If you have just completed nursing school and are now a registered nurse, you have some exciting times ahead. Nursing is a challenging and rewarding profession, and there are many things you need to know as a new nurse. Here are some of the most important aspects you need to know about, including licensure, certification, finding a job, and more!
There are more than three million registered nurses in the United States. This number is expected to grow by nearly one million over the next decade. As the baby boomer population ages and healthcare needs increase, there will be a greater demand for nurses.
As a nurse, you can find work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, home healthcare services, long-term care facilities, and more. You can also specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as critical care, pediatrics, or geriatrics.
The opportunities in nursing are varied and promise great future careers, but getting to grips with life as a practicing nurse can involve a steep learning curve.
So if you are a new nurse, here’s some valuable information that will help you start your career off on the right foot.
Getting Licensed
Nurses must be licensed in order to practice. Licensure requirements vary from state to state, but all states require nurses to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Once you have passed the NCLEX, you will be issued a nursing license.
You will need to renew your license every few years, and most states require nurses to complete continuing education credits (meeting your ongoing nursing CEU requirements) in order to maintain their licensure.
Certifications
While not required, many nurses choose to pursue certification in a particular area of nursing. Certification can show employers that you have the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care in a particular specialty.
There are many different types of certification available, and you can usually take the exam once you have been working in your chosen specialty for a few years.
Studying for this additional certification can be daunting, but there are many resources available to help you, such as study guides and practice exams. It can be difficult to fit in this extra study time around your shifts, but if you create a study timetable and talk to your manager about your plans, you should be able to get the study time in that you need.
Finding a Job
The best way to find a job as a nurse is to search online job boards, such as Indeed or Monster. You can also contact hospitals or other healthcare facilities directly and inquire about open positions.
Some new nurses choose to work with a staffing agency that specializes in placing nurses in temporary or contract positions. This can be a great way to get your foot in the door and gain experience in a variety of different settings.
You can also search for nursing jobs on social media sites, such as LinkedIn. Many hospitals and healthcare organizations post job openings on their social media pages, so be sure to follow the ones you are interested in.
Starting Your Nursing Career
Getting all the qualifications you need to become a nurse is just the start. Actually starting work as a nurse is a totally new experience for many, even if you did work experience as part of your learning. Having this newfound responsibility in a demanding job can be difficult for some people, so it is important to start work with a positive mindset and willing to ask questions.
Slotting into your new team, getting to know the other staff members, and understanding the hospital or clinic’s procedures can all take some time. But soon enough, you will be part of the team and working like a pro! Remember to ask for support from your superiors when you need it too. It’s important to realize that no-one will expect you to know everything straight off the bat, and there is no shame in asking questions if you’re not sure about something.
Taking Time To Adjust
Starting any new job is tiring, both physically and mentally. Add to that the stress of learning new things and it can be a bit overwhelming. So, it is important to take some time for yourself outside of work to relax and de-stress.
Find an activity that you enjoy and make sure you schedule in some time for it every week. This could be going for a run, reading a book, or meeting up with friends.
It is also important to get enough sleep. When you are working long hours and studying, it can be tempting to stay up all night and then sleep all day when you have time off, but this is not sustainable in the long run. You will quickly become exhausted and start to make mistakes at work. Try to stick to a regular sleep schedule as much as possible, even on your days off.
Making the Most of Your Nursing Career
Once you have settled into your new role as a nurse, it is important to start thinking about your career goals. What do you want to achieve in your nursing career?
Do you want to specialize in a particular area? Do you want to become a nurse practitioner or a nurse educator? There are many different paths you can take with your nursing career, and it is important to decide early on which one you would like to pursue.
If you are unsure of what you want to do, talk to your manager or a more experienced nurse and get their opinion. They may be able to help you figure out what you want to do with your career. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from those around you. Your colleagues and superiors are there to help you, so make sure you take advantage of that.