Surviving Your First Year as a New Nurse: Essential Tips

You did it! You're a nurse! First, give yourself a thorough pat on the back. After all those long nights, clinical rotations, and studying for the NCLEX, it’s done. Well, kind of.

Now, it’s on to the next chapter of your nursing career: working as a new nurse. You may feel all sorts of emotions, from excitement to nervousness, or perhaps even a little fear. It’s okay, really; nursing can be one of the most fulfilling careers in the world if you have the right support.

Let’s start today. Our new nurse survival guide has everything you need to work as a new nurse and get it right.

Transition from student to professional in four steps

One of the most common questions among new nurses is how to transition from a student to a professional nurse. Another common question new nurses want to know? How the heck do I survive my first year? Gulp!

Let’s take a deep breath and break it down into four steps.

1. Orient yourself

Think of a student transitioning into nursing as a person who has always had a lifejacket on while swimming, and now it’s time for them to take it off and swim by themselves.

What is transition shock in nursing?

According to research, transition shock in nursing refers to feelings of anxiety, instability, and insufficiency experienced in the role. These are all normal feelings, but there are ways to overcome them.

In order to smoothly transition from a student to a nurse, it’s super important that you set yourself up with a comprehensive orientation program. Most facilities offer a thorough introduction to a medical facility's procedures, policies, and culture, but not all of them.

When you begin your first day, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for a tour of the facility. From there, make sure you ask any questions you have.

When you pick up shifts as a per diem nurse, you are expected to jump right in. However, that doesn't mean you can’t be proactive about asking anything you have doubts about, such as the location of nursing supplies.

2. Build confidence

The best way to build confidence as a new nurse is to ask questions and make new friends!

Yep, that’s right. Building a network at work leads to better nursing, and studies show that effective networking can expand your nursing skills, strengthen your support system, and lead to potential job leads. How about that?

Here are some other ways you can start to build confidence as a new nurse:

Ask for feedback on what you are doing well and where you need to improve as a nurse.
Find a mentor who is willing to “show you the ropes”.
Watch, listen, and then ask questions—as many as you like, really (no, you're not being annoying).
Further your education by attending workshops or other informative nursing programs.

So, how long does it take a new nurse to feel confident?

That depends on you. Building confidence is a gradual process, but it requires you to adapt, be willing to ask questions, make connections, and ask for feedback. You got this!

3. Take care of yourself

Did you know that the easiest way to transition from a nursing student to a nursing professional is to take care of yourself? In fact, prioritizing your health and wellbeing will make you a better nurse.

Research indicates that nurses' workloads impact their health and wellbeing, which in turn impact their work and the patients they care for. So what’s the solution? Getting enough sleep, making sure you are eating well—no, leftover pizza doesn’t cut it—and moving your body are all ways you can stay sharp as a nurse.

But you already know this, right? Of course, there will be times when a cheeseburger and fries or other comfort foods are in order after a long shift, but try not to make it a habit.

Instead, choose protein-packed snacks and find ways to squeeze in a little exercise before, after, or in between your nursing shifts. This will lead to a happier you and better patient care overall.

4. Learn from experience

Is it normal to feel overwhelmed as a new nurse?

Absolutely! Just jump on Reddit, and you will see a host of new nurses nationwide who feel overwhelmed without their “lifejacket” in the open seas of nursing.

Remember: You’re not alone.

Part of being a new nurse is making mistakes and learning from them. Don't beat yourself up if you make a minor mistake like an error that doesn't pose a significant risk to patient safety or wellbeing. Just learn from the mistake and do better next time.

If you make a bigger mistake, such as a medication error or improper nursing documentation, you should report it immediately to your supervisor or manager. It is important to be transparent about errors to ensure patient safety and prevent future mistakes.

Again, learn from it, move on, and do your best the next time around.

Other survival tips for transitioning into nursing

There is no “perfect” way to transition seamlessly from a student to a new nurse, but following the steps above will propel you on the right path.

Plus, here are some tried-and-true tips to help you keep your sanity and feel confident during your first year as a nurse:

Don’t ever think you know everything. Always ask questions.
Take your time, don’t rush through nursing tasks, and be mindful.
Don’t compare yourself to other nurses—yes, we know it is hard. Keep your focus on your own strengths.
Be extra vigilant about organization and time management. For example, try to chart your vitals, pain scores, IVs, feedbags, etc., before leaving a patient’s room. Here’s a good guide on nurse charting and documentation, made easy with examples.
Learn a nurse's knot, the quickest way to tie a restraint or a tourniquet. This knowledge can save a patient’s life in an emergency.
Find your nurse tribe. These can be on-site nurse friends or connections through communities of nurses who will empathize with and support you through your new nurse journey.

Another option for new nurses looking to get their feet wet but not ready to commit to a permanent nursing job just yet is per diem nursing.

Per diem nursing is where nurses work “as needed,” picking up shifts to fill gaps in coverage. Some nursing professionals, like certified nursing assistants (CNAs), can start per diem work immediately after obtaining a license, often in skilled nursing facilities. Nurses may also be able to pick up per diem shifts without much experience.

Survive and thrive as a new nurse

The nursing field isn’t going anywhere. Studies show that the number of nurses in the United States has grown steadily over the past 100 years, and yet nurses are still in high demand.

Job stability and diverse opportunities are a couple of reasons why so many individuals are choosing to immerse themselves in this booming career.

What is the hardest part of being a new grad nurse?

The space between graduating from nursing school and working as a nurse can feel like a freefall into the unknown. Your first day working as a nurse without anyone by your side to lean on is probably the most difficult part. But the reality is that you have the nursing skills and are ready to apply them in the real world.

So, what’s the common dominator for success? You. Rather than doubting yourself or letting yourself fall behind, stay proactive, build your community, and continue to be open to learning and adapting in your field.

Are you a new nurse looking for a nursing job? Check out Nursa and browse through nursing jobs near you.

Do you aspire to be a nurse? Here’s how to find and apply for nursing scholarships to kick start your nursing path.

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