You’ve already learned how to become a successful nurse

If you are in nursing school or newly graduated, you may feel overwhelmed with everything you have to learn to be a successful nurse. You may also be confused by the contradictory advice and behaviors of others. “Be professional” yet you see how nurses sometimes treat each other.

I know how you feel.

Even as a seasoned nurse and business owner, I sometimes question my decisions and advice others give me. One person says, “do this” yet another person says, “no. Don’t do that…do this!” Ugh. It’s a struggle sometimes to make good decisions and always do the right thing…especially when others don’t.

Good news! If you get overwhelmed about what to do or get confused by how to behave, just remember the words of Robert Fulgham.

Everything I know I learned in Kindergarten

by Robert Fulgham

Share everything – you will meet nurses who are stingy – stingy with their time, their knowledge and their “things.” Don’t be that way. Always do whatever you can to help others by sharing EVERYTHING.

Play fair – sometimes the new kid on the block gets tortured – the worst assignment, shifts nobody wants or is given the left over unit projects. When you gain your experience, you may be tempted to do the same to others. Resist. Always treat others the way you would want to be treated.

Don’t take things that aren’t yours – that’s just stealing. Don’t do it. If you borrow something from a co-worker, bring it back.

Hold hands and stick together – that’s the only way you’re going to successfully meet the demands of nursing. Hold everyone’s hands – other nurses, nursing assistants, housekeepers, physicians, and other students – everyone.

Be aware of wonder – humans are remarkable. Although we may diagnose and make prognosis, never forget that life is a mystery and humans are precious.

Live a balanced life – you are no good to your patients if you are not able to take care of yourself. Eat – sleep – exercise – spend time with your family and friends – laugh – and go to the bathroom more than once a shift.

Take a nap every afternoon – my personal favorite! Just reminders that just like our patients need rest to recover, so do nurses.

You’ve only just begun your journey into this magical and remarkable world of nursing. When things get tough and you find yourself off track, just go back to the wise words of Robert Fulgham and remember what you learned in kindergarten. It worked for you then – it will work for you now.

Thanks for choosing to become a nurse. I’m cheering for your success!

I’d love to read your comments. What are your thoughts?

Renee

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