6 answers
Zae'onna
Student
12
Questions
Asked
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What's the best advice you gave someone who's just starting in the nursing field, what did you say and why?
What are also some great tips when entering this field ?
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6 answers
Lucy Efobi
Nurse practitioner
3
Answers
Old Bridge Township, New Jersey
Updated
Lucy’s Answer
Be positive and open your heart to new ideas and information. Nursing is a very versatile profession. Finding your passion will help you stay motivated and grow in your career.
Miha B
Academic and Career Counselor | Human Resources Specialist | Internal Auditor
30
Answers
Winter Park, Florida
Updated
Miha’s Answer
The Best Advice for New Nurses
"Focus on progress, not perfection."
As a nurse, you'll be balancing compassion with clinical skills, and mistakes or tough days are inevitable. The key is to learn, adapt, and grow. Many nurses burn out by striving for flawlessness, but the real goal is steady improvement. This advice applies universally because it encourages resilience, which is vital in nursing.
Great Tips for Entering the Nursing Field
Start with Self-Care:
You can't pour from an empty cup. Develop routines that prioritize your mental, physical, and emotional health. This will sustain you through long shifts and emotional challenges.
Embrace Lifelong Learning:
Healthcare evolves rapidly. Stay curious, pursue certifications, and regularly update your knowledge to provide the best care possible.
Seek Mentorship:
Build relationships with experienced nurses. Their guidance can help you navigate tough situations, whether clinical or interpersonal.
Master Communication:
Clear communication with patients, families, and your team is critical. It fosters trust, prevents errors, and improves outcomes.
Practice Empathy, Always:
Remember, patients are people, not just medical conditions. A smile or a kind word can make all the difference in their experience.
Develop Strong Organizational Skills:
Multitasking is a big part of nursing. Use tools, checklists, and strategies to stay on top of patient care and documentation.
Be Adaptable:
No two days are the same in nursing. Flexibility will help you handle unexpected situations with confidence.
Don’t Fear Asking for Help:
Nursing is a team effort. When you're unsure, ask questions. It’s better to seek clarity than risk a mistake.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Nursing is hard, but every smile, every comforted patient, and every life touched is a victory. Acknowledge your contributions, even if they seem small.
Remember Your "Why":
Nursing can be exhausting, but reconnecting with your purpose—whether it’s a passion for healing or the desire to make a difference—will keep you grounded.
Why This Matters
For every reader considering or entering the nursing field, remember that you’re stepping into one of the most impactful professions in the world. These tips aren’t just for getting started; they’re a guide to thriving and making a lasting difference in the lives of those you care for.
By focusing on empathy, learning, and balance, you’ll not only grow as a nurse but also inspire others along the way.
"Focus on progress, not perfection."
As a nurse, you'll be balancing compassion with clinical skills, and mistakes or tough days are inevitable. The key is to learn, adapt, and grow. Many nurses burn out by striving for flawlessness, but the real goal is steady improvement. This advice applies universally because it encourages resilience, which is vital in nursing.
Great Tips for Entering the Nursing Field
Start with Self-Care:
You can't pour from an empty cup. Develop routines that prioritize your mental, physical, and emotional health. This will sustain you through long shifts and emotional challenges.
Embrace Lifelong Learning:
Healthcare evolves rapidly. Stay curious, pursue certifications, and regularly update your knowledge to provide the best care possible.
Seek Mentorship:
Build relationships with experienced nurses. Their guidance can help you navigate tough situations, whether clinical or interpersonal.
Master Communication:
Clear communication with patients, families, and your team is critical. It fosters trust, prevents errors, and improves outcomes.
Practice Empathy, Always:
Remember, patients are people, not just medical conditions. A smile or a kind word can make all the difference in their experience.
Develop Strong Organizational Skills:
Multitasking is a big part of nursing. Use tools, checklists, and strategies to stay on top of patient care and documentation.
Be Adaptable:
No two days are the same in nursing. Flexibility will help you handle unexpected situations with confidence.
Don’t Fear Asking for Help:
Nursing is a team effort. When you're unsure, ask questions. It’s better to seek clarity than risk a mistake.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Nursing is hard, but every smile, every comforted patient, and every life touched is a victory. Acknowledge your contributions, even if they seem small.
Remember Your "Why":
Nursing can be exhausting, but reconnecting with your purpose—whether it’s a passion for healing or the desire to make a difference—will keep you grounded.
Why This Matters
For every reader considering or entering the nursing field, remember that you’re stepping into one of the most impactful professions in the world. These tips aren’t just for getting started; they’re a guide to thriving and making a lasting difference in the lives of those you care for.
By focusing on empathy, learning, and balance, you’ll not only grow as a nurse but also inspire others along the way.
Ellie Ortiz
Customer Support Advocate
5
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Ellie’s Answer
Hi Zae'onna,
I have a few friends who are nurses already and some in nursing school right now. With their experiences that they have shared with me about just starting in the nursing field is to remember why you started nursing. You want to be helpful to people in need at a critical moment. Those moments are stressful and overwhelming sometimes but you are what can make their experience go from terrible to pleasant. I remember the nurses who were kind to me and the nurses who made me feel like I was a bother to them so I would suggest realizing how much of an impact you're making and let that fuel you. Also take care of yourself when you're off the clock so you are able to offer that support to your patients. I hope that was helpful!
I have a few friends who are nurses already and some in nursing school right now. With their experiences that they have shared with me about just starting in the nursing field is to remember why you started nursing. You want to be helpful to people in need at a critical moment. Those moments are stressful and overwhelming sometimes but you are what can make their experience go from terrible to pleasant. I remember the nurses who were kind to me and the nurses who made me feel like I was a bother to them so I would suggest realizing how much of an impact you're making and let that fuel you. Also take care of yourself when you're off the clock so you are able to offer that support to your patients. I hope that was helpful!
Sheryl Sullivan
Registered Nursing
1
Answer
Templeton, California
Updated
Sheryl’s Answer
Hi Zae'onna,
What I recommend to all starting off in a nursing career is to find a good mentor. I did this myself
starting in nursing school and in my various nursing roles throughout my career. It is important to
continue learning and growing in your career. This is so important in the nursing field since it is
fast paced and always evolving. What better way to learn and better yourself than to learn from those around you
who have experience, good judgement and excellent skills . I encourage others to look around and spot the people who are good at what they do and are respected by their peers and managers. Watch these people closely and how they handle situations. Do not be afraid to ask questions of them and seek their opinion on situations. Most nurses have chosen the profession because they care about other people. It usually proves true that good mentors care for their colleagues as well and are willing to teach and help others grow. Having a good mentor can help increase skills and good judgement and that in turn can also reduces stress levels.
What I recommend to all starting off in a nursing career is to find a good mentor. I did this myself
starting in nursing school and in my various nursing roles throughout my career. It is important to
continue learning and growing in your career. This is so important in the nursing field since it is
fast paced and always evolving. What better way to learn and better yourself than to learn from those around you
who have experience, good judgement and excellent skills . I encourage others to look around and spot the people who are good at what they do and are respected by their peers and managers. Watch these people closely and how they handle situations. Do not be afraid to ask questions of them and seek their opinion on situations. Most nurses have chosen the profession because they care about other people. It usually proves true that good mentors care for their colleagues as well and are willing to teach and help others grow. Having a good mentor can help increase skills and good judgement and that in turn can also reduces stress levels.
Hana Kim
Student Nurse
21
Answers
Southborough, Massachusetts
Updated
Hana’s Answer
Hello Zaeonna,
I think it is important to help others, and to want to help others. This will help you to prevent burnout in the future. In addition, this is advantageous when you learn classes in nursing school and want to learn what type of nursing you want to do in the future.
Best of luck to you with your career decision!
I think it is important to help others, and to want to help others. This will help you to prevent burnout in the future. In addition, this is advantageous when you learn classes in nursing school and want to learn what type of nursing you want to do in the future.
Best of luck to you with your career decision!
Molly R.
Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer
24
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Molly’s Answer
In general, give yourself grace and be patient to learn. It will take about a year to feel comfortable in your role. Keep a journal so you can refer back to it over time and to see how you are progressing.
Ask for help and ask questions- you are not expected to know it all. Even if your fellow nurses seem to be busy, they are never to busy to help a new nurse.
Ask for help and ask questions- you are not expected to know it all. Even if your fellow nurses seem to be busy, they are never to busy to help a new nurse.