Things Every New Nurse Should Know Before Beginning Their Career

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Every new nurse goes through feelings of excitement and nervousness when they finish their studies and get out into the big wide world, but what can you expect once you start your grad year and beyond? We’ve put together some tips on how to navigate your career as a new nurse.

Tips for starting

Ok, so you’ve walked across the stage at graduation, thrown your cap in the air and worn the cool gown, but strap yourself in - now it’s time for the real learning to begin. Learning on the job is so much different to learning behind a desk with mannequins – it’s the real deal now. Here are the basics that new nurses should know during their grad year.

  • Change your phone to 24 hour time – Nurse Plus Academy recommends that all new nurses change their phone time to 24 hour (military) time, as this is what you will be using from now on when you are at work, so it’s good to get into the habit of using it!
  • Buy a tiny notebook – The team at Nurse Plus Academy has also recommended investing in a tiny notebook that you can keep in the pocket of your scrubs. This way, when you learn something new, want to jot down the name of a doctor or colleague or need to prioritise tasks for your shift, you’ll be able to do so.
  • Establish a routine – getting into as much of a routine as you can, will greatly benefit your health and wellbeing as well as your career. You’ll have your shifts (including when you’ll be doing night shift) well enough in advance that you’ll be able to plan and prepare your days out, including things like when you need to go to sleep, what time you’ll have to leave home to get to work on time and meal prep food to take to eat.
  • Don’t be late! – Ok, we know that this is a given with any job, but especially in nursing punctuality is key. You don’t want to be running in at the last minute, completely frazzled and unfocused when the handover is being done. Get to work with plenty of time before your shift. If you’re super early, you can always chill in the break room or scroll Instagram until your shift starts.
  • Invest in a decent pair of shoes and scrubs – This one is extremely important! Not only is investing in a good quality pair of shoes important, so is investing in a good set of scrubs. As a nurse, you will constantly be on your feet so quality shoes are a 'must have'! Long shifts demand a uniform that is going to be durable and versatile. Owning a quality set of scrubs - such as scrubs from our Biz Care range –provides you with additional functional benefits such as:
    • Minimal to no ironing required
    • Hot-wash capable (up to 60 °C) to help remove any nasty germs
    • Breathable fabric which helps when running around on long shifts
    • Functional pockets with a spot for everything

Tips for you

Now that we have a bit of a better understanding of some minor things to expect as a new nurse, it’s time to understand what you can do on the job to make a big difference in your career.

  • Listen, ask questions and apply – it may sound simple, but it is important to listen and apply the things you learn from your mentor or colleague. Chances are that they’ve had a lot of experience – some you can really learn from – so tap into that knowledge bank and also take the opportunity to ask as many questions as you can. Remember, it’s better to ask a question that you may think is silly, than to try and guess the answer and make a crucial mistake with a patient. On the same wavelength as asking questions, make sure to ask for feedback on how you can continue to improve your performance.
  • Look after yourself – you might be thinking “of course I’m looking after myself” but are you looking after yourself physically and mentally? Between being on your feet all day, working such long hours and dealing with a range of different patients and colleagues, sometimes nursing can take its toll. Make sure you are fuelling your body with the right foods to get you through a shift, you are getting enough sleep before each shift, and you are looking after your mental health and seeking help if needed. Nurses are among one of the top professions that are burning out to breaking point, so it’s important to recognise the signs and seek help if you are struggling – particularly if you start to experience anxiety and panic attacks at work. Another thing to keep in mind if you feel like you are having rough days with patients – rough days just go to show that you care.
  • Never stop learning – if you can undertake further studies (and it’s something you are interested in doing) go for it! Have a chat with the people at your work as well to see whether they have any professional development opportunities for employees.
  • Take your breaks!! – At a desk job, it is easy for a lot of us to just eat lunch at our desk and keep working. In the nursing industry, many people are doing the same thing, with some not even stopping to eat because work is so “busy”. Depending on what shift you are working, you are entitled to a break. Make sure you are taking your break, so you get the chance to recharge and compose yourself for the next part of your shift. Trust us – taking your breaks is a good habit to get into!

Tips for your patients

Lastly, here are some tips on how to deal with your patients, whether they are new or existing, and ways to look after them with the utmost care and respect.

  • Treat your patients how you would like your loved ones treated – Peninsula Health says that “this notion is one that you’ll hear often and it won’t truly resonate until you’ve had a loved one in hospital”, and we completely agree! If you’ve ever had a loved one in hospital for any reason, the type of nurse that attended to them could make or break their experience in the hospital. Being in hospital is usually when a patient is at their most vulnerable, so treat them with the care and respect that you would like a loved one or even yourself to receive if it were you. Peninsula Health also says to “never underestimate the power or a shower, your own clothes and a cup of tea” when referring to patients, and that giving them this small sense of control can often be the difference in making someone’s day when they are surrounded by other things that are out of their control.
  • Listen to them – listening is a big one in nursing! Actively listening to your patients and paying attention rather than brushing them off can make them feel heard. They know their bodies better than anyone too, so can tell you symptoms that they are feeling and if something isn’t right.
  • Don’t ignore the frustrating patients - As with any job, difficult patients do happen, but it is important to understand that during a situation where a patient may be constantly pressing the call button or asking hard questions that there is a reason behind it. Try to understand and treat them with the same courtesy and respect that you would with any other patient.

While there are so many more tips out there for new nurses, this list is just a small guide to get you on your way to being the best version of you possible in your new career – while also wearing some awesome Biz Care scrubs!