What is a nurse mentor?

Picture a nurse mentor as your seasoned ally in the dynamic world of healthcare—a friendly guide on your nursing adventure! This seasoned pro is armed with experience and a heart full of wisdom, ready to share the secrets of the trade. A nurse mentor is more than a guide; they’re your go-to pal, cheering you on through the twists and turns of your nursing journey.

Think of them as your personal Yoda, but in scrubs! They’re there to help you hone your clinical skills, navigate the tricky career terrain, and sprinkle a bit of encouragement when the going gets tough. This mentorship magic isn’t just about professional growth; it’s a bond that nurtures your passion for nursing.

So, what makes a nurse mentor extra special?

They’re not just about teaching the tricks of the trade; they’re your role model, your sounding board, and your beacon of support. With a nurse mentor by your side, you’re not just navigating the healthcare world—you’re conquering it with a friend who’s been there, done that, and is thrilled to see you shine.

Is it common to experience imposter syndrome as a new nurse?

Absolutely! It’s like a rite of passage for many new nurses. Picture stepping into the nursing work, surrounded by seasoned professionals and a sea of knowledge. Imposter syndrome might just tap you on the shoulder. But here’s the secret: you’re not alone.

Feeling like you’re not quite measuring up or questioning if you belong is surprisingly common among new nurses. It’s that pesky self-doubt that likes to tag along when you’re finding your footing.

The truth? Most seasoned nurses have been there, felt that.

The key is to recognize it for what it is—a passing phase. Embrace the learning curve, celebrate small victories, and remember, every experienced nurse was once a newbie too. With time, experience, and a dash of self-belief, that imposter syndrome tends to fade away, making room for the confident, capable nurse you’re destined to become!

What jobs will give me the ideal experience before becoming a nurse?

Start with roles that bring you face-to-face with people. Think of positions in healthcare settings like a certified nursing assistant (CNA), medical scribe, or patient transporter. These jobs immerse you in the healthcare buzz, letting you soak up valuable patient interactions and get comfy in the medical environment.

Also, don’t shy away from jobs that build your multitasking muscles. These are going to be your receptionist, restaurant host/hostess, and server positions! Each of these roles teaches you to juggle and prioritize in real-time various tasks—probably the most challenging skill to master in nursing!

And let’s not forget the importance of empathy and compassion. Jobs in social services, like working in a community center or volunteering at a shelter, can deepen your understanding of diverse human experiences, a crucial trait for any nurse.

Does nursing allow for a good work-life balance?

Absolutely! You can have the flexibility to choose different shifts—day, night, or that sweet spot in between. Plus, many nursing roles allow for part-time options, giving you the freedom to design a schedule that fits your life outside the hospital walls.

Nursing is all about teamwork, so when the workload gets a bit spicy, your colleagues are there to help you out—and vice versus. It is meant to be a supportive community where everyone’s got each other’s back, making the workdays feel more like a collaborative dance than a solo act.

In all honesty, there are the high-stress moments, but with the right steps—like setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and enjoying those precious off-duty moments—nursing lets you lead a very fulfilling life both inside and outside the hospital!

Currently, I work three 12-hour shifts in the PACU from 9a-9:30p, usually all in a row. This swing shift allows me to earn the night-time differential (extra moneyyy), sleep in or go to the gym before work, and even have some downtime at the end of my shift if there are little to no surgeries left to be recovered. Because the PACU is less physically + mentally demanding than traditional bedside roles, I can handle working 3 shifts in a row again, maximizing my 4 days off to adventure, travel, or pursue other hobbies!

What are the challenges in nursing today?

There are a few ongoing challenges in this profession. The biggest hurdle is the consistent issue of staffing shortages, which puts more pressure on the staff in a variety of ways.

Why is this happening?

Personally, I don’t think there is much of a shortage of nurses, I think there is a shortage of incentives to stay in these conditions the hospitals are creating. Regardless, there is a way to find the perfect setting for you—one that staffs appropriately and treats its nurses well. I have found many examples of these, it just takes some time, research, and personal boundaries!

What area or specialty of nursing should I start in?

Consider YOUR passion and the patient population you find the most compelling. Maybe you don’t know that that is yet (I didn’t) and that’s fine! You will read a million different opinions on what people think is right or wrong for starting out—but honestly, their opinion doesn’t matter. Also, this license is so flexible, it’s inasne.

You can pretty much start in one specialty, hate it, pivot, and then restart somewhere else ANYTIME. You do not have to commit to any one thing ever.

Personally, I had no idea where I would start. I just remember being told I had to choose between med-surg or tele. I fell into telemetry and absolutely loved it, but quickly burnt out. I had no boundaries or sense to ensure work-life balance. Work became my life and honestly, it wasn’t until I took a step back and pursued a wide variety of areas my license could take me, did I realize that there is not a right or wrong way through this. There are endless paths through this career and I love that we can all take a different one!

How do I prevent burnout as a nurse?

First step: establish healthy boundaries.

I remember being so insanely excited to finally make it through a lifetime of schooling that I went ALL in, head first, and never came up for air. Burnout is real. And the way I was going, it only took me a year and 9 months to reach that breaking point.

So—know when to step back, recharge, and prioritize self-care.

And I’m not just talking about bubble baths, online shopping, or video games—I’m talking about the mundane things. Honestly, be mindful of keeping your house clean and organized, make healthy meals, take a daily walk, clear your mind + read/pray/meditate.

Finding balance on your days off will nurture your well-being. This might be controversial to say but—nursing is not who you are—it’s what you do. So make life sustainable for yourself by enjoying what you do both at work and at home.