After I graduated from nursing, I began my first job in a specialized nursing unit — labor and delivery. I was delighted because who gets hired to their dream job on the first application?
It wasn’t quite as easy as it sounds. I’d worked hard during my second-to-last practicum to prove that I could handle a full patient load; so I could work my final placement helping laboring moms deliver their babies. The nurse manager offered me a full-time position on my last day.
I enjoyed my first job, but there were many things I wish I had known then that I know now.
Essential Skills I Wish I’d Had
In our current world of severe nursing shortages, new graduates are sometimes offered nursing positions in emergency rooms (ERs) and intensive care units (ICUs). Several years ago, they would have required at least two years of medical-surgical nursing. Not anymore.
Newly graduated nurses are a knowledgeable and enthusiastic bunch. However, some of their skills have only been practiced in labs and not on patients. I was no different. I was oblivious to the essential skills I needed for my first nursing position. I did not understand the need for an experienced nursing team in a critical care area. Here are some of the essential skills I wish I'd had:
What I Would Insist On Now
As a now-experienced nurse with extensive critical care experience, I would advise all new graduates to get some experience in a medical-surgical area before choosing a specialized field to work in. However, if you were hired to a specialty area as I was, you have to work harder to accelerate, strengthen and solidify your skills.
A few years later, I had a Ground Hog Day experience. I got another chance to restart my first job. How did I do that? After moving overseas for several years, then staying home for a few more to raise children, I took a refresher course and returned to nursing. Although not a new grad, I was inexperienced and once more a newbie to the nursing profession. I accepted a job in another specialty area – pediatrics. Here are four things that I would insist on now if I could do it over again:
My Advice to You
First, I would like to welcome you to the nursing profession. I commend you for undertaking a challenging but rewarding career.
I wish I could do that first job over again and be the confident nurse I am now. However, since I cannot, I will do the next best thing; share my advice. Take a job that fits your new graduate skillset. Remember to work on your critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills. I highly recommend choosing a medical-surgical position even if you receive a prestigious job offer to an ICU or ER. However, if you find yourself working in a specialty area, be ready to take on accelerated learning, take every opportunity to observe others in care situations or procedures and always, always ask for help when you aren’t sure of something.
During your interview, ask for the healthcare organization’s policies on orientation, employee evaluations, and mentorship. If they are not offered, you might want to consider choosing a different job where you will be better supported.
I am passing the baton to you, along with the many things I wish I knew before starting my first job.
Resources
Lalithabai, D. S., Ammar, W. M., Alghamdi, K. S., & Aboshaiqah, A. E. (2021). Using action research to evaluate a nursing orientation program in a multicultural acute healthcare setting. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 8(2), 181–189.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8105551/
Miller, J. (2019). 12 Nurses Share Their Favorite Mentoring Advice. American Association of Critical Care Nurses.
https://www.aacn.org/blog/12-nurses-share-their-favorite-mentoring-advice
Nurse Journal. The 35 Best Specialty Career Choices for Nurses
https://nursejournal.org/articles/best-specialty-career-choices-for-nursing/
Bio: Alice Blackmore, MN, RN
Alice Blackmore is a freelance writer, registered nurse, and owner of Insightfulnursing.com. She has expertise in pediatrics, maternal health, critical care, and long-term care. She now shares her years of experience through writing.