Starting a new job in the nursing field can be full of promises and high hopes. However, the job is not without any uncertainties. Although a career in nursing offers flexibility, as well as advancement, there could be a few mishaps along the way. So, if you are just stepping into the nursing scene, you have to rely on the advice you can get from experienced nurses.

If you can apply these following strategies at the start of your career, you will definitely be on the right path to enjoying your nursing career.

Make the most out of your orientation program:

The first step towards navigating your new nursing job with ease is to take advantage of your learning opportunities. Although you would have gained a certain amount of clinical experience already, you are about to gain some real-life experiences on that floor.

After your orientation program ends, do not get comfortable working independently, you must be sure to ask the concerned authorities to put you into a re-orientation. Yes, you might be a little anxious to speak out. But, that’s perfectly fine! Do not let that fear keep you from learning. During the orientation program, never hesitate to put forward your questions. This is the greatest step you can take during the first few days of your orientation.

Find a mentor and get the maximum out of them:

Several hospitals and healthcare organizations have mentorship programs today. Even if your organization doesn’t have one, you can always find a person to collaborate with to mirror. Get the maximum out of them by paying attention to how they reacts in tough situations. At first, you may not find someone who you’re comfortable with. In this case, ask your manager if it’s okay to have a new mentor assigned to you.

Finally, don’t stop following your mentor as soon as the formal mentoring program ends. Take advantage of them! Ask any questions that you may have.

Merge with your team:

Whenever you want to start anew in an organization, you must walk with the aim of forming new relationships. This is something you have to do from Day 1. Being a nurse would mean being a part of a healthcare team. You must be able to be open, as well as genuine in the conversations you have with your teammates. Whenever you feel you cannot take up a role, you should admit it immediately. At the same time, create a good relationship with them, offer as much help as you can in their challenges.

More importantly, you must try to understand each and every team member. Socializing is important in your field. We don’t say you have to go for a lunch with them or send birthday cards, but at least get to know them.

Keep learning:

As you are already aware, the nursing profession is all about continuous learning. So, you should be open to learning new things and be teachable. As mentioned earlier, don’t keep yourself from asking questions whenever needed. This will not only benefit you but it will benefit the person you are asking. Above all, questions can help prevent mistakes on the job. Also with asking questions, you must keep yourself updated with your field by following nursing blogs and journals.

Remember, learning will include learning how to set priorities. You must learn to assess what is critical and what is not. Sometimes, you should be able to find ways to delegate tasks to your coworkers that they can handle. Whenever you are in a fix, feel free to ask the senior nurses how they will approach a similar situation. Alternately, you can also take the problem to management, to troubleshoot the issue.

Give yourself the time and boost:

You probably have been told that a nurse’s primary goal is to serve others. But, you shouldn’t miss taking care of yourself. Give yourself the time and boost, be it your family time or alone time, you must set the time for your health and happiness. Nursing is undoubtedly a stressful job. But, the stress should not diminish your nursing productivity. The process of de-stressing will definitely make you a better nurse.

Whenever you feel frustrated or down, do not give up and think that you have made a wrong career decision. Every change will be threatening, but it won’t take too long to adapt to your new role. You will start feeling that you are part of the nursing field eventually, you just have to wait.