New Graduate Nurses: Tips & Tricks

 

Nursing is a well-respected profession in Canada. Students pursuing nursing courses in Canada must gear up to identify multiple rewarding career opportunities that are diverse in nature. The scope of nursing in Canada is wide, ranging from providing direct patient care to working in healthcare administration, teaching, research, and more.

Identified as an essential part of the Canadian healthcare system, nursing professionals are responsible for providing care to patients with varying needs for healthcare services. The scope of nursing in Canada is extensive and includes many different specialties and roles that nurses can accept professionally.

After graduating from nursing school, becoming a nursing professional is an exciting time, but it can also be intimidating. So, let us help you out with some tips and tricks that can go a long way in making your journey as a nurse a smoother one!

Research Your Options

The first step in transitioning from student nurse to professional is researching your options. There is a wide scope of nursing in Canada. There are several types of nursing roles ranging from acute care nurses working in a hospital setting to home health nurses providing care at patient homes. Consider what type of nursing you want to do and research the unusual places you can do it. Then, begin applying for jobs you think you would enjoy and that fit your skill set.

Get Familiar with Your Workplace

Once you have accepted a job offer, get familiar with your workplace before starting your role. Before day one, read any materials sent by the employer such as employee policies or handbooks, dress codes, or safety protocols. If possible, take a tour of the workplace so that on day one you already know where things are located and how things operate at your new job. Knowing where everything is will help reduce stress and make the transition smoother for you and your colleagues.

Set Goals for Yourself

Any professional needs to have goals; this is especially true for new graduate nurses who may not yet understand their full capabilities or what they can accomplish in their role. Set small goals that are achievable in the short term (such as learning all the names of patients or staff members) as well as larger goals that may take longer periods (such as mastering a specific clinical procedure or becoming certified in a specialty). Having specific goals will help keep you motivated, engaged, and organized throughout your transition period into the workforce.

Conclusion

Making the transition from student nurse to professional nurse can be an exciting yet daunting experience. To make this process easier on yourself—and those around you—research your options before accepting a job offer; get familiar with your workplace before starting and set both short-term and long-term goals for yourself during this period of transition. With these tips and tricks in mind, any new graduate nurse can make the shift into their new role more smoothly—and more confidently!