When you’re starting out your career as a nurse, it’s very easy to feel anxious about every single aspect of your new career. Here at Evergood, we understand the difficulty of making the transition from student to professional, which is why we’ve put together some of our top tips on how to survive life as a new nurse and stand you in good stead for the rest of your career. Find a mentor If your hospital or workplace doesn’t have a mentorship program for new nurses, it is a very good idea to seek one out yourself. If there is someone at your place of employment that you admire, view them as an unofficial mentor; someone you could learn from as they go about their regular day. But if you’d rather not silently follow someone around the halls, peering around corner, though, ask that person directly if they’d mind meeting you once a week or month and answering some of your questions. Question things There is a saying that is perfect for this scenario: the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask. And while this may be a bit of a cliché, it’s an extremely fitting one. As a new nurse, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask any question you feel would improve you. While you spend all that time at university, your learning definitely doesn’t stop when you graduate. Nobody will expect you to have all the answers in the infancy of your career, so question anything you’re not sure of. Take your time When the pressure increases, many new nurses’ initial reaction is to try to get things done quicker in order to get it all done. While we’re under no illusions that being a nurse comes with a huge amount of pressure, but we also know that when you race around trying to get everything done, this is when mistakes happen. And in your line of work, mistakes aren’t something that you can afford to make. Fuel yourself properly While fuelling yourself on caffeine and sugar might give you an immediate benefit, it’s not going to help you in the long term. As a nurse, there are going to be numerous occasions during a week when you’re forced to miss a food break. This can’t be helped but it is crucial that you properly fuel your mind and body. If you think there is a strong possibility you’re going to miss a sit-down meal during your shift, make sure you pack healthy snacks that will help you get through the day, or night. And rather than sinking caffeinated drinks all throughout your shift, risking dehydration, stick to water – something your body and mind actually does need. And finally, remember to look after yourself Nurses work hard, very hard, but there is much more to life than work. Make sure you have time for family, friends, hobbies, travel, and some good old fashioned nothing. This will do wonders for your own wellbeing and personal fulfilment.
Thursday Mar 22, 2018
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