Navigating Nursing as a New Grad Nurse

Hello, fellow new-grad nurses! First and foremost, a huge congratulations on conquering nursing school and passing the NCLEX! You've officially earned your superhero cape—oops, I mean scrubs! Becoming a nurse is no small feat, and we all know that nursing school can feel like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. But here you are, ready to take on the world!

Before we dive into all the fun and excitement ahead, let's set a few ground rules to keep our little corner of the internet a happy place:

1. Under no circumstances will we discuss any patient stories, name any patients, or violate any HIPAA rules and laws. Let's keep our superhero identities safe!

2. We will respect everyone reading these blogs because kindness is the best medicine!

3. We will show kindness. Kindness is like a cozy blanket on a cold night—necessary and comforting!

Now that we've got that out of the way, let me share the delightful reason behind this blog! As a fresh-faced new grad, trying to find my footing in the nursing world has been quite the rollercoaster ride. At times, it can feel a bit overwhelming, and I’ve definitely had my moments of feeling like I'm on a deserted island. Many of us dove into nursing because we have a passion for helping others, but figuring out which specialty aligns with our interests? That can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack! After a long 12-hour shift, I often find myself feeling overwhelmed and a tad mentally drained, but then I thought, “If I’m feeling this way, surely there are others out there who feel the same!” The wonderful thing about nursing is that there are so many paths to explore, but the tricky part is finding the one that feels just right for you.

And hey, nursing students, this blog is for you too! I was once in your shoes not too long ago, and I totally get the frustration, the burnout, and all those pesky “what ifs” swirling around in your head while you’re in nursing school. Remember, you are not alone! Yes, nursing can be tough, and there will be plenty of moments that make you go “what if,” but trust me, you will get through it and emerge as a fantastic nurse!

Oh, and just a little FYI: I’ll sprinkle a lovely Bible verse at the end of my blogs for anyone who could use a little encouragement. Let’s keep the positivity flowing!

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song, I praise him." Psalm 28:7