Managing difficult situations in nursing isn’t one-size-fits-all. “Difficult” shows up in different clothing every shift. Sometimes it’s the patient who suddenly becomes confused and combative. It can be the family member questioning every single intervention. Often sometimes it’s a coworkers tone. And sometimes the “difficult” is internal, just festering until something small sets you off….
Tag: advice for new nurse
From Task Mode to Thinking Nurse: Are You Practicing Critical Thinking?
Every day you clock in and hit the ground running passing meds, doing assessments, completing orders, and documenting like your license depends on it. But pause for a moment: Are you just getting the tasks done…or are you actually thinking? Critical thinking in nursing isn’t a buzzword. It’s a survival skill. It separates the nurses…
Finding Balance as a New Nurse: What You’re Getting Wrong (and How to Get it Right)
Finding balance as a new nurse can feel like trying to carry a tray of full drinks on a moving train. Everyone’s telling you to “take care of yourself” while at the same time expecting you to absorb a firehose of clinical knowledge, adapt to 12-hour shifts, and smile through it all. If you’re feeling…
When I Couldn’t Take It Anymore
When I landed my first job on the Med-Surg Telemetry unit, I was over the moon. It was the same floor where I’d done my med-surg clinicals and later my preceptorship. I already knew the layout, the routine, and more importantly, the nurses. It felt like coming home. What I didn’t recognize or realize was…
Navigating Multiple Preceptors: A Guide for New Nurses
Navigating multiple preceptors as a new nurse is both exciting and challenging. As a new nurse, you may find yourself working with preceptors who each bring a unique style and approach to patient care. While learning from diverse perspectives can be enriching, it also brings challenges; especially when it comes to establishing consistency and confidence….
Choosing between multiple job offers
Congratulations! After all the hard work, you now have multiple job offers to choose from. While this is an exciting moment, it can also be overwhelming. How do you decide which offer is the best fit for you? Choosing between multiple job offers does not have to become a dragon that you must slay. In…
The Reality of Nursing School: Learning the Basics, Not Everything
Transitioning to nursing practice can often uncover the harsh reality of nursing school. Entering nursing school is the first step on a rewarding but challenging journey. It’s an intensive period of study where we are introduced to the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to provide safe and effective care. However, it’s important to understand that…
The Honeymoon Phase of Nursing
The “honeymoon phase” in nursing refers to the initial period when a new nurse starts their career, typically right after completing nursing school and entering the workforce. You’re selecting scrubs, pens, notebooks, fanny packs, and comfortable shoes. During this phase, you are experiencing a sense of excitement, enthusiasm, and passion for the profession. You feel…
New Grad Nurse Interview: Why You are the Best Candidate
The new grad nurse interview can be a daunting task, but it is your opportunity to showcase why you’re the ideal candidate. One of the most common types of questions you’ll encounter is, “What makes you a good candidate for this job,” “Why are you the best person for the job” “Why should I hire…
Common Mistakes of New Graduate Nurses: Irrelevant Work Experience on Resumes
When new graduate nurses submit resumes for job applications, one common mistake stands out: including work experience that is not relevant to the position you are seeking. This can detract from your overall qualifications and obscure the most pertinent experiences that align with the job you want. For instance, consider a nurse whose clinical experience…