For The New Nurse: It Gets Better

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As a new nurse  it can be very easy to get overwhelmed and feeling like so many things coming at you from all directions. Relax, it gets better. Many a nurse has experienced the exact feelings that you are currently going through right now. It is easy for you to want to throw in the towel.

Is that something you really want to do? After all the time, money and hard work spent in nursing school, don’t give away your strength like that. Today, I am going to share 5 helpful things for you to overcome that overwhelmed feeling.

Tips on Becoming

  1. Leave work and work- The number one reason, you begin to feel overwhelmed is because you carry the invisible workload home even after your shift is ended. You fret about what you did, what you thought you didn’t do and what you might do the next shift. That is a lot of load to carry. The minute you end your shift and clock out, discipline yourself and find something else that you enjoy and do that instead.
  2. Have a social life- A lack of this means that you have too much time to think of (1) above. So in the absence of (1), find something to replace it. Hang out with friends or family or whatever your social life you enjoy doing. It is a very positive way to de-stress and rejuvenate.
  3. Share Your Work place stories- Not at your work place, but find other new nurses to talk about your “war” stories. You will be amazed to realize that things are not as bad as you think they are and it is not only you.
  4. Take Notes: if you haven’t already, get organized. You will find that when you take notes and write down the tasks you need to accomplish before your shift is over. You won’t feel so overwhelmed, plus you will know that exact not-so-high-priority tasks that did not get done and that you can pass on to the next shift. Remember, nursing is a 24-hour job.
  5. Learn to say no: No one else will do it for you. Be polite but learn to stand up for yourself. Not standing up is what makes you feel like you can’t do it, but knowing that you can, gives you confidence and inspires you more.

Lastly, know that other nurses have been through the same as you. Some came close to giving up, but most stayed behind and took it one day at a time. It only got easier as skills and expertise got better. And it will for you too as well. Be patient and hang in there.

My Nurse Consultant

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