It is normal to feel nervous on your first day of work as a registered nurse. We hope that these nursing tips for new nurses will assist you in surviving your first year as a nurse.

When you were a nursing student, your eyes were almost certainly glistening with anticipation as you imagined the dream job you'd have once you'd gotten through all those sleepless nights and thick textbooks. You may have considered giving up because the light at the end of the tunnel seemed so far away and impossible to reach. The time has finally arrived, after all of your prayers and perseverance, for you to experience the moment you had only daydreamed about previously. 

Finally, the time has come for you to put into action all of the theories you've learned so far. Even though your first day at work is full of promises, the fear of the unknown seems to have gathered dark clouds in your mind.

1. It's perfectly acceptable not to be well-versed in everything.

You will not be able to master every hospital protocol and procedure on your first attempt, and that is perfectly acceptable. Simply put, you should be patient with yourself and accept that you are a beginner. Keep in mind that this is your first day as a nurse, that the work environment is not similar to what you were accustomed to while in school, and that you are still learning to adjust to the transition and accept changes. Simply take a deep breath and remember to never let anxiety get the better of you.

2. Make certain that the job you are about to begin is a good match for you

Observe the activities carried out in each area, consider the workload, and determine at the end of each workday whether the job is a good fit for your skills and abilities. Some hospitals require their new nurses to rotate through all of their nursing areas during their first few months on the job. If your institution doesn't do this, or you're unhappy with your area, you can ask to be moved to a different one. For this new nurse tip, make sure to choose the nursing area that best suits your personality or the one where you believe you will be most productive.

3. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

A great tip for new nurses is to never assume you know everything or even put some things to chance. Asking questions is not something to be embarrassed about! There are no stupid questions when it comes to patient safety, and this is especially true. Always keep in mind that it is always preferable to ask and learn than to not ask at all and end up doing something incorrectly.

4. Ask for help every time you need it.

If there are any tasks that you are not yet confident in performing on your own, do not be afraid to ask for the assistance of another nurse to complete them for you.

Bear in mind that patient safety will always be the priority of the whole healthcare team, and your honesty can prevent a lot of unwanted incidents.

5. Acquire the ability to prioritize tasks.

Determine which patient needs are the most urgent, and look for opportunities to delegate those tasks that can be performed by someone else. Take notes on how experienced nurses prioritize their tasks, as well as their own.

6. Develop a strong bond with your team.

When you have supportive colleagues by your side, the uncertainty becomes less frightening. Allow yourself the opportunity to get to know your coworkers. It is possible to gain a great deal from listening to their stories, as well as learn what works and what doesn't in this institution.

It is much merrier to work with people you feel you have connections with. Go ahead and get to know the maintenance staff, unit secretaries, or patient-care assistants, too. It is much merrier and easier to work with people you feel you have connections with. Join in on some activities or functions that are held outside of work too!

7. Step outside your comfort zone.

There will also be times when you'll need to step a little outside your comfort zone and venture forth into the world of the unknown. This, of course, is to build up your confidence with harder skills or difficult patients.

Conclusion

Day by day, know that you're becoming closer to the kind of nurse you have always wanted to be. Remember, there will be tough times, but we know that you are a tougher nurse! Congratulations on your first job as a Registered Nurse, and we hope that there'll be more lives you're going to touch.