Let’s just be honest here: becoming a nurse is tough. There’s no sugarcoating it. When I first walked onto the floor as a brand-new nurse, I had a blend of excitement, fear, and a whole lot of imposter syndrome. It felt like a whirlwind—trying to find my footing in a field that is both physically and emotionally demanding. But, with time, I realized that surviving—and even thriving—during your first year is totally possible. If I can do it, so can you. And I’m here to give you the advice I wish I’d had when I started out.
Surviving your first year as a nurse is not about being perfect or knowing everything right away. It’s about learning how to manage the chaos, embracing the constant learning process, and finding the balance that helps you sustain this career over the long haul.
I’ve been there, and I want you to be ready for what’s ahead, so let’s dive into my ultimate guide for surviving and even thriving during your first year as a nurse.
1. Prepare to Feel Overwhelmed (And That’s Okay)
Let’s start with the reality check. The first year is going to feel overwhelming. There’s so much to learn, so many skills to master, and a massive amount of responsibility placed on your shoulders. That feeling of not knowing what the heck you’re doing is normal. I remember walking into my first day, feeling like I was going to drown in all the tasks, protocols, and people I had to manage. But guess what? Over time, you’ll start getting comfortable with it all.
It’s critical to recognize that overwhelm is part of the process. No one expects you to have it all together from the get-go. Nursing is a profession that’s learned through experience, and it takes time to feel competent and confident. The key here is patience with yourself.
2. Ask Questions and Never Stop Learning
I can’t emphasize this enough: ask questions. Whether you’re asking your preceptor, a fellow nurse, or your manager, it’s so important to remember that no one expects you to know everything. Nursing is one of those professions where there’s always more to learn, and the best nurses never stop asking questions.
When I first started, I was terrified of asking “stupid” questions, but then I realized that the more questions I asked, the quicker I learned. Everyone knows that you’re new to this and they’ve been where you are. Trust me—your colleagues are more than happy to help, and many will genuinely appreciate your curiosity.
So, ask about the protocols, the equipment, or any little thing that’s unclear. Be humble enough to admit when you don’t know something. It’s not a weakness—it’s a strength because it shows you’re invested in learning and growing.
3. Develop Time Management Skills Early On
One of the biggest challenges in your first year is time management. As a nurse, you’ll quickly realize that the hours fly by faster than you think. You’ll juggle patient care, charting, med administration, doctor rounds, family communications, and, sometimes, an emergency or two. Before you know it, the shift is almost over, and you’re still behind on your tasks.
It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos, but time management can make all the difference between drowning in stress and staying afloat. Here are a few actionable tips to help you manage your time more effectively:
Actionable Tips:
- Prioritize your tasks: You’ll have a list of things to do, but figure out what’s urgent and important. Use the “ABCDE” method to prioritize: A for critical tasks, B for important but not urgent, C for nice-to-have tasks, and D and E for less important.
- Break down tasks: Instead of focusing on everything all at once, break your tasks into manageable steps. Start with the most urgent needs and work your way down.
- Use a shift organizer: A small notebook or planner specifically for tracking your shift’s tasks can help you stay organized. I used mine religiously to jot down reminders and track patient care plans.
- Delegate when possible: Don’t hesitate to ask for help or delegate non-critical tasks to others if appropriate. Sometimes, another pair of hands can make a huge difference.
4. Embrace the Support of Your Team
As a new nurse, you’re going to need support. Your team is everything. In my first year, I quickly learned that nursing isn’t a solo job—it’s a team sport. From fellow nurses to doctors, techs, and even the housekeeping staff, everyone plays a role in making the hospital or clinic run smoothly. Build relationships with your colleagues, and don’t hesitate to ask for support when you need it.
You’ll also have a preceptor (if you’re lucky), which can be a lifeline during those early weeks or months. Don’t be afraid to lean on them for guidance. Your preceptor’s job is to help you succeed, so if you’re struggling with a task or need clarification, ask them for help. Over time, you’ll gain more independence, but initially, lean on your team.
5. Practice Self-Care (You Can’t Pour From an Empty Cup)
Listen, I get it. You’re probably juggling a million things outside of work—family, school, social life, self-doubt, etc. But here’s the thing: self-care is not optional. Nursing is physically and emotionally demanding, and if you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll burn out.
I learned this the hard way. There were nights I’d come home exhausted and feel like I had nothing left to give. If you’re not fueling your body, resting, and taking care of your mental health, you’ll quickly run into burnout.
Actionable Tips:
- Make sleep a priority: I can’t stress this enough. Sleep is your best friend. If you’re working long shifts or night shifts, find a routine that helps you wind down when you get home.
- Take breaks at work: Don’t skip breaks, even if you feel like you don’t have time. A quick 5–10-minute break can reset your mind and body.
- Nourish your body: Eating nutritious meals and staying hydrated is essential. I always carried healthy snacks (think protein bars, nuts, fruit) to keep my energy up during busy shifts.
- Unplug when you’re off: Don’t let work follow you home. Set boundaries, and use your time off to recharge.
6. Manage Your Emotions
As a nurse, you’re going to face situations that will emotionally challenge you. You’ll witness suffering, loss, and sometimes things you’ll never forget. It’s important to acknowledge that your emotions are valid. However, you need to learn how to manage those emotions effectively so that they don’t overwhelm you.
It’s normal to feel emotional about a patient’s outcome, but it’s also important to maintain professionalism. Over time, you’ll develop coping mechanisms, but don’t be afraid to reach out for support if you feel like things are getting too heavy emotionally.
Actionable Tips:
- Debrief with your team: After a difficult shift or a particularly emotional moment, take the time to debrief with colleagues. It helps to talk it out with others who understand what you’re going through.
- Practice mindfulness: Techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help you stay centered during stressful moments.
- Seek professional help if needed: If you find yourself struggling emotionally or mentally, don’t hesitate to seek support from a counselor or therapist.
7. Know You’ll Make Mistakes—Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
I think this is one of the hardest things to accept as a new nurse: you’re going to make mistakes. Whether it’s forgetting to chart something, miscommunicating with a doctor, or missing a small detail, it happens. One of the biggest fears we all share as nurses is that a mistake we make could cause patient harm. That fear can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to let it control you. But here’s the truth: mistakes are inevitable, and the key is learning from them—not letting them define you. We are all human, and making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process.
I’ve made mistakes, some bigger than others, but I always used each one as an opportunity to learn and grow. When something goes wrong, take the time to reflect on what happened and identify what went wrong so you can improve. And when you’re unsure or facing a situation you’re not familiar with, don’t hesitate to ask for help. There’s no shame in seeking guidance—it’s actually a sign of strength. As nurses, we all want the same thing: to keep our patients safe and provide the best care possible. By being kind to yourself through the process, and using each mistake as a learning opportunity, you’ll grow into the amazing nurse you’re meant to be.
8. Create a Strong Support Network
Nursing can be isolating at times. The nature of the job means you might not always get the time to connect with your loved ones during long shifts. Having a support network outside of work can make all the difference. This might mean talking to a family member, a friend, or even a mentor who’s been in your shoes. Building that support system will help you navigate the emotional rollercoaster of your first year.
9. Find a Mentor or Role Model
Find someone whose career you admire, whether it’s a colleague, a manager, or even a nurse you follow online. Having a role model can help you stay motivated and give you something to aspire to. Your mentor can also guide you when you’re unsure about decisions or need advice on navigating your career.
10. Celebrate Small Wins
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your wins—no matter how small they seem. Whether it’s mastering a skill, getting through a tough shift, or simply making it to the end of the week, acknowledge your accomplishments. Nursing is a demanding career, but it’s also a deeply rewarding one. Celebrate those moments of success and use them as fuel to keep going.
Resources Mentioned:
- Nurse.org: An online resource for new nurses, with tips, advice, and support.
- Nursing.com: Offers courses, guides, and other tools for new nurses to sharpen their skills.
- Therapists and Counselors: Platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace can provide mental health support when things get tough.
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): Offers resources for managing workplace stress and burnout.
Final Thoughts:
Surviving your first year as a nurse won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. You’ll grow, you’ll learn, and you’ll become stronger. Just remember: you don’t have to do it all alone. Ask for help, take care of yourself, and be patient with the process. You’ve got this. One shift at a time.
