One of the first things you realize after graduating from nursing school is that the real world is nothing like school. You have to show up on time, always look put together, and be on your A-game with actual patients. Especially when you are responsible for the health and well-being of others. After having your head buried in textbooks for years, the idea of working and being paid is really exciting. But soon that excitement turns into nervousness and performance anxiety as you start your first year of nursing. You are not practicing on mannequins anymore, these are real patients, with real complications. 

While nothing can truly prepare you for your first day, there are tips that may ease your worries and concerns. Everyone is somewhat nervous on their first day, no matter what they say. Keep reading for our 10 tips for your first year of nursing. 

1. Ask Questions

If you feel you don’t know what you are doing in a particular situation, ask. You don’t want to be responsible for making a fatal mistake because you were too afraid to ask. In the medical field, it is higher stakes then say an office environment. Where the worst thing that can go wrong is CCing the wrong person on an email. If you are unsure of the proper dosage for a patient, ask someone around you. We are all new at every job we go to. Your supervisor would much rather you ask for help as opposed to make a mistake. 

2. Stay Professional

Even if you feel overwhelmed and have no idea what you are doing, you still have to stay professional. When you experience your first code, you will probably feel your heart racing. But you need to believe in yourself and hold it together. If you must collect yourself in the bathroom that is fine, but remember you are at work. In your first year of nursing, you don’t want to be known as the nurse who fell apart. Because believe me everyone is stressed, you just get better at working through it. 

3. Sleep Whenever Possible

This upcoming year will likely be the most sleep-deprived year of your life. You will be getting used to possibly working 12-hour shifts, which is very different from being a student. In between shifts, make sure to sleep as much as you can. For most people, 7-8 hours is needed for optimal function. Getting too little sleep can have negative impacts. You want to be sharp and well-rested when learning how to perform your new role. 

4. Be Heard

If you are working in a hospital, there will be so many other healthcare workers buzzing around you at all times. Just because you are new doesn’t mean you don’t have a voice. If a question is asked around you and you are confident you know the answer, answer it. Don’t let higher ranking hospital members make you feel useless. There is definitely a hierarchy in medicine, but you should make yourself heard and contribute. 

5. Observe Others

In your first year, you should be observing how more senior nurses speak to patients and the way they work. This will give you an idea of how your job is done and can guide you the next time you deal with a difficult patient or speaking to a doctor. Systems are put in place for a reason, especially with healthcare, make sure to observe them.

6. Look Up What You Don’t Know

If you were at work and you realized you had no understanding of the condition they were referring to, look it up once you are home. You can’t prepare for everything, but if you have no knowledge of something mentioned, you should brush up on it. Medicine is always evolving and you don’t want to fall behind. You owe it to your patients to be prepared as well. 

7. Wear Proper Shoes

Not the most exciting tip I know, but with all the fluids you will encounter and all the rushing around, you will want proper shoes. You will be standing for 8-12 hours a day, and need shoes with support. Otherwise, your feet will be aching from the lack of it. The most important aspect is having a slip-resistant sole. At multiple points in the day, there may be bodily fluids on or near the floor. The last thing you want to do is become a patient yourself. Many nurses even suggest switching between two different pairs of shoes for extra support. As being on your feet for long periods of time pushes down the shoe cushion. So, throw one pair in your locker to switch midday. 

8. Bond With Co-Workers

Your first year of nursing will be far easier if you have friends to relate to. As much as you love your significant other, unless they are a nurse, they can’t understand your work stress. Speaking with a friend who understands what you are going through will be so helpful. Having someone you can laugh with will ease your stress and improve your hectic day. 

9. Decompress After Work

Working in the medical field is truly unlike any other occupation, the stress alone can far outweigh most other professions. Especially when you are new and unsure what comes next. Work is important in life, but it isn’t the only thing in life. Make sure to spend time with your spouse or partner, friends and family. If you have a pet, cuddling up with your dog or cat can ease the stress after a long day. 

10. Have A Pet

Speaking of pets, having one is very beneficial for a person’s health. I don’t mean fish, but a cat if possible. It has been proven that owning a cat specifically can reduce stress, boost immunity, and lower blood pressure. Also, cats are very independent animals and will not mind if you are gone most of the day. With a dog, it is not recommended to leave them alone for long periods of time. If you live on your own, it is very important to have companionship, even in the form of a pet.