Nurse.com recently interviewed Bryce Catarelli, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Florida College of Nursing in Gainesville, Florida, and a family nurse practitioner.
We asked Bryce to offer her expert insight into some of the more common questions on the minds of today’s new nurses and nursing students.
Below is an excerpt from the interview. To hear what Bryce has to say about the biggest mistakes nurses make when looking for work, how to maintain your passion, and the skill you should never stop practicing, check out the entire interview here!
Q: If you could redo your first year as a nurse, what would you change?
Bryce Catarelli: I think that I was incredibly fortunate, and I don't know that I would do a single thing different. I participated in a student externship program during nursing school that provided me with additional clinical training and time in the hospital caring for real patients. I also pursued nurse residency programs after graduation. As a result, I was accepted into one at the local VA medical center.
This provided me with the training and education to feel more prepared to take on a full team of patients by the time that I graduated, and I will forever be grateful for that experience.
Q: How do you stop feeling like an imposter when starting out as a nurse?
Bryce Catarelli: Fantastic question. If it provides any comfort, I can attest to the fact that some level of imposter syndrome is not unique to nursing, and it does exist in some capacities at all levels. And not just in nursing but in other professions, as well.
I can also attest to the fact that the first year of working as a nurse can be hard and a little overwhelming at times, but that's OK. That's normal. And as you gain more experience, your confidence will increase.
Trust that you put in the hard work to get where you are today. You deserve to be in the spot that you're in and the role that you have as a nurse
You have the knowledge, skills, and passion to meaningfully contribute to the team that you're a part of and help take care of your patients. And, honestly, reminding yourself of that can be so incredibly helpful.
Q: What’s your advice for surviving nursing school without crying in your car every week?
Bryce Catarelli: Fair question! What I'll say is that nursing school is challenging. There’s absolutely no doubt about that. But it's not impossible. Remind yourself often why you chose the specialty. Remember your "why?" of picking nursing. It can help ground you and refocus you during those tough times.
I'm also a really big believer in building community. Find yourself a community of friends, colleagues, and family to help you through.
Take time to do the things that bring you joy because it's okay if that's not studying for your big patho exam coming up.
Prioritize sleep. Take care of yourself. While mastering your head-to-toe is important, so are you. And it's important not to forget that.
I also think it's important to recognize that life happens. And if it's too much for you to be in school at this moment, nursing will always be there for you when life settles down. It's okay to pause and take a break if you need to. Nursing will always be there on the other side.
Q: I’m interested in becoming a nurse practitioner. What does that look like?
Bryce Catarelli: Becoming a nurse practitioner can be a really fulfilling way to help continue your nursing career.
Oftentimes, you'll need to complete your bachelor's degree before applying to your master of science in nursing or your doctorate program. When you're thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner, think about looking for DNP programs that will help prepare you with the skills and the knowledge that you need. Think about what type of nurse practitioner you'd like to be.
DNP programs can often vary between becoming a family practitioner versus pediatrics, versus gerontology, and more.
What a fantastic profession to think about. I would encourage you to look into it if that's something that's on your mind.
Editor's note: In the featured photo, Bryce Catarelli, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, Clinical Assistant Professor, UF College of Nursing, instructs a student nurse on patient care using a patient simulator (aka "manikin").
