A recent report published by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland study says advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) are crucial to the future sustainability of the country’s health service.
It says action is needed at all levels if ANPs are to drive the changes needed to transform the way health services are delivered in Scotland and ensure they are sustainable for the future.
But what about those nurses who have only just qualified and will be the next generation of ANPs?
It’s not always easy gaining the clinical expertise, theoretical knowledge and experience needed to work at an advanced level. Thankfully we’re here to help, with ten top tips to make every day that little bit easier.
1. Never be afraid to ask questions
No graduate nurse or newly qualified nurse is expected to know everything at the start of their career. The best way to learn is to keep asking questions. If you have doubts about a patient’s care, always clarify. It’s better to risk asking a silly question than to get something wrong.
Most importantly listen. Listen to yourself, your patients, families and colleagues. You might learn more from listening to a patient than you ever will taking a blood pressure reading.
2. Learn to admit your mistakes
Report it to your mentor or the nurse in charge and remember putting patient safety first is vital. If you do make mistakes, don’t dwell on them. What’s important is you learn and move on.
3. Delegate!
As a new nurse this might seem a frightening prospect but be confident and speak up. Explain clearly what the job is you want doing and why. If you try to do everything yourself, you’ll end up frazzled or doing a sub-standard job.
4. Ask someone to observe you
If you’re unsure about a procedure you need to perform, ask an experienced nurse to watch you do it and, if necessary, guide you through the process. This is a great way to gain practical experience.
5. Focus on the positives
Most days will be wonderful, but some days will be awful – that’s just the nature of the job. But when everything seems to be going wrong, think back to a good day and what you did to make a difference to your patients.
6. Plan for the worst and hope for the best
You won’t be able to predict how busy or peaceful your shift will be so be prepared and organised. You need to develop your own rhythm and system for managing your day.
Be sure to write down important details that aren’t logged, as you won’t be able to remember everything over the course of a busy day. Keep up with your records and and tasks as they come up.
Remember when leaving a patient’s bedside not to say: “I’ll be back in a minute.” You have no idea whether you can keep that promise.
7. Look after yourself at work
Make sure you take your breaks and try to eat as healthily as possible. Bring bottled drinks, a salad or sandwiches so you don’t need to keep nipping to the cafeteria to get an energy boost.
Remember it’s not mandatory to to eat all those boxes of chocolates from grateful patients and families.
Look after yourself outside of work too. Have a work-life balance that means paying attention to your stress levels and making time to relax.
8. Try to approach your patients with positivity and a smile
No matter how tired and stressed you are, a big smile could be the best part of your patient’s day.
9. Be patient with and easy on yourself
Your first year as a nurse will undoubtedly be the toughest. If you feel like giving up, think back to the reason you decided you wanted to be a nurse in the first place. These first 12 months are a period of adjustment
10. Set yourself goals
Where do you want to be in five years? Look at possible specialisms – moving into areas where you work with adults, children, learning disability or mental health – and career progression. Maybe you want to become a lead nurse? Even a Head of Unit?
You may be just setting out on this journey but make sure you take all opportunities to progress and develop your career.