Your Help Needed: Give A Tip To A New Grad Nurse

Here are 9 tips for new grad nurses. Asking experienced nurses to share their best advice.

Updated: Mar 15, 2023

This article was reviewed and fact-checked by our Editorial Team.

Your Help Needed: Give A Tip To A New Grad Nurse

1. It's OK to speak up.

Even though you are new and don't really know the culture of the organisation, if something is bothering you, speak up. For example, what if you were promised 2 preceptors, a primary preceptor, and a backup preceptor? Instead of 2 preceptors, maybe you've had 6! In fact, perhaps you've never had the same preceptor twice. Definitely have a talk with your manager so they can have an opportunity to make it better. Chances are that with everything on their plate, they may not be aware that you are being bumped from preceptor to preceptor.

2. Ask questions.

Preceptors see this as an indicator of a good nurse. Did you know that experienced nurses are concerned about new nurses who don't ask questions? We believe that new nurses who don't ask questions are not as safe as new nurses who do ask. You've heard it before, but there are no dumb questions:) So ask away.

3. What you can expect.

You should expect that your preceptor is friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. You do not have to tolerate bullying or being humiliated. An example of being humiliated is if your preceptor embarrasses you in front of a patient. If this happens, talk to your preceptor yourself. You can also go to your educator or your manager with your concerns. Do not go to HR as it may backfire.

4. Don't expect to have "nursing instinct" yet.

It takes time to develop a "gut instinct". Nursing instinct comes from pattern recognition after years of practice. It only creates frustration to be told "Go with your gut" as a new grad. What does that mean? What does that feel like? What you most likely feel is fear and anxiety, not to be confused with instinct.

5. Find out who is credible on your unit.

You will be needing and asking for a lot of information. Certain colleagues will give you an answer, and it may be correct. Or it may be incorrect.

Some people just like to give answers. Generally your Educator is a credible source, and so are people who are known to say "Let's look that up.” If someone tells you "That's our protocol (or procedure)” it's perfectly acceptable to ask "Can I get a copy of that?”. After all, you are held accountable to policy and procedure. You cannot blame another nurse's memory, opinion, best guess, or practice drift when asked to explain your practice rationale.

6. Learn how to look up policies and procedures.

They are the source of truth, and basing your practice on organizational policies and procedures protects your license. You may get conflicting information from different preceptors and colleagues. For example, one preceptor may tell you "You should hold long-acting insulin such as Lantus when your patient is NPO for a procedure". The next morning a different preceptor may tell you "Don't automatically hold Lantus when your patient is NPO, it is given for metabolic function, not for caloric intake". Meanwhile, if you look up the policy, it says to call the doctor before holding meds if he/she has not specified parameters.

7. Accept constructive feedback.

It is possible for your preceptor to be wrong in their delivery and right in their message. If your preceptor gives you feedback, take it to heart.

8. It's pretty common to feel overwhelmed and it's helpful to talk about it.

Aside from your preceptor, you have a manager and an educator on your side who want you to succeed. Talk to them and talk to nurses who graduated one or 2 semesters ahead of you. They will help give you perspective.

9. Give yourself grace.

Look at how far you've come since your first day in nursing school. You have earned your right to be here. Look down the hall on a day when nursing students are on your floor and you'll realize how much you've grown. You are a nurse, not a nursing student.

That's only 9 tips ?...

What tips do you have for new grad nurses? Share your wisdom.