05/06/2025
I never got around to writing the “How to Survive Nursing School” book -but now that you’ve crushed that part, here’s something even more important: “How to survive your first job as a brand-new nurse”
The New Grad Nurse Survival Guide: Things It's Totally Okay To…
- [ ] Ask to be shown again. You’re not slow, stupid, or behind. You're learning. Every pro nurse started exactly where you are now.
- [ ] Question the plan.Ask the doctor why they ordered something. Advocate. Understand. You have every right to know what’s happening with your patient.
- [ ] Double check the 5 rights of medication. You’re being safe. That second glance might save a life.
- [ ] Cry with a patient.Tears mean you care. You’re not weak—you’re human, and it’s okay to be emotional.
- [ ] Feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to ask yourself, “Can I really do this?” The answer is: yes, you can. Some days will be brutal. But other days your patients will tell you something that reminds you why you become a nurse
- [ ] Take your lunch break or some sort of break. Even if you have 3 hours left of your shift, advocate for yourself to have that time away from patient care
- [ ] Stick to the right way. Even when shortcuts are tempting or everyone else is doing it—choose the safe, clean, ethical route. That’s what a real nurse does.
- [ ] Make mistakes.Own them. Fix them. Learn from them. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be accountable.
- [ ] Ask for help.Whether your patient is too heavy, your shift is too busy, or your brain is too full—it’s okay to say, *“I need backup.”
You’ve got the heart, the brains, the drive, and now the letters after your name.
You’ve got this. And when it feels like you don’t—come back to this list.
You are a nurse now. The kind every patient hopes to have.
