Now that you’re a qualified nurse and gotten your first nursing job you may think that all the hard work is done, right? Unfortunately, the hard work is just beginning and you will likely find your first year of being a nurse incredibly difficult. Here are a few tips to help you get through your first year as a nurse:

Learn How to Prioritise:

The first year of being a nurse can become very overwhelming with the multitude of tasks to complete during your shift. Breaking down your day into hourly increments of time and asking yourself “what is the most important task I need to accomplish and what is the least important task”. Using this method, you will not only be able to organize your tasks, but you will also be able to react appropriately when something unexpected happens.

Get To Know Your Co-workers:

Taking some time to get to know your co-workers is essential to surviving your first year as a nurse. Building positive relationships with your co-workers is key as they can help share experience and tips that they have learnt to make the job easier or more efficient. Moreover, your fellow nurses are important as they will be your support network during difficult days, to laugh with you during funny situations and to help assist you in emergencies.

Take Time to Relax:

Taking time to yourself and keeping an eye on not only your physical but mental health will make the first year of nursing easier. When you get a day off from work, make the most of it! Take your mind off of the job, your patients and your responsibilities and take some time to relax. If your mind is constantly thinking about work then you risk burning yourself out which can massively affect your performance and effectiveness as a nurse.