Passing the NCLEX may have felt like the end of an era, but it truly marks the beginning of another time in your life. You’ve done thousands of NCLEX practice questions and spent an unspeakable number of hours completing your NCLEX review all to ensure that you’d pass your exam. But once you’ve finished and gotten your licensure in hand, you’ll embark on another journey as a brand new Registered Nurse. This method of learning might be a little like trial by fire, but it gets the job done. After you’ve passed your NCLEX, you’ll spend the next few years learning things about yourself that you’ve rarely before given any attention.

 

You Can Hold Your Pee for a Really Long Time (Oh, and Go Without Eating Too)

There is a moment in every new nurse’s life where they suddenly realize they’ve gone eight full hours without paying any attention to their basic bodily needs. Some days are just that crazy. While they don’t usually happen too frequently, learning how to manage days like this isn’t hard to do. It’s all about keeping a running list of things you’ve got to get done and checking them off one at a time. You’ll get through these crazy busy days easily because the hours seem to fly by. Just make sure to eat a sandwich and use the restroom before trying to drive home with an empty stomach and full bladder.

 

Teams and Friendships Strengthen Most When the Patient’s Life is on the Line

There aren’t any lessons in nursing school on making friends with coworkers, and there sure aren’t any NCLEX practice questions about it either. Wanting friends on the job is natural, but mistakes can be made along the way if you try to force a friendship and neglect the tasks at hand. The best nurses know that the patients’ lives and promoting dignified care are the top priority, getting close knit with their team is next. These seasoned nurses seem to have the closest, most rewarding relationships with their peers yet practically ignore the new nurses. What’s up?

 

These nurses know something green RNs don’t: the best way to build a team isn’t by forcing it. The best friendships are built when the patient’s life is on the line. Working together during moments of high-stress creates bonds that last because it’s your chance to show your team you’ve got their backs, have got some idea of how to handle a stressful situation, and, most importantly, you are dedicated to patient care. Veteran nurses know the best kind of friend to have is the friend who gets stuff done.

 

Communication is a Balancing Act

During your first year or so as a new nurse, you’ll learn that communication really is an art form. Where being outspoken and even brash with one doctor might be the only way to get your point across, you’ll need to reign in the intensity and practice actively listening. Everyone is different, only you can know what communication method is easiest for you. Overtime, you’ll quickly adapt to what is needed at the time, effortlessly balancing different opinions and personalities. Until you are a pro, make sure to be extra respectful and flexible.

 

You’re Capable of So. Very. Much.

The biggest lesson to be learned during those first few years as a new nurse is that you are extremely capable. You can work long hours under stressful conditions and still get your patient discharged on time. You can make split second calls to keep you or yourself safe. You can be the nurse you’ve always dreamed of being but were never quite sure that you could. Give yourself lots of patience, lots of credit, and plenty of self-love. In a few years, you’ll be shocked at how far you’ve come since the NCLEX.