You’ve just finished nursing school and are ready to begin your first shift as a registered nurse. You should be thrilled and apprehensive at this time. Preparing for success is an excellent method to alleviate anxiety. When you start working, you’ll quickly realize that structure is crucial. Let’s talk about five things every new nurse needs to know.

1. Know the Fundamentals

Nursing is one of the most versatile fields. You can work in a hospital setting, a doctor’s office, clinics, research, cruise ships, insurance, legal, and so much more! Get to the bottom of how you can best help your patients in your hired setting. Make it your own - have a little signature joke for your patients. Have a special discharge education you provide. Stand out by making your care personal to who you are. 

If you need direction before your first shift, listen to my video on What to Know Before Your First Shift.

2. Care for the Basics

I know it’s easy to get caught up in all the orders, assessments, and to-do lists when you are a new nurse. Of course, there’s always something to chart. But don't forget to focus on your patient's basic needs. Have they eaten? Are they in pain? Do they need to talk to a family member or get help from a social worker? Remember to approach care holistically and provide for the basic needs as well! 

If you need direction, check out my New Nurse Survival Guide.

3.  Stay Calm in a Crisis

Panicking is not an option when you are a new nurse. But do not hide when there is a Code Blue, either! (I know, we’ve all done it in the beginning). Hop on in there and help out. The only way you will learn how to deal with emergencies is to live them out! If you need help on what steps to take when your patient's condition deteriorates or when to call a Code Blue, watch this: First Ten Things To Do In A Code.

4.  You’ll Be Having Difficult Conversations

I know it’s hard to know what to say to family members. Communication is one part of nursing that they do not teach in school. No one teaches you how to communicate with doctors, other departments, or family members. So here are a few tips. When family members ask questions, answer honestly and with gentleness. They are feeling extremely vulnerable and do not understand how the hospital runs. Explain how their family member was admitted and why, the plan of care for treatment or comfort, and what the next 24 hours will look like. That's what they want to know. 

If you need help with “finding your voice” as a new nurse or even how to speak to doctors, definitely check out this series of videos.

5. Stay Organized 

Nothing is worse than falling behind on shift. I don’t want any new nurses staying till 9 pm charting! So this means that you are staying on task throughout your shift, never forgetting anything, and delegating what you can. When you are interrupted by something you can delegate - do it! If someone asks you for a pillow or water - tell the nursing assistant or secretary to do it for you. (Only if you are too busy - otherwise, you should care for your patients.) A good “nurse brain sheet” will help you organize your shift and keep track of your patient's information. 

If you need a free printable, check out this one. It’s what I personally use every shift! 

There you have it - a quick list of what I want new grads to know before starting this incredible career. If you have any questions or need more advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Nurse Meg. Good luck, nurses!