“Hi, my name’s Stephanie! I’m a new travel nurse here,” I say every 13 weeks. We’ve all been there: The new person. All eyes on you. No pressure.
Whether you’re starting or considering a new job, moving to a new city, or joining a new organization- the beginning isn’t always easy. Trying to find that balance between proving yourself worthy & not failing completely can be very challenging on many levels. Often times people tell me, “I could never do what you do,” in reference to changing jobs every 3 months or working on several different speciality units. To be honest, at first, I didn’t think I could do it either. Early on in my nursing career I learned that in order to achieve success, I needed to break out of my safety bubble. As a nurse, the ultimate goal is to provide the safest, highest quality care to all patients, which is impossible living in your comfort zone. Over time, I’ve adopted valuable tools needed to be successful wherever I go- checkout the tips below to utilize on your new or future journey!
5 TIPS FOR THE NEWBIE
1. Ask Questions
What we all share in common within our professional careers is that we each started at Day 1. Though many work fields require previous education and college degrees, such as Nursing, nobody can possibly be expected to know everything from the very start. In fact, I can argue that the majority of my learning and growing into an actual nurse didn’t occur until after I graduated and began working hands on in the field. For this reason, learning to be comfortable asking questions when appropriate is imperative to your own success as well the organization you are working in. As a traveling nurse, there’s a certain expectation from other staff that we are independent in our work and don’t need much guidance. While the majority of the time this may be true, I understand the importance of clarifying doctors orders and hospital policies as they differ between all sytems. If you’re lacking within a certain skill or speciality, don’t view yourself as inferior to others, rather see it as an opportunity to build upon and strengthen the knowledge you already have. In the end, realize that your job is bigger than just you; strive to be unselfish and acquire the answers you need to be the most valuable asset possible. The people around you, and in an RNs case- patients, are counting on you.
2. Make An Effort
Starting a new position can be intimidating, both for you and the team accepting you into the organization. Breaking down barriers earlier on is essential to creating a cohesive work environment. On a new job or floor, I always try to make a minimum effort to: 1. Introduce myself and learn everyones name 2. Ask where they are originally from and if they live in the area 3. Learn their work history. These basic questions may not seem important, but slowly help to build a sense of trust and rapport between individuals. In the future, if you have a question or need assistance, these people are more likely and willing to be a resource for you. If I’m working more directly with a person and have the time, I aim to discover more such as: what their hobbies and goals for the future are- you’ll be surprised at what you share in common with others and may even gain a friendship outside of work! I’ve also received great recommendations for best places to eat, sights to see, housing tips, & other suggestions within the area I’m living. On my current assignment, I discovered that one of the other travel RNs went to school with my cousin in Connecticut! It really is a small world and when it comes down to it, we’re all just humans trying to do our best- the least we can do is support each other through healthy relationships. My dad has always stressed with me through the years that it’s all about who you know- so make it a priority & take the opportunity to “network,” with everyone you cross paths with; you never know how that relationship could benefit you in the future!
3. Keep An Open Mind
The worst thing you can do when starting a new experience is to enter with a bad mindset. Keep your expectations reasonable and don’t judge a book by its cover. Just because a system doesn’t operate exactly how you’re used to, does not make it inadequate. Studies show that it takes nearly 10 seconds to form a first opinion or impression, and the same goes for how others view you. If you walk into a new setting too boldly, questioning the legitimacy, saying things like, “well where I come from,” you’re more than likely going to rub others the wrong way and shine a negative light upon yourself. Just sit tight, observe, & learn. As you gain experience down the line and establish yourself within a company, perhaps then would be an appropriate time to voice your ideas or join a committee to make necessary improvements. All work environments are composed of a diverse population of employees such as different age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and work style preferences. In an ideal world, everyone would get along, but the reality is that just isn’t always the case. Acknowledge your differences and try to work out any existing problems with direct communication to avoid harm to the organization and clients. If you find your personality just doesn’t mesh well with another- accept it, but don’t let it affect you & your work. On the other hand, if there is an unsafe situation occurring within the workplace that you’re genuinely concerned about, take the right action & bring the issue to a direct manager or “one up” such as a charge RN on your hospitals unit. Bottom line: come to work with a positive attitude and make the best of the situation you’re given. For RNs, if you truly despise the contract you’re working in, just remember… it’s only 13 weeks!
4. Realize Your Worth
You are capable of anything you set your mind to. Read that again. You. Are. Enough. There will absolutely be times of struggle and doubt, when you question your value or significance. There have been nights (yes, I work graveyard shift) where I have left with tears, wondering if I could’ve been better or done more. Moments like these, whether we want to believe it or not, are shaping us into more diligent, skillful, & knowledgeable professionals. There is a reason you graduated college, were hired into your field, & placed into the position you are in now- you proved your competence. In times of uncertainty, reflect on how far you’ve come and the positive impact you have on your coworkers, clients, and organization through your daily contributions- they are all better off with you. The only person you should ever compete against is yourself; never stop positively admiring your path, learning from mistakes, & striving to achieve more than you did yesterday.
5. Just Go For It!
Still scared to try or start something new? Good. That means you care, are passionate about your future goals, & motivated to be successful. I encourage you to challenge yourself & ask: what’s holding me back?
If you’re scared to leave home:
Home will always be waiting, but the rest of the world never stops moving.
If you’re worried about change:
Are you truly the happiest you can be? Your dream job may be calling.
If you’re fearful of not being enough:
Prove yourself wrong, now. Everyday is a fresh opportunity to be better!
