Hey New Graduate Nurse….

Congrats you did that!

Welcome to the beginning of your new career!

As a new graduate it's okay to be scared this is all new for you especially for individuals that have never worked in health care. I know from my own personal experience I was scared. I come from a customer service background, I worked at Verizon Wireless & Time Warner Cable prior to becoming a nurse. So this was all new to me as well. I just want you to know to remain confident and trust yourself you know way more than you think, and never ever forget that God Got You Sis!
So just for you I put together a list of things I wish I knew as a new graduate Nurse that hopefully help you and ease the tension.

• You don't have to know everything!

Trust me you are not expected to know everything. We learn so much information in nursing school its absolutely impossible to remember every detail. You are expected to ask lots of questions. You will learn the facility, the unit, the staff, the patients and so much more. So just make sure you are asking questions especially if you have no idea; because the last thing you want to do is put our patients life at risk.

• Jump at every opportunity to learn and try a new skill!

Of course you're going to be nervous this is all new to you placing an IV, putting in a Foley, admissions, discharges, NG tubes etc. If you've never done it before than get ready sis! The only way you are going to learn is by jumping in there. All you have to do is ask for guidance from your preceptor or other nurse on the unit. You will learn so much, and have way more confidence when it comes time to do it again.

• Follow your gut!

Use you're nursing judgment if something doesn't feel right follow that instinct. Not every gut feeling or instinct will prove to be true; however from my own experience most of the time they do.

• Use your resources!

Know your resources and use them! You are now apart of something bigger than yourself, you are a part of a team. So you have a charge nurse, another nurse on the unit, CNA's or PCT's, various therapists and online resources catered to your unit and/or facility. i.e. Up to date, Policy Stat etc.

• Take care of yourself!

In order to have the energy and mindset to take care of others you have to make sure you're doing everything in your power to take care of yourself. Self care is so important to avoid bur not! You are learning so much and getting used to anew career, new environment, new schedule etc. It's tough! So take care of yourself and always remember its never selfish to put yourself first.

• Honesty is the Best Policy!

Be honest with your nurse manager and preceptor when it comes to your level of experience and skill set. Always jump at the opportunity to do something new, but please let your preceptor know if its something you've never done before. You will be respected more if you are honest rather than giving the impression that you did and really didn't't.

• Don't become that Nurse!

So trust me you will meet or come across the JADED Nurse and trust me you don't want to be him or her. Never forget why you became a nurse in the first place. If you are in an area that doesn't give you that same enthusiasm you had when you graduated you may want to consider a different specialty. Yes its normal to have bad days but when it becomes constant and others are making comments or you've been in the office you may want to reconsider. With that being said there is so many opportunities in this particular profession.

• Support, Support, Support!

Have a support system someone or individuals that are in the health care field that understand what you are going through and are willing to talk to you and help you. Nursing is tough everyday will not be unicorns and rainbows.

• Have FUN!!

Yes being a nurse is serious but enjoy your patients, enjoy your co-workers. Laughing and smiling is good for your health!