As many careers as you could want to enter, there are just as many ways you can end up miserable in your chosen profession. And while every job has its unique set of challenges, some stand out as being particularly difficult. Nursing is one of those careers.
With that in mind, we wanted to offer advice on how best to survive your first year as a nurse.
The first year of nursing can be tricky. It’s a demanding profession that requires long hours, quick thinking, and compassion. If you’re starting, taking care of yourself physically and emotionally is essential. Here are a few tips to help you survive your first year as a nurse:
- Get Enough Rest.
This tip may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s necessary to ensure you get enough rest. Nursing is physically and emotionally demanding, so you need to be well-rested to handle the challenges of the job. Hence, getting enough sleep each night and taking advantage of your days off to relax and recharge is important. Once you are rested, you’ll be able to handle the demands of your job better.
Further down the lane, you will get plenty of opportunities to learn more and grow your career. For now, focus on caring for yourself and getting through your first year. After that, you can enroll in an online masters degrees in nursing or look for other ways to advance your nursing career.
- Eat Healthily and Stay Hydrated.
Again, this may seem common sense, but it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated. Working long hours makes it easy to forget to eat or grab whatever is convenient. But eating healthy foods will help you maintain your energy levels and stay focused.
Staying hydrated is essential to keeping your body functioning properly. So make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Also, avoid caffeine and sugary drinks, which can make you feel more tired.
- Take Breaks When You Can.
When you’re working long shifts, it’s important to take breaks when you can. Step away from the nurses’ station for a few minutes to clear your head. Get some fresh air if possible. And take the time to eat something, even if it’s just a quick snack. These breaks will help you stay focused and avoid burnout. However, don’t stay away from your patients for too long. It would be best to balance caring for yourself and your patients.
- Find a Support System.
A good support system is crucial for surviving your first year as a nurse. Whether it’s your family, friends, or co-workers, lean on them for support. They can offer a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on when you need to vent.
Finding a mentor who can offer advice and guidance is also helpful. A mentor can be a great resource for answering your questions and helping you navigate the challenges of nursing. For instance, if you’re having trouble with a particular patient, your mentor can offer advice on handling the situation.
- Seek Help When You Need It.
If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to seek help. Talk to your supervisor about your concerns. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to a counselor or therapist.
Taking care of your mental health is important, especially during your first year as a nurse. Several free resources are available to nurses, so take advantage of them. For instance, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers 24/7 support for anyone in crisis. The counselors can provide helpful resources and support.
- Be Patient With Yourself.
Learning the ropes of nursing takes time. And it’s okay to make mistakes. Be patient with yourself as you learn and grow in your career. Remember, you’re not expected to know everything. So don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and remind yourself that it takes time to master the art of nursing.
Being patient is also a good way to prevent burnout.
- Have Realistic Expectations.
Nursing is a demanding profession, so it’s important to have realistic expectations. Don’t expect to work fewer hours or have more free time than you do now.
Setting realistic expectations will help you manage your workload and avoid disappointment. Expectations can also vary depending on the type of nursing job you have. For instance, if you’re a nurse in a hospital, you may have to work long hours and deal with sick patients. But if you’re a nurse in private practice, you may have more flexible hours and work with healthier patients.
So it’s important to research the expectations of your specific nursing job.
- Set Boundaries.
Setting boundaries between work and personal life is important to avoid burnout.
When you’re not working, make sure to disconnect from work. Put your phone on do-not-disturb and avoid any distractions at work. Doing this may help you relax and recharge. And when you’re with your family and friends, make sure to give them your undivided attention. Furthermore, this tip may also help you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Boundaries will also help you avoid getting too emotionally attached to your patients.
It’s important to care for your patients, but you must remember that they are not your responsibility 24/7.
- Take Care of Yourself.
To take care of your patients, you must first take care of yourself. Get enough rest, eat healthy meals, and exercise regularly. Also, make time for your hobbies and interests. This tip will help you reduce stress and stay well-rounded. When you take care of yourself, you’ll be able to better care for your patients.
- Maintain a Positive Attitude.
Try to maintain a positive attitude, no matter how challenging your job may be. A positive outlook will help you stay focused and motivated. And it will make your nursing career more enjoyable. So when things get tough, remember these tips for surviving your first year as a nurse. And keep your head up.
- Have Faith in Yourself.
Last but not least, have faith in yourself. Believe that you can do this. And trust that you have what it takes to be a great nurse. Faith is always important, but it’s imperative during your first year as a nurse. With faith, you’ll be able to overcome any challenge that comes your way.
Conclusion
Starting your nursing career can be a daunting task. But by following these tips, you can survive your first year as a nurse. These tips will help you thrive in your new career, staying hydrated to setting boundaries. So don’t be afraid to put them into practice. And remember, you got this!
