-
by
allnurses (Editorial Team / Admin)
Nurse Blake, renowned for his infectious humor and passionate advocacy, has become a beloved figure in the nursing community. With a unique ability to transform everyday challenges into moments of laughter, he offers invaluable insights into the concerns of nurses, particularly those new to the profession.
allnurses had the privilege of interviewing Nurse Blake to delve into the pressing questions that resonate deeply within the nursing community. From addressing daily challenges with wit to sharing universal perspectives that resonate with nurses worldwide, Nurse Blake offers both inspiration and practical wisdom.
Inspiration and Motivation
allnurses: What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing, and how has that motivation evolved over time?
Nurse Blake: I grew up with two parents in healthcare – my father was a respiratory therapist, and my mother was in medical device sales. It felt like a natural fit and something that was meant to be a part of my journey. My father would tell me the most inspiring stories about his patients, and it really felt like the biggest motivator. Being a nurse is the only career path I ever considered.
Over time, that motivation evolved into a deeper desire to build communities that positively impact nurses. That's why I've partnered with Indeed on their Careers in Care initiative, a dedicated effort to support nurses and other healthcare professionals on their career paths. The Careers in Care initiative provides personalized resources, online tools, a curated job board and expert job search guidance designed uniquely to support nurses and healthcare professionals in advancing their careers.
Additionally, I've launched several initiatives to bring the community together and support them in unique ways. My comedy tour, for example, has allowed me to bring joy and laughter to nurses across the country. It's such a rewarding experience to bring people of all ages together with humor – whether they are new to the field or even retired.
I also started NurseCon at Sea, one of the leading nursing conferences offering educational cruises that combine learning with a fun, engaging environment.
Job Search and Interviews
allnurses: What should new nurses prioritize when selecting their first job?
Nurse Blake: Many people don't realize that being a new nurse feels a lot like being back in nursing school. There's a lot to learn.
Because of that, I strongly recommend finding a program that offers a new grad residency. Think of a residency program as a supportive cohort. You'll attend classes outside of your regular schedule, meet with the leadership and education teams – all alongside other new grads from various units. This setup allows you to learn and share experiences together over the course of about a year, making the transition from nursing student to nurse much smoother.
There are other aspects to a job and employer that you should consider, ranging from the compensation and benefits and shift flexibility and responsibilities to the underlying aspects of the position, like work-life balance and the collaboration and collegiality among peers and with managers. These are all factors that Indeed's recent Pulse of Healthcare report uncovered as important to healthcare workers and can have a big impact on your job satisfaction.
allnurses: Can you share red flags new nurses should watch for during job interviews?
Nurse Blake: We all chose this profession because it aligns with our values, our skills and many of us see it as a professional calling. That said, one of the biggest issues facing the healthcare workforce is burnout, and there are indicators you can pick up on as you research and interview for potential jobs.
- Be wary of high turnover rates; if many nurses are leaving frequently, that could indicate issues with staffing, management, or overall treatment of staff. Always ask about the retention rate – low turnover is a positive indicator, while 50% turnover, for example, is reason to sound the alarm. You can also ask about employee satisfaction rates, or do your own research, as that may be an indicator of turnover.
- Ask about staffing and resourcing ratios that the employer adheres to or maintains. Become familiar with any regulations your state may have or you can check out professional organizations for guidelines on staffing ratios. If the ratios are off, that could indicate you might be stepping into a challenging work environment.
allnurses: What are positive signs that indicate a supportive work environment for new nurses?
Nurse Blake: Positive signs include detailed orientation and onboarding programs, which show that the facility is invested in your success from the start. Look for evidence of continuing education opportunities and professional development programs. Access to mentorship from experienced nurses is another great indicator of a supportive culture.
The nursing profession is, by nature, a very collaborative profession. Relationships between colleagues enable knowledge sharing that contributes to patient care but also serves as an emotional support system of people we can lean on when we need it. Indeed's research found that relationships with peers was one of the top factors in job satisfaction among healthcare workers. Ask the potential employer how they support and build relationships between peers and colleagues within units and, more broadly, across the entire organization.
Other indicators may include shift flexibility and, as we've discussed, the approach to supporting a work-life balance. These are just a few signs that the employer is committed to a supportive work environment.
allnurses: What questions can new nurses ask during interviews to gauge the culture of the organization?
Nurse Blake: In addition to asking about retention rates, consider asking what your first several weeks will look like. A big surprise for many new nurses is that you don't actually get your feet wet right away, as you'll need to go through the hospital's orientation program. This can take a few weeks and involves training and spending a lot of time in the classroom. During this period, you'll be learning your hospital's specific policies, going through modules, and maybe even taking some exams. Asking about this process can give you a good sense of how well the organization prepares and supports its new nurses, which is crucial for your success and adjustment.
You can also ask about access to and engagement with managers and leadership. An organization that acknowledges the importance of that access for young nurses suggests that it is committed to its young employees and to making them feel part of the organization from day one.
Work Relationships
allnurses: How can new nurses build strong relationships with colleagues and mentors early in their careers?
Nurse Blake: According to Indeed's research, relationships with coworkers and colleagues is among the top factors contributing to job satisfaction.
A good tip is to learn everyone's name; it's a small gesture that can make a big impact. It shows respect, builds rapport, and fosters a positive work environment.
Additionally, being proactive and approachable is crucial. Introduce yourself to your colleagues and show genuine interest in getting to know them. Seek out mentorship from more experienced nurses who can provide guidance and support as you navigate your new role.
allnurses: What strategies do you recommend for new nurses dealing with nurse bullies or difficult coworkers?
Nurse Blake: Dealing with a workplace bully is hard – but there are ways to approach the situation. Familiarize yourself with your organization's policies on workplace bullying and harassment to understand your rights and the procedures in place to support you. Don't be afraid to be assertive, let the bully know that you expect to be treated with respect. You can practice conflict resolution skills to help you find common ground.
Time Management and Prioritization
allnurses: What are your top tips for new nurses to effectively manage their time and prioritize tasks in a demanding healthcare environment?
Nurse Blake: Developing strong organizational skills and learning how to prioritize is vital to ensuring you remain in control while never sacrificing the quality of care you are delivering. Lean on those around you to help you understand what needs immediate attention and what can wait.
Avoiding Burnout and Self-Care
allnurses: How can new nurses proactively prevent burnout in their first year of practice?
Nurse Blake: The day-to-day workload for nurses can certainly feel overwhelming. Indeed's research found that nearly one-third of healthcare workers report at least one symptom of burnout, ranging from exhaustion to reduced professional efficacy.
These feelings of burnout can be especially heightened during your first year when you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders as you learn to navigate the role.
It's important to communicate with your team when you're feeling overwhelmed. Speak with your manager if you are struggling with feelings of burnout and check in with any mentors or peers you've connected with. Experienced coworkers may be able to help you with strategies to reduce the feelings of burnout.
Overall, it's important to address those feelings head-on – your physical and mental well-being depends on it.
allnurses: What role does self-care play, and how can new nurses incorporate it into their daily routine?
Nurse Blake: Self-care doesn't always have to be a vacation or a one-hour yoga session. Many of us nurses don't even eat lunch during our 12-hour shifts. Self-care can be as simple as having a snack in the break room or giving yourself a moment to destress.
More broadly, self-care reflects the importance of proper work-life balance, which is one of the most important factors for healthcare workers when they are looking for a new job.
Joining professional communities and peer groups can expose you to conversations about self-care strategies you can use in your own routine.
Coping with Challenges
allnurses: You have creatively addressed the stresses nurses face with humor in your work. Aside from humor, what other strategies do you recommend for nurses to cope with day-to-day challenges in their profession?
Nurse Blake: Don't underestimate the impact your patients can have on you. Indeed's research found that the single most important factor driving job satisfaction among healthcare workers is the relationships they have with their patients. Embrace those relationships. At my first job, we would have patients who would stay for a long time. We would celebrate holidays like Christmas and their birthdays – they are some of my fondest memories.
Advocacy and Personal Development
allnurses: What advice do you have for new nurses on advocating for themselves in their career progression?
Nurse Blake: Start by setting clear career goals and creating a roadmap to achieve them. Share these goals with your supervisors and mentors so that they can keep you accountable. Attend workshops, conferences, and pursue certifications that align with your career aspirations.
allnurses: What essential skills or qualities should new nurses focus on developing early in their careers to succeed?
Nurse Blake: Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are critical for making informed decisions in high-pressure situations. In the fast-paced and often unpredictable environment of healthcare, being able to think on your feet allows you to prioritize patient needs, adapt to sudden changes, and ensure patient safety.
Current Issues in Nursing
allnurses: What are some current challenges or trends in nursing today, and how are they impacting new nurses entering the field?
Nurse Blake: As with any profession, there are a number of trends influencing quality, satisfaction and success.
The challenge of care deserts is particularly persistent. The nursing profession continues to face challenges filling positions in rural areas. Young nurses entering the field can play a major role in helping address this issue.
Worker safety has emerged as an important issue, due to the risks of workplace violence. Nurses new to the field should ask their potential employers about their worker safety protocols.
There are trends employers face too, that nurses can help address. Employers are reporting employees ghosting their job, or new employees no-showing after accepting a job. As a professional, it's important to be upfront and transparent with your employer. These sorts of behaviors can have an impact on staffing and patient care.
Reflection
allnurses: Looking back, what is one thing you wish you had known when you first started nursing? How did you handle it, and what would you do differently today?
Nurse Blake: I wish I knew it was okay to not be perfect. I think as healthcare workers, we put so much pressure on ourselves, thinking we have to be perfect when that is unattainable and just hurts us in the long run. Advocate and be there for your patients as much as you can, knowing that you can't do everything. Instead, do the best that you can.
I think new nurses should remember that they are human and deserving of grace. It's easy to get down on yourself in a field where everyone is moving a mile a minute. Remember that learning and growth take time, and it's okay to make mistakes along the way. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and recognize that every day you're becoming a better nurse.
Learn More About Nurse Blake
Nurse Blake is a registered nurse, author, comedian and healthcare advocate. Blake's career began in nursing at age 17 and he quickly became known for his relatable humor and heartfelt advocacy. With a decade of experience at Level 1 trauma centers across the country, he's seen it all and found the humor in it. His nursing journey includes roles in Surgical ICU, Liver Transplant, Pulmonary Step Down, Care Coordination, and Injury Prevention.
Blake is also a touring comedian, having performed 200+ comedy shows for an audience of over 250,000 nurses worldwide. He is the largest nurse influencer, advocating for nurses and patients on social media where he reaches more than 3 million followers.
In an effort to continue to bring the nursing community together, Nurse Blake founded NurseCon at Sea. NurseCon at Sea blends education with entertainment to foster a supportive nursing community! In its first year, NurseCon at Sea sold out in minutes. Now, NurseCon at Sea is one of the largest nursing conferences in the country with more than 4,000 participants.
Blake received his BSN from the University of Central Florida.
