Starting your career as a new graduate nurse can be intimidating. Here's an easy-to-follow guide to help you survive your first year. Keep reading to find out!
Joining a New Team Can Be Frightening
Being the new guy or girl on the block takes work, especially if you are a recent graduate nurse. This is a friendly reminder that you have completed your studies, graduated successfully, and passed the NCLEX exam. You bring equal expertise and skill to the team as every other member, making you an indispensable asset to the facility! It can be challenging to apply newly learned knowledge, but a great preceptor can make it easier. Ensure you receive adequate orientation. Get your preceptor’s phone number and check if your schedules match. And when you show up, just be ready to participate. Are you feeling stuck with an uncooperative or difficult preceptor? Don’t worry! You can take control and elevate the situation to the next level. There is always a solution to be found. Take the time to express your concerns to the director. Let them know what’s on your mind.
Overload: Patient Edition
As a new grad nurse, it can be intimidating to transition from orientation. Depending on your unit, you will have a designated patient-to-nurse ratio. It is essential to ask specific questions to understand the situation better. Here are some examples of questions you should be asking:
This information should be reviewed to ensure consistency with hospital recommendations.
Information like this will help you prepare effectively by planning how many patients you will have each week. By the end of your orientation, you will be accustomed to the usual number of patients per nurse designated for the unit.
You can use this opportunity to discuss your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Tracking progress helps ensure readiness to end orientation.
You may encounter challenges as you begin to care for higher acuity patients within the same ratio. Combatting patient overload can be challenging, but effective strategies can be implemented to tackle this issue head-on. Utilize available resources and speak up when necessary. The unit must be able to handle higher acuity patients, which may require reducing nurse-to-patient ratios. There is always someone available to assist, even when staffing is short. If your team is not responsive, escalate concerns up the chain of command. Always prioritize patient safety and protect your license.
Tips & Strategies for Dealing with Difficult Staff
As a new nurse, I know that entering a new environment can be overwhelming due to differing opinions, attitudes, and lack of concern from others. You must consistently demonstrate your commitment to your patients and team, regardless of the high turnover rate often experienced in hospitals. Rather than allowing this to dampen your passion, take steps to boost morale. One way to achieve this is by taking the time to get to know your colleagues better. It’s important to balance work with other activities to avoid burnout. One way to do this is by planning activities outside work or finding ways to make the workday more enjoyable. For instance, you can organize a potluck where everyone brings their favorite dish. Just make sure to check for any allergies beforehand.
Adapting to the Schedule
Adjusting to long and tiring shifts for the first time can be difficult, especially if it’s a different work schedule from what you’re used to. Once you have completed orientation, discussing your needs with the scheduler is essential. For instance, you can tell them about the specific days you prefer to work each rotating week or how many consecutive days you prefer. Everyone is different, and you will find what works best for you. Once you have your schedule, it is crucial to establish a routine that helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance. When joining a hospital corporation, it is customary to work every other weekend and holidays, which can be challenging when spending time with your family. However, you will develop a family bond with your team over time and go through many good and bad days together. Recognizing each other’s strengths and weaknesses allows the team to anticipate everyone’s needs. Nursing is a profession where this unique bond is often found, and it can turn routine work into an exciting experience if you choose to perceive it that way.
Overcoming the Feeling of Inadequacy
Starting as a new nurse can be an overwhelming experience, and it’s natural to feel like you don’t know anything. However, it’s important to remember that you have knowledge and skills, but you may need help applying them in practice. If you have doubts about whether nursing is the right profession for you or if you question your abilities to become a nurse, it’s essential to take a step back and reflect on the source of these feelings. Identifying the underlying causes of your insecurities, feelings of inadequacy, and self-doubt is crucial. One thing I was taught in my first year of nursing and working as a charge nurse was that I would never know everything; no one does. That’s why you have a team. Someone on your team will have the answers to your questions. You are not alone. You are also not the first nurse to feel this way. If warranted, remember to talk about your feelings and needs with your preceptor or counselor.
Coping with Loss: Strategies for Dealing with Death
As nurses, we enter this profession because we care about our patients. If you ever experience an emotional time after losing a patient, it is essential to acknowledge your feelings and not pretend everything is okay. Expressing your emotions with someone you trust and feel comfortable confiding in is healthy. Remember, it is okay to grieve and take care of yourself first. You cannot take care of others if you are not taking care of yourself. This includes getting enough sleep, exercise, proper nutrition, and emotional support. Becoming comfortable with death and dying is essential, as it will allow you to educate and support patients and families dealing with the loss of a loved one or a terminal illness.
Managing Conversations with Unkind Patients or Family Members
When faced with an unkind patient or family member, I have found it’s best to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Nurses must practice active listening in all aspects, including uncomfortable situations. Through this technique, you will find yourself in their shoes, identifying any concerns they may have and thus be able to manage the problem effectively. By remaining calm, you will help alleviate any tension and foster more effective communication. Have you ever noticed how modeling the behavior you want to see can make all the difference? It’s important to remember that each person has their own unique needs, and showing empathy, compassion, and patience can help you connect with them on a meaningful level. This is an effective way to bond with your patients and make them feel valued.
Discover the Ultimate Solution to Your Anxiety
When you work in an unfamiliar setting, such as a new facility or a different unit, it’s natural to feel anxious. However, you can take a few steps to reduce your concerns. Firstly, it’s essential to review the policies and procedures of the unit. Next, make sure to participate in any in-services related to equipment or changes in policy. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask questions. The medical field is constantly evolving, with new changes and advancements. By asking questions, you’re taking the right approach to unfamiliar situations. As a staff member, you can access numerous free resources to help you excel in your job. From software programs for medication verifications to other helpful tools, these resources can make a significant difference in your work. Remember to obtain your login details so you can use them whenever necessary. With these resources, you can continue to grow and develop in your role.