Getting through nursing school and passing the NCLEX exam are tremendous accomplishments, but they are only the beginning of your career as an RN. Being a successful nurse will require you to learn and adapt frequently. You'll often make quick decisions as you become more familiar with the needs of the people around you. Your first year as a nurse will be intense and life-changing, but it doesn't have to be something you fear. With these four tips on how to handle your first year of nursing, we'll prepare you for what you'll face in the coming days.
Maintain your curiosity
Most people get into nursing because of a desire to learn new things and help others. You need to maintain that curiosity as a new nurse and learn to ask questions. Despite the countless hours you spent learning in nursing school, training in clinicals, and preparing for exams, there will still be a lot you don't know when you finally don your scrubs.
With the ever-changing field of healthcare, it's impossible to know everything you need to right away. Being a nurse requires constant continuing learning to be successful.
Plus, as a new nurse, you will need to find countless tools to provide care and learn hospital protocols. It is important to ask questions. Remember, your license is on the line if you make a mistake because you were too afraid to ask for help. So, don't be intimidated and ask plenty of questions during your first year of nursing and beyond.
Befriend your coworkers
Be sure you know who your coworkers are and work to maintain healthy work relationships with them. Find out who has experience in what areas and who is approachable. In nursing, everyone needs to work as a unit; this requires everyone to work together and exchange information to work correctly. Plus, building healthy relationships with your coworkers will go a long way in helping you become familiar with the hospital environment. You will have to rely on others to help you find the information you need to be successful. Befriending your coworkers will go a long way in helping you gain your bearings.
Lean on your team for help
Next, lean on your nursing assistants and nursing techs for help. Nursing assistants and techs are your eyes and ears when you are busy with other patients. Remember that you are a team. Make sure you update your nursing assistants often and expect them to do the same for you.
Additionally, do not ever feel that you're above doing a nursing assistant's work. You are the RN, so bathing and turning patients will fall on you if those tasks are not performed. Never feel that it is not your job, because it most certainly is. You will get so much further as a new nurse if the techs or assistants know they can rely on you for help as much as you rely on them.
Collaborate with your peers
Don't be afraid to speak with the physician.
If you have questions about a patient's condition, speak to the charge nurse or call the doctor. So many new nurses struggle when talking to physicians, but caring for patients is a team effort.
Physicians are not above you, but rather your team member. Physicians need you to be at the bedside when they cannot. You must report to the physician regarding any change in a patient's condition or lab results anytime of the day or night. Remember, that you have to advocate for patients. Don't risk losing your license because you are too afraid to wake a physician in the middle of the night.
Ready to start a career in nursing?
Your first year of nursing can be intimidating but with these four tips, you'll feel more comfortable and confident when you begin your career. Always ask questions, lean on your team members, and know your limitations. While the first year of nursing can be rocky, you'll be make a difference from the moment you walk in the door. Patients and their families rely on you to be their advocate, and with these tips, you'll come a long way in doing so.
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