Things you wish you knew?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hey All,

In theory I will be graduating in the next month and am tasked with addressing the crowd at graduation. I am starting to put together the speech and have a question for you all.

What is something you wish you could tell yourself at your own graduation? Any pearl of wisdom is appreciation.

By sharing, you may be involved in a graduation ceremony indirectly, and no app format will be used.

Thank you.

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"Just say no"

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Specializes in retired LTC.

I wouldn't go about spouting the Serenity Prayer, but I found the last line about "the Wisdom to Know the Difference" has helped me refocus myself at times. Like 'words of wisdom' when things get rough or confusing. It becomes my mantra.

I also like the line from the country song "God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy". Also another line of words of wisdom.

Both phrases go a long way to explaining things in conflict resolution for me.

Congrats on your upcoming graduation.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Emergency, CEN.

1. You are never alone. Just ask (or yell!) for help. It's ok!

2. Experienced nurses have seen new nurses before. Give yourself a break.

3. When it hits the fan, breathe. Deep and slow.

4. Real life is more forgiving than nursing school.

5. Never drink at work parties. Never.

6. Do work activities (bowling, kickball, etc)

7. You don't have to call a code to just have security hang out for a second if a patient is creeping you out. Just call them and ask if they mind hanging out for a second.

8. CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU DID IT!!

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I wish I knew what I was getting into. I wish they would clue nursing students into the real world. Good luck.

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Specializes in NICU.

I wish I knew that it was OK that I felt like I didn't know anything after school and I started my job. I learned 90% of what I know on the job.

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So any words of wisdom?

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Specializes in Neuroscience.

Everyday you will learn something new. It's difficult to make that adjustment in which you accept and forgive yourself for ignorance. In the first year of nursing, there will be a lot of those days. Accept that your knowledge is limited and learn from your co-workers. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to say "I don't know," but have the wisdom to follow that up with "But I'll find out".

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Specializes in critical care.
So any words of wisdom?

It seems you missed this.

1. You are never alone. Just ask (or yell!) for help. It's ok!

2. Experienced nurses have seen new nurses before. Give yourself a break.

3. When it hits the fan, breathe. Deep and slow.

4. Real life is more forgiving than nursing school.

5. Never drink at work parties. Never.

6. Do work activities (bowling, kickball, etc)

7. You don't have to call a code to just have security hang out for a second if a patient is creeping you out. Just call them and ask if they mind hanging out for a second.

8. CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU DID IT!!

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There are so many things I would like to say but not appropriate for this type of address.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Ditto about missing the point - postings ARE bits of wisdom!

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Specializes in LTC.

Nursing school teaches you the minimum to be "safe" and nowhere near what you need to know for actual nursing practice. This does not minimize the accomplishment of finishing nursing school. Every nurse has had to learn on the job the real everyday nursing skills they need. Nursing is a lifelong commitment to learning about your practice and profession.

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