Welcome to Nursing: Tips for the New Nurse

Welcome to Nursing: Tips for the New Nurse

Going from student to professional is a big step. It’s alright to be anxious about the new challenges waiting for you, but don’t let that feeling keep you from starting out on the right foot. Here are some survival tips to help you get the most out of your first few months in the nursing field.

1. Ask, ask, ask! Never be afraid to ask questions. No one expects you to know all the answers. So, ask that seemingly silly question. Chances are your managers and co-workers will be grateful you asked.
2. Find a mentor. Who better to pose those silly questions to than someone you admire in the field? Many hospitals and workplaces have mentorship programs, but if yours doesn’t you can always find a nurse you work with to mirror. Pay attention to how they react in difficult situations.
3. Keep learning. In conjunction to numbers 1 and 2, keep learning, keep asking questions, keep up to date with nursing blogs or journals. Nurses need to keep learning; it’s part of the job. Embrace your curiosity. You never know when that information will come in handy.
4. Be a part of the team. Collaboration is the key to success. Showing you are willing to help and are cooperative will make your team stronger. When you have a need in the future, your team will pull through for you too.
5. Plan ahead. Come up with systems to help you stay organized. Grouping patient care tasks can help you be more efficient and do less unnecessary running around. It can help you take your time and avoid mistakes.
6. Make time for yourself. Nurses are constantly giving to others, but be sure to give yourself something too. Whether it’s family time or me time, setting time aside for yourself will do wonders for your health and happiness.

There are many more tips and tricks out there. What do you think we missed? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay connected with other DNA nurses.