NEW NURSE SUCCESS TIPS: MASTER THE 100% PRINCIPLE

I spend a lot of time helping students and new nurses “get” things – get through nursing school, get their first job, successfully get through orientation, and beyond. Getting these things helps them secure a foundation for future success.

However, quite often while chatting with students/new nurses, they tell me they've either had a horrible academic, job hunting or orientation experience. And then they provide me a litany of examples and reasons.

My first question back to them is this:

DID YOU SPEAK UP?

Let’s say you don’t have a good learning experience with your preceptor. She never gives you feedback (you have no idea if you’re doing a good job or bad job because she never says anything about your performance), everything has to be done her way even if your learning style is different, and she isn’t really a good role model (doesn’t follow policy, doesn’t treat others with respect, etc.)

You are so right!! This is a terrible experience. However, instead of being a passive victim and accept it (and then complain about it), take 100% responsibility.

WHAT?? Why should you take responsibility for her lack of good preceptor skills?

Because that’s what successful people do. They take 100% responsibility for everything – no excuses.  This might sound harsh and unsympathetic but it’s not. Really. Successful people always take 100% responsibility for their life – the good, the bad and the ugly.

When you realize that YOU are 100% responsible, then it forces you take action to make sure you’re getting what you need to succeed.

TAKING ACTION: If you’re not getting what you need to be successful, speak up. Be prepared to give objective examples and to ask for what you need to succeed. Remember, this is YOUR degree, YOUR license, YOUR orientation!

As Jack Canfield (author of The Chicken Soup for the Souls books) said, “If you want to be successful, you have to take 100% responsibility for everything that you experience in your life." Click here to read more about this from Jack.

Remember, if you want to be successful as a student, new nurse or even experienced nurse, master the 100% principle. Don't settle for anything less!

Thanks so much for choosing to become a nurse. I'm cheering for your success!

Renee

If you really want to succeed as a student/new nurse, consider a copy of my eBook titled, "Survive and Thrive: A guide helping new nurses succeed", click here!