Starting as a ‘real’ nurse wasn’t the easiest for me. The step up from student to newly registered was definitely bigger than I expected. I was slow and felt I was letting my team down. It took me ages to get lots of my essential training, in part because in-person training had just restarted after covid, so there was a big backlog, but even everyday tasks felt like they were taking me an inordinate amount of time. Don’t get me wrong, my team were supportive, and more than once I was told by colleagues that it’s better for me to be slow and get it right, than to hurry and make mistakes. Some of the issue was my own ability to recognise I needed help until I was overwhelmed, so I wouldn’t always ask. Or I’d think I could manage, when really, I was struggling. My first time in charge was a panic, unexpected due to staff sickness, and I didn’t really know what I was meant to do. I had self-doubts, especially when it came to things, I had little practice with, or hadn’t done for a long time. I’m a persistent person, it’s a good and bad thing, I don’t easily give up, even when maybe I should! But I stuck it out, and I’m glad I did.
Speaking to other newly registered nurses (NRNs) really helped. It showed things weren’t a ‘me’ issue, but just part of learning and being an NRN. It gave validation and comfort, especially as I was the only NRN on my ward.
18 months in now things are better. There are still difficult, stressful shifts and I still often work over. And whilst I’m significantly quicker than I was, I would still say I am slower than average (part of that is to do with how I am physically and I’m ok with that).
I feel I’ve really grown into my nurse role. I’m more confident in my own abilities and my own judgement (which is really a more important thing than being able to complete a ‘task’). I get on well with my colleagues and sometimes they even come to me for advice - not something I could see happening 18 months ago! I’ve learnt a lot and I’m working on the things I struggle with - asking for help more easily, although finding I need it less. I take pride in parts of my work, in listening to patients and families, in advocating for them. When I was a student, the best thing was making patients better, but that’s changed for me. Sometimes it isn’t possible to make someone ‘better’, but it is possible to help them. To make sure they get the best treatment for them, even to make sure that they have a good death. Many might not see that as a victory, but it can be what counts the most.
I’ve even been able to make some little changes on the ward, which I hope will make care better. Not big quality improvement projects, but manageable changes.
I still have lots to learn. I can still improve. But I feel more confident each day to call myself a nurse and am starting to think about my future and next steps. There are times when I wondered if I could really do this. Whether I was failing. But I’ve made it through this far and I want you to remember my story in times of doubt.
Know that you can do this. Reach out for help if you need it. Find other NRNs to talk to and you’ll find it’s not just ‘you’. Celebrate your triumphs and reflect on what you can improve. Be proud to stand up and say, ‘I am a nurse’.
Speaking to other newly registered nurses (NRNs) really helped. It showed things weren’t a ‘me’ issue, but just part of learning and being an NRN. It gave validation and comfort, especially as I was the only NRN on my ward.
18 months in now things are better. There are still difficult, stressful shifts and I still often work over. And whilst I’m significantly quicker than I was, I would still say I am slower than average (part of that is to do with how I am physically and I’m ok with that).
I feel I’ve really grown into my nurse role. I’m more confident in my own abilities and my own judgement (which is really a more important thing than being able to complete a ‘task’). I get on well with my colleagues and sometimes they even come to me for advice - not something I could see happening 18 months ago! I’ve learnt a lot and I’m working on the things I struggle with - asking for help more easily, although finding I need it less. I take pride in parts of my work, in listening to patients and families, in advocating for them. When I was a student, the best thing was making patients better, but that’s changed for me. Sometimes it isn’t possible to make someone ‘better’, but it is possible to help them. To make sure they get the best treatment for them, even to make sure that they have a good death. Many might not see that as a victory, but it can be what counts the most.
I’ve even been able to make some little changes on the ward, which I hope will make care better. Not big quality improvement projects, but manageable changes.
I still have lots to learn. I can still improve. But I feel more confident each day to call myself a nurse and am starting to think about my future and next steps. There are times when I wondered if I could really do this. Whether I was failing. But I’ve made it through this far and I want you to remember my story in times of doubt.
Know that you can do this. Reach out for help if you need it. Find other NRNs to talk to and you’ll find it’s not just ‘you’. Celebrate your triumphs and reflect on what you can improve. Be proud to stand up and say, ‘I am a nurse’.
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