4 answers
5
Updated 1314 views

How long into your first nursing job should you feel comfortable with making decisions?

Nursing school teaches us the information and how to apply it, but being outside the clinical setting and actually on your own working with all the responsibilities of the patients makes me nervous for my first job once I graduate. I am just wondering as to how long until you felt comfortable working on your own as a new nurse. #nurse #healthcare #registered-nurses #nursing

nursing nurse registered-nurses
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
5

4 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Chelsea,

Navigating Decision-Making as a Novice Nurse

Embarking on your nursing career may bring about feelings of unease and anxiety, particularly when it comes to making independent decisions. The shift from the structured world of nursing school to the unpredictable and fast-paced clinical setting can be daunting. Yet, with the passage of time, accumulating experience, and the right support, most novice nurses gradually build confidence in their ability to make solid clinical judgments and decisions.

Key Elements That Shape Decision-Making Confidence

A variety of factors can determine how quickly a novice nurse becomes comfortable with decision-making:

Experience: A nurse's level of clinical experience can greatly influence their comfort in decision-making. Nurses with extensive clinical rotations during their education or prior healthcare experience may adjust faster to the pressures of their first nursing role.

Mentorship: A close working relationship with a seasoned mentor can speed up the learning process for novice nurses. Mentors offer guidance, feedback, and mentorship, enhancing confidence and proficiency in decision-making.

Supportive Environment: A work setting that provides supportive resources, cooperative colleagues, and accessible supervisors can boost a novice nurse's comfort in decision-making. Feeling supported and appreciated encourages professional growth and development.

Continuing Education: Regular participation in education, training, and professional development can broaden a nurse's knowledge and critical thinking skills, leading to greater confidence in decision-making.

Timeline for Gaining Confidence in Decision-Making

The timeline for a novice nurse to feel comfortable with decision-making varies widely based on individual factors. Some nurses may adjust quickly, gaining confidence within a few months of starting their first job, while others may need six months to a year to fully adapt to their role.

Strategies for Boosting Confidence as a Novice Nurse

Pursue hands-on practice and skill-building opportunities.
Ask questions, seek feedback, and learn from seasoned colleagues.
Reflect on difficult situations to pinpoint areas for growth and improvement.
Stay updated on evidence-based practices and guidelines.
Practice self-care to avoid burnout and maintain emotional wellness.

Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Crafting this Response:

American Nurses Association (ANA): The ANA is a professional body that offers resources, guidelines, and support for nurses throughout their careers.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): The NCSBN establishes standards for nursing practice and licensure, providing valuable insights into the expectations for novice nurses.

Journal of Nursing Education: Academic journals like the Journal of Nursing Education publish research articles and studies that enhance understanding of best practices in nursing education and transition to practice.

May God bless you!
James Constantine.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Linda’s Answer

It took me a year to get comfortable. 6 months trying not to drown and the next 6 months learning to swim well. It would help to work in a hospital first as a nursing assistant. I wished I had done that first.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Patricia’s Answer

Congratulations on your chosen career. I feel it is individual and may depend somewhat on the program you attended. If you had a lot of clinical experience and autonomy it may only take a couple of months. This is similar to any new job. I went to a diploma program so after about 3 months I felt reasonably comfortable and was performing charge nurse duties in 6 months. I was very frightened and insecure prior to graduation. I think that is a natural and healthy response to the responsibility that you are accepting as a nurse. That is exactly the reason I feel that you will adapt well.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Robert’s Answer

Hi Chelsea, there is a bit of a steep learning curve when she graduated from nursing school and go into actual practice. I try to tell my grad students to expect six months of lots of studying and looking things up after work and then that will gradually improve until about two years out where you're going to be able to go I've got this I've solidly got this. For some novice nurses it's a little less time but for most this is pretty typical. If you can get into a nurse residency program. That will make the transition easier. While it can be an uncomfortable time because of all of the references you have to look up and work you have to do it's also very rewarding time because you're learning curve is tremendous. We've all been through it. Hopefully where you are working will be supportive.


If you were thinking of going to graduate school, depending on the program you might be able to entered directly into the grant program still a big learning curve but you be closer to your final goal. Best of luck to you, You're entering an extremely rewarding career. Bob
0