Starting your nursing career is exciting, but let’s be real—it’s also overwhelming. If you’ve ever felt like the pressure to “know it all” is crushing you, you’re not alone. A recent study published in Nursing Education Perspectives revealed that nearly 54% of nursing students experience severe depression, anxiety, or stress as they transition from school to practice (Zerwic et al., 2023).
Here’s the good news: those struggles don’t define you. With the right mindset, strategies, and support, you can thrive—not just survive—in your first year as a nurse. Here are five powerful takeaways to help you navigate this challenging but rewarding journey.
1. You Don’t Have to Be Perfect
Let’s ditch the myth that you need to know everything on day one. Nursing school gave you the foundation, but learning on the job is part of the process. Even experienced nurses don’t know it all—and that’s okay!
Pro Tip:
Ask questions. Lots of them.
- Not sure how to set up a central line? Ask.
- Confused about a policy? Ask.
- Double-checking a medication? Ask.
You’re not bothering anyone—questions show you care about doing things right. The best nurses never stop learning, and you’re already on that path.
2. Find Your Support Squad
The study found that students who felt supported by faculty had lower levels of stress and anxiety (Zerwic et al., 2023). As a new nurse, your coworkers can become your version of faculty. Surround yourself with colleagues who are willing to guide, encourage, and uplift you.
What to Look For in a Mentor:
- Someone approachable who doesn’t make you feel silly for asking questions.
- A nurse who explains not just the “how” but also the “why” behind tasks.
- Someone who makes you feel like part of the team, even when you’re new.
If you don’t immediately find this person, don’t worry. Keep building connections—you’ll find your people.
3. Break the Cycle of Stress
Nursing is stressful, and as a new grad, it can feel impossible to keep up. But here’s the thing: you’re not expected to be superhuman. The study shows how crucial it is to manage stress early on to avoid burnout.
Simple Ways to Cope with Stress:
- Take Breaks: Yes, you’re busy, but skipping lunch every day isn’t sustainable. Step away, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
- Practice Self-Compassion: Made a mistake? Learn from it, fix it, and move on.
- Breathe: A few deep breaths during a chaotic moment can reset your focus.
Stress is part of the job, but it doesn’t have to control you.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
It’s easy to focus on what you don’t know, but don’t forget to celebrate what you’re getting right. Did you finally start an IV on the first try? Great job! Did you advocate for a patient and see a positive outcome? That’s huge!
Why It Matters:
Celebrating small wins builds confidence. Nursing is a marathon, not a sprint, and recognizing your progress keeps you motivated.
Pro Tip:
Keep a journal or a note in your phone of daily wins. On tough days, look back and remind yourself how far you’ve come.
5. Remember Why You Chose Nursing
Amid the chaos of patient care, charting, and learning on the fly, it’s easy to lose sight of your purpose. But deep down, you know why you became a nurse: to make a difference. Never forget that.
How to Stay Grounded:
- Reflect on moments that remind you why nursing matters. Maybe it’s a patient who thanked you or a family who smiled because of your care.
- Focus on the people, not the tasks. Nursing is about connection, and every interaction is an opportunity to make an impact.
The Takeaway
Yes, being a new nurse is hard. You’ll have days where you feel like you’re barely keeping your head above water. But you’ll also have days where you walk out of the hospital knowing you changed someone’s life.
You’re not alone in your struggles, and you don’t have to face them in silence. Lean on your team, trust in your ability to learn, and remember that growth comes with time. One day, you’ll look back on this phase and realize it made you stronger, smarter, and more resilient than you ever imagined.
You’ve got this. One shift, one patient, one step at a time.
Reference:
Zerwic, J., Rosenberg, L., & Duffy, M. (2023). Perceived faculty support and its relationship to depression, anxiety, and stress in nursing students. Nursing Education Perspectives. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/4gJyUZJ
