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Would ya like some tips on surviving? Here’s a quick list of 20 survival tips for the nursing newbie:
- It’s okay to be nervous and scared. That means you give a darn and want to do well. Trust me, you’re not alone. Your classmates are just as freaked out. Some just hide it better than others.
- There is strength in numbers. Meet and greet as many people as you can. You’ll be surprised how much you all have in common.
- Get used to not knowing something. After a decade of doing this job, you still won’t know everything. But that’s no excuse for not knowing something the second time around.
- Get used to meeting strangers. Give a firm handshake, look them in the eye and say their name twice.
- Be confident. You are going to meet A LOT of new people during your lifetime as a nurse.
- Walk the halls of whatever facility your clinical rotation is located. Know your way around. You’re going to need it.
- Ask questions. Every. Single. Day.
- Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know the answer.
- Study your rear off. Get organized. Your patients are depending on you.
- Get used to being tired. The lack of sleep doesn’t stop once you graduate.
- Um. Peeing. Yeah. Get used to not doing that.
- While we’re at it. Eating. Uhh. Yeah. Get used to not doing that, too.
- You are going to want to quit. Don’t. You are going to want to cry. Let it out and move on.
- Never cry in front of a physician. They’re not worth it.
- You are going to meet a lot of unpleasant folks. Don’t ever let them sway you.
- Befriend every single nursing aide (CNA) you meet. They are the backbone of this profession.
- Never, ever, ever shy away from getting your hands dirty. You are not above any task.
- Never forget what this first year feels like. Once you move forward in your career, help the next generation.
- Never apologize for doing your job. Advocating for another human being is not easy.
- Good grief, have some fun!
