Graduate nurses are coming into the profession at quite a challenging time and with less preparation for clinical practice upon graduation (Gregg, M., 2023). Although there are residency programs in some hospitals and preceptorships in others to help newer nurses acclimate, there is no substitute for an experienced nurse on the unit. However, there is a shortage of bedside nurses, and those present may also be relatively new at nursing themselves. Experienced bedside nurses are at a premium, and finding those with significant experience is becoming difficult for many reasons (but that is a whole different blog…).

What can the more experienced nurses do to help their newer counterparts? Here are a few things to help those nurses who might be struggling to settle into nursing:

• Preparing. Onboarding and orienting new nurses vary widely between health systems and settings. Helping to prepare nurses to work in your specific unit may involve new graduates or experienced nurses transitioning to a new specialty.
• Mastering time management.  Nursing is a profession with tasks that must be performed within time constraints. Time management and triaging tasks are difficult for newer nurses who don’t have their routine timing down yet, not to mention for new tasks. Experienced nurses can help by verbally describing their rationales during orientation for the preceptee.
• Mentoring.  A new nurse needs that trusted human to go to with unit culture questions, situational advice, and an open ear. Being that person bears a responsibility to that new nurse to provide honest and evidence-based answers. If you are that mentor, It’s ok to say, “I’m not sure either. Let’s figure it out.”
• Patience.  Nursing is overwhelming. The amount of information we need to use regularly is expanding almost daily. Have patience with nurses who have asked a question before. Sometimes, experienced nurses forget how daunting it is to be responsible for another human life.
• Positivity.  Negative vibes are easily transmissible in nursing. We are a breed of professionals who tend to alleviate stress with sarcasm. Just be sure that doesn’t jade our newer nurses into dissatisfaction and doubt.
• Development of critical thinking skills. The use of checklists and task lists minimizes the nurses’ use of critical thinking. Experienced nurses should explain the “whys” of what they are doing, not just the need to complete a task. This helps to develop an understanding of the patient and their care and improves patient outcomes.
• Recognition.  When newer nurses perform well, make sure they know it. Often, nurses will not recognize themselves as doing a great job when they don’t meet expectations. Positive reinforcement helps build confidence and trust.
• Giving and receiving feedback.  But when they don’t meet expectations, we have a responsibility to help them improve.  Sometimes, these conversations are difficult.  Make sure the expectations for the new nurse are clear, preferably in writing, for them to refer to. Feedback should be both consistent and constructive rather than punitive in nature.
• Reflection and debriefing. Distinct from feedback, reflection, and debriefing are key teaching moments. Perhaps a patient deteriorated and needed a rapid response call.  After the emergency subsides, meet with the team and discuss what went well and what could have been done better.  Don’t allow the tone to become punitive or accusatory, but use it as an opportunity to learn how to improve next time.

If you are an experienced nurse, how do you help those new to the profession or your unit?  If you are a new nurse, what do you want the experienced staff to help you with? How can you start a conversation with a mentor to communicate your needs and establish a constructive working relationship? Feel free to comment!!
 

References:
Gregg, M., Wakisaka, T., and Hayashi, C. (2023) Senior nurses’ expectations and support of new graduate nurses’ adjustment in hospitals: A qualitative descriptive study. Heliyon. 2023 Jul 28;9(8):e18681. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18681. PMID: 37576313; PMCID: PMC10412768.