My First Year as a Nurse was a Roller Coaster Ride

Just like a roller coaster, there were ups and downs — but my first year as a nurse was always exciting.

After the NCLEX is out of the way, some may say one of the hardest parts of the nursing journey is over. There's no denying that nursing school is tough, but life as a new graduate nurse brings its own brand of challenges — some of which can make a new nurse feel unprepared. 

My first year as a nurse began three weeks after my June 2017 graduation. Happiness, anxiety, nervousness, I experienced them all — frequently. Although my undergraduate degree provided the foundation of my nursing knowledge, my first nursing job showed me what it truly meant to be a nurse, what to do and what not do.

First year as a nurse "do's"

1. Be a team player — Having a solid unit requires teamwork. When a co-worker is struggling, see how you can help. Some people are too timid to ask. Take the initiative. The colleague you assisted will surely return the favor one day. 
2. Be an advocate — Nurses are meant to be leaders and advocates at the bedside. Whether a language barrier, sensory impairment or something else keeps patients from advocating for themselves, we can do it for them. Our voices are integral to ensuring a patient's holistic needs are met. 
3. Be prepared for the unexpected — Anything can happen at any moment. Adaptability during an unexpected event tests your strengths as a nurse. I remember a day in which one minute I was telling a co-worker my shift was going well and the next minute a rapid response was called on a patient in my care. Before long, the whole team arrived on the scene. I try to stay mentally prepared for such a shift in focus or circumstances. 
4. Make sure your off-work hours are fulfilling — My dream was always to volunteer during my first year as a nurse, and I lived that dream in January when I volunteered in Haiti. The medical mission increased my drive to become a more competent nurse. If you feel burned out at your regular job, try to find new adventures in which you still can use your talents as a nurse but give you a fresh perspective on the profession. 
5. Console your co-workers when they need it — When a colleague was disheartened about a patient fall, I comforted her and reminded her accidents sometimes happen. Providing emotional support to each other helps build solidarity on the unit.

First year as a nurse "don'ts"

1. Don't contribute to negativity — We all know what workplace violence and bullying among colleagues looks like. "Bad mouthing" can be construed as verbal assaults. Avoid participating in or perpetuating these negative, destructive actions. 
2. Don't take your work home — You work hard and do your best every day. But you need to leave it all behind at the end of your shift. Remember nursing is a continuation of care, from shift to shift, day to day.
3. Don't forget about self-care — Plan ahead for your next day off and spend it doing something you enjoy, whether it's spending time with your pet, family, a group of friends or a hobby. It will re-energize you. 
4. Don't hold yourself to too high a standard — This is something I struggled to accept. As a student, I was a perfectionist. When I stepped foot into clinical nursing, I expected the same. But mistakes will happen and someone might call you out about the error. But your weakest moments can make you a more competent nurse in the long run. 
5. Don't judge "frequent flyers" — Patients are said to be "frequent flyers" when they are admitted time and again for the same diagnosis, often because they are noncompliant. But there is always hope, and it's our job to reignite the light if it's dimming. Speak gently, but frankly, with them about how you can help them help themselves. The holistic view of nursing theory is important, so ask if they have support at home, how they are managing their medications and what barriers are impeding their progress. If we sit down and listen to our patients more, it will help us as well as them.

6 items I can't live without

My first year as a nurse also made me realize there are items without which I could not effectively do my job. See if you agree.

1. An unlimited supply of pens and pencils — During your shift, you may walk miles around your unit leaving your writing utensils in the strangest places. So, although it may seem obvious, make sure the supply cabinet (or drawer) is well-stocked. Some of us don't have time to run to the bathroom, let alone the supply cabinet on another floor!
2. Mindfulness apps — During my first weeks of orientation, I was petrified when I entered the unit. I would play a mindfulness-based app while sitting in my car and meditate for five minutes to mentally prepare for the day.
3. Fitness goals — I found yoga to be a great way to let everything go and feel renewed after each day.
4. Nurse organizer/calendar app — These apps make switching shifts with co-workers easy.
5. Clipboard with important notes — My trusty clipboard holds a laminated sheet of important hospital numbers, policies and procedures. It keeps me from asking the same questions over and over again.
6. Healthy foods — Nutritious snacks are a must, especially when working the night shift. Night nurses have a higher risk for obesity due to circadian rhythm disturbances.
7. Extra scrubs — I remember when a patient vomited directly onto the front of my scrub pants and I didn't have an extra pair. It took a bit of time to get a clean set. You never know what will happen, and there's no drawback to having an extra pair in your locker. Being prepared will get me back to my patients a lot sooner and — even after a year of ups and downs — that's where I still want to be.