Starting your first job as a nurse is a big deal. Your hard work has paid off, and you’re ready to step into your career. But let’s face it, the first month can be overwhelming, exciting, and challenging all at once. At our recent Career Nights webinar, we broke down eight key nursing realities to help you prepare for what’s ahead. Here’s what to expect and how to handle it like a pro.
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1. Expect to do some shopping
Your first steps on this new career journey may involve a trip to the store. Here’s what you’ll need to gear up for your new role.
- Scrubs: Invest in 3-5 sets in your employer’s required color and style.
- Shoes: Comfortable, supportive shoes are a must for long shifts.
- Essentials: Think stethoscope, penlight, trauma shears, and badge lanyards.
- Organizational tools: Pens, highlighters, a small notebook, and even a storage clipboard can save the day.
- Personal care items: Don’t forget pocket hand sanitizer, hand lotion, reusable water bottles, and snacks!
Pro tip: Check with your employer to see if any of these items are provided or reimbursed. It’s always nice to save a few bucks when you can.
Read more about the 25 essential items nurses can’t work without.
2. Expect orientation and training
Your orientation is where you’ll begin your transformation from a student to a professional nurse.
- Every facility’s orientation program is different in length and structure.
- You’ll likely be paired with a preceptor who can guide you through workflows, policies, and unit procedures.
Pro tip: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first. Take it one step at a time. You’re not expected to master everything during your training phase, so be open to learning and adaptable to different preceptors’ teaching styles.
3. Expect an adjustment period to long shifts
Twelve-hour shifts may be new territory for you, and getting used to these nursing realities takes time.
- You’ll need to build stamina for long hours on your feet.
- Sometimes, shifts don’t end on time due to emergencies, patient hand-offs, or extra documentation.
- On the bright side, working 12-hour shifts often means more days off in a single week.
Pro tip: Stay hydrated, pack energy-boosting snacks, and take advantage of your days off to reset both physically and mentally.
4. Expect unexpected perks with night shifts
If you’re assigned night shifts, there are perks—but also challenges—to consider.
- Perks: Higher pay, less traffic during your commute, and fewer meetings to attend.
- Challenges: Night shifts can disrupt your circadian rhythm and leave you feeling fatigued.
Pro tip: Set a consistent sleep schedule, eat nutritious meals, and lean on your team for support. Night shifts can build some of the closest team bonds thanks to their unique dynamics.
5. Expect emotional impact
Caring for patients can take an emotional toll, especially when it’s all so new. You might feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or even experience highs and lows as you learn to prioritize patient care over your own needs.
How to cope
- Remind yourself that this is normal.
- Set boundaries to avoid burnout.
- Make time for self-care and lean on mentors, friends, or a therapist for support.
- Try mindfulness techniques or relaxation exercises to help manage stress.
6. Expect to cope with new physical challenges
Long hours of standing, walking, and lifting can leave your body aching.
Prevent the strain
- Invest in supportive footwear and replace it regularly.
- Hydrate and bring healthy snacks for sustained energy.
- Focus on proper lifting techniques. Stretch or engage in strength-training to keep your body conditioned.
Prioritizing your health will make those challenging shifts easier to manage.
7. Expect time management challenges
Balancing patient care, documentation, and constant interruptions can feel like a juggling act.
Strategies that work
- Chart in real-time where possible and aim for efficiency, not perfection.
- Use prioritization methods like the ABCDE framework, and don’t hesitate to ask your preceptor for help.
- Group tasks, delegate when you can, and set boundaries to minimize non-urgent interruptions.
The more organized you stay, the smoother your shifts will go.
8. Expect some social impacts
Adjusting to the social dynamics at work and home is part of the transition.
- At work, finding your place within a team can be tricky at first. Be friendly, professional, and observant of team dynamics.
- At home, shift work might mean your schedule doesn’t align with friends and family.
Overcoming the challenges of new nursing realities
Communicate your schedule with loved ones and plan quality time when you’re off. Finding a coworker buddy who understands these nursing realities and can help you feel less isolated.
Adapting to nursing realities
Your first month as a new grad nurse will be full of learning curves, but it’s also an incredible time to grow in confidence and skills. Remember, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed because every nurse has been in your shoes. With preparation and the right mindset, you’ve got this!
Fill out the form to watch the full webinar below:
Attention new grads! Just released: New Grad Nurse Membership
You don’t have to start out this journey on your own. My New Grad Nurse Membership is designed to help new nurse graduates like you adapt to nursing realities with the confidence and the support they need to thrive.
Explore New Grad Nurse Membership
What can you expect with the New Grad Nurse Membership?
Here’s just a taste of the features you’ll get with membership:
- New Grad Nurse Master course
This comprehensive course covers everything you need to succeed, from clinical skill refreshers and communication tips to advice on tackling imposter syndrome and finding your dream job. It’s the toolbox you didn’t know you needed!
- Monthly live Q&A sessions
Join live sessions with me and other seasoned nurses to get real-time advice and solutions. Learn while you connect with a community that understands exactly what you’re going through.
- Skills refresher library
Get access to a library filled with quick and practical videos to brush up on essential nursing skills. These cheat sheets and charts are perfect for point-of-care references, helping you feel prepared every step of the way.
- CE courses that are actually fun
Continue growing your knowledge while earning the credits you need to maintain your license. Podcasts, videos, and an engaging approach make fulfilling CE requirements way less of a chore.
Whether you’re battling new role anxiety or just want to sharpen your skills, membership offers new grads a supportive community and a treasure trove of resources to empower you as you transition into professional practice.
By Nurse Mike Linares, MSN, RN
