with confidence (even if you’re shaking inside). I think the best advice for any new nurse feeling this way is to practice providing a verbal report on a patient. Clear and concise communication will get you way further than rambling about non-pertinent information. Every medical professional tends to be busy, so the quicker you can give them the important information and get your point across, the better. The best way to do this is by using the SBAR report.
EXAMPLE:
Hi, my name is (your name), I’m a registered nurse from (your unit/department). I am calling about (patient and room), who is admitted with (patient’s diagnosis). The reason I am calling is, (give brief overview of situation needing attention and last vital signs if pertinent). I am hoping for (give them what you think your patient needs/what you’re hoping to gain from this call, eg. antiemetics, analgesia, a reassessment by the MD due to deterioration).
What Are Some Must-Have Tools Or Supplies For My Shifts?
As a relatively seasoned nurse, at this point, there are some items I can’t live without. Here are my suggestions for new nurses.
Shoes
The most important thing you should spend money on is GOOD shoes. You are on your feet often for the better half of 12 hours. Your feet will hurt if you don’t get comfortable shoes. My go-to shoes change often, but I’m currently loving the New Balance Fresh Foam x 880 or the New Balance Fresh Foam x Hierro trail runners for my emergency shifts.
Pens
Another must-have item that new nurses need is a trusted pen. Now this may sound funny, but you will find that nurses will guard their pens like their lives depend on it when they find a good one. Everyone has their personal preference, but I like the Pentel EnerGel 0.5mm pen. The best part is that once you have the pen, you can buy ink refills. Less waste—we love that!
Scrubs
My third essential for new nurses is comfortable scrubs with side pockets. I try to get as many side pockets as possible; you don’t realize how much stuff you want to carry on shift until you start. I personally like the Figs Zamora High-Waisted Scrubs. They have 5+ pockets and are the comfortable jogger style. But many companies make similar styles, such as this Canadian brand, Garde-Malade.
Scissors
Lastly, scissors are a necessity for any nurse. They are needed more often than you would think, for those stubborn medication packages or even cutting off clothes in a critical situation. I personally use the Leatherman Raptor Shears and have been using the same pair for many years. They are extremely durable; however, they are not the cheapest option. Now, I found a more affordable option on Amazon—see here. I can’t speak for the durability or longevity of these shears, but I have a number of coworkers who use them daily.
How Do I Balance Work With My Personal Life?
Work-life balance is something that every nurse strives for. Some are better at it than others. As a new nurse, you will find your own routine for working shift work and having a life outside of work. My advice for a new nurse is, if you have the option, to find a schedule where all your shifts are clumped together. For example, 2 days, 2 nights, and then 5 days off. I did this rotation full-time for many years and found the balance was much more achievable. I tend to write off my first day off after a stretch of shifts. I use this to sleep and get reoriented to life. You’ll learn quickly that you can’t do much when you’re working a set of 12-hour shifts. This then gives you 3-4 days to plan all your socialization after your recovery day.
Secondly, use your vacation time. I know a lot of new nurses don’t like to plan vacations. This is paid time off. Use it! Even if you use it just to have days off at home. It will help prevent the burnout you may develop in this profession.
Lastly, I like to get workouts in when I can. It helps me feel energized for the long shifts. However, every nurse is different, and I don’t force myself if I’m too exhausted in between shifts.
How Can I Keep Growing As A Nurse?
Starting your nursing career can feel very overwhelming, but remember—every experienced nurse stood exactly where you are now. Be patient with yourself while you learn, and remember to ask the questions. No question is a stupid question, so ask it without fear. Nursing is one of the hardest professions but can also be the most rewarding. So take a deep breath, trust in what you know, and give yourself permission to be human! You have the entire nursing community cheering you on.
XO, Syvannah
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