Making the transition from attending nursing school to working as a full-time nurse can be intimidating and even challenging. It's odd that newly licensed RNs leave their first nursing job within the first year. With such a high turnover rate, it is crucial to successfully launch your nursing job after graduation to properly direct your career.
Don’t be afraid to seek help
People frequently experience anxiety when asking for assistance because it necessitates giving up power to another person. Recognize that asking for assistance is perfectly acceptable. It's not an indication of helplessness or indifference. Human lives can be saved and relationships can grow by asking for and providing assistance.
Develop critical reasoning and thinking skills.
The best nurses have creative minds. It requires alertness to adjust to shifting circumstances, unexpected patient presentations, strange medicine combinations, and changing staff. Success requires employing the critical thinking skills acquired in school and in the workplace to analyze and evaluate the big picture.
Join a mentorship program
A mentor is one of the most important tools for achieving success, whether it be through a formal mentoring program or just by finding someone you look up to in your industry. A good mentor will pay attention to you, support you, show you the way, and teach you important skills that will help you develop as a nurse.
Be Calm
It's crucial to maintain as much composure as you can during an escalation of the crisis so that you can offer assistance and make the right choices. You'll interact with codes and deal with crises. Even if you are unsure of what to do, be calm and be prepared to comply with any requests.
Stay Current
You must keep up with the most recent advancements if you want to be the top nurse. Spend some time learning new techniques, but also be aware of your current skill gaps. Don't assume you'll know what to do when it's time to deal with chest tubes, for instance, if you know you will. Make an attempt to actively acquire new experiences.
Be receptive to criticism
Because they don't want to appear incompetent or weak, nurses frequently avoid getting comments on their performance. In order to grow professionally, new nurses should seek constructive feedback that identifies areas for improvement.
Maintain balance
It might be simple to become completely immersed in nursing as you start your new job. You consider it even while you're not working. It's acceptable to research topics and consider how to become more organized, but make sure to mix in some enjoyable, active, and social activities during your downtime. To prevent burnout, you'll need to do this constantly.
Don't Be Surprised, Be Ready
You never know what your day will hold, so taking the time to contemplate deeply, talk to people in your field, and develop your abilities can all be helpful for when you are faced with a situation that has never happened to you before. A personal strategy that nurses will cultivate as they go is learning all the coping mechanisms to handle job stress.
A professional career is something to be excited about. You are already well on your way if you have a nursing degree and licensure. You can reflect on your progress each month by asking advice from more experienced peers. In little time at all, you'll be the veteran nurse, teaching a recent graduate while recalling your own experiences.
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