Stepping into Scrubs: Top Tips for Success in Your First Nursing Position

In this blog, you will learn

• How to prepare for your first nursing job.
• Is being a new Nurse stressful?
• Career progression tips for Nurses.
• How to sell yourself as a new Nurse.
• Where the latest Nurse jobs are and how to apply for them.

Top 10 tips for success in your first nursing position

Starting your first nursing job might be overwhelming, however, it’s important that you make a good first impression by turning up on time, looking presentable and showing that you're eager to learn. 

According to statista, 29,080 Nurses graduated in 2022 so you want to make sure you stand out if you’re applying for a coveted position.

You’ll find your first few weeks stressful and a lot to take in, especially as the NHS is such a fast paced working environment, but remaining calm and proactive will help you navigate this transition successfully.

Preparation is key when working as a Nurse. Since every day is different, it’s important for you to be as prepared as possible. Being well-prepared for whatever comes your way and efficiently tackling challenges will leave a lasting impression on your superiors during your early days.

Being a Nurse opens up so many new career doors to continually expand your skill set and explore various healthcare settings. Whether you aspire to become a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Manager, educator, or even delve into research, nursing provides a solid foundation to pursue your career goals and open up a world of possibilities.

In our latest blog, we’re delving into how to prepare for your first nursing job, career progression tips for Nurses and how to sell yourself as a new Nurse. 

How to prepare for your first nursing job

When you begin a new job in nursing, it's common to feel like there's a lot to handle. You might feel pressured to do a good job and keep up with the quick pace of the profession. 

To make your first few months easier, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of tips and tricks to help your early days be as efficient and positive as possible.  

• Plan your journey - We would recommend that you set off early ensuring you have enough time to commute on public transport, park or tackle heavy traffic. The last thing you want is on your first day to be late as it will create a bad impression. Remember, first impressions count!
• Get to know your new co-workers - You’re going to spend a lot of time with your co-workers so we would recommend that you get to know them well. Having a positive relationship with your co-workers will make your job much more enjoyable!
• Strive to make a good first impression - For your new nursing job, the very first impressions you make will stay with you for most - if not the rest of your time. Most people will remember their first interactions with someone new so it’s important to start a new professional relationship on a good footing. 
• Dress professionally - it is crucial to make sure you look presentable. This includes being well-groomed, dressed in the appropriate work attire, and with a big smile on your face!
• Show up every day with a smile and positive attitude - Nobody is perfect, but by making an effort to arrive with a smile and a positive attitude every day, it can help you become known as a great Nurse. 
• Be patient with yourself - As a new Nurse, you need to have patience with yourself if you have to ask questions or make mistakes. You should ask for feedback on your work and be responsive, always considering ways to improve.

Is being a new Nurse stressful?

Being a new Nurse can be stressful - however, with time and experience, many Nurses adapt and become more confident in their roles. The stress tends to decrease as you gain competence and familiarity with your job. 

It's essential to seek support from experienced colleagues, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and practice self-care to manage the stress associated with being a new Nurse.

What challenges do new Nurses face?

Starting a nursing career is a steep learning curve, and you'll face various challenges such as:

• High responsibility - Nurses are not only healthcare providers but also patient advocates, educators, and coordinators of care. Their multifaceted role requires them to continuously prioritise patient safety, maintain competence, and uphold professional standards, all of which contribute to their high level of responsibility within the healthcare system.
• Complex tasks -  Nursing involves complex medical procedures, administering medications, and handling emergencies, all of which can be stressful when you're still learning.
• Time pressure - The healthcare environment often demands quick decision-making and time management, which can cause stress when you're a new Nurse.
• Emotional strain - Dealing with patients' suffering, families' emotions, and even death can take an emotional toll. Trying to act fine after dealing with situations like death can be emotionally draining.
• Learning curve - Transitioning from theory to real-world practice can be challenging when there's a lot to learn.
• Shift work - Many nursing roles involve irregular hours and night shifts, which can disrupt your sleep patterns and personal life. This can be challenging at times, especially when you have your own family.

Career progression tips for Nurses

If you find yourself stuck in a hole hoping for career progression, it's important to take responsibility and ownership of your career. Avoid the temptation to hope things might just change by themselves and equally, don’t wait for opportunities to fall into your lap; instead, create your own opportunities.

Begin embracing a proactive approach, focusing on all the benefits it will bring. You must be prepared to:

• Approach people you don’t know who may be able to help or advise you.
• Always be on the lookout for opportunities. It’s not always what you know but who you know!
• Be prepared to do additional training to enhance your skill set for more senior roles.
• Ask for what you want. Tell your superiors that you want to progress your career!
• Come out of your comfort zone. Great things never happen from sitting in your comfort zone!
• Do your research. Remember, knowledge is power!
• Get turned down or told no - but never let this put you down!

You should also seek out advice from your colleagues. You could ask them for advice on what they did to get where they are and see if they have any tips for you - remember, they were once in your position! 

If you come across a job that takes your interest, reach out to the employer and inquire about the possibility of arranging an informal visit or a casual conversation to discuss the position. This is a brilliant way to introduce yourself, distinguish yourself from other applicants, gain deeper insights into the role, and evaluate its suitability for you.

If you have concerns about whether you meet the requirements, don't hesitate to reach out to the employer for additional guidance. Engaging in a conversation with them might lead you to the realisation that you are more than qualified to apply. 

How to sell yourself as a new Nurse

Selling yourself as a new Nurse involves showcasing your skills, qualifications, and passion for the profession in a way that makes you stand out to potential employers. Remember that as a new Nurse, you may not have extensive experience, but you can compensate for it by demonstrating your commitment, passion, and potential for growth in the nursing profession. Tailor your approach to each job application, and don't be discouraged by initial rejections; job hunting can be a competitive process, but persistence and a strong self-presentation will increase your chances of success. 

Here are some strategies to effectively market yourself as a new Nurse:

• Create a standout CV -  Your CV is your first opportunity to make a positive impression. Highlight your nursing education, clinical experiences, relevant coursework, certifications, and any special skills or talents.
• Showcase your soft skills - Nursing requires strong interpersonal and communication skills. Highlight your ability to work well in a team, your compassion for patients, and your adaptability in fast-paced environments. Provide examples of situations where your soft skills positively impacted patient care.
• Discuss relevant education - If you have specialised coursework or projects related to the job (e.g, paediatrics, gerontology, or critical care), highlight these in your application. It shows your dedication to developing expertise in a particular area.
• Flexibility and adaptability - Mention your willingness to work various shifts, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. This flexibility can make you stand out from other candidates. 
• If you're prepared to put in the effort to present your best self, you'll increase the likelihood of receiving an offer for the position. Ultimately, the organisation is seeking the most talented individual for the job, and it's your responsibility to persuade them that you’re that individual.

Nurse jobs

Searching for your next nursing job? Discover and apply for your next Nurse job by uploading your CV or contacting our specialist Recruitment Consultant, Kaylah Henderson, who will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have. 

Already got your next nursing interview lined up? Check out 7 important questions to ask in your nursing job interview. 

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

Located in the vibrant heart of the North West, we are a dynamic and ambitious healthcare and nursing recruitment agency with a forward-thinking approach. 

Searching for nurse recruitment solutions? Check out everything we have to offer now or call us on 01772 954200 to discover more.