Things are getting better!
I wrote my first reflection just one month after qualifying at a time when I was often struggling to get to grips with my new role. The first six months has been a roller coaster of emotions. Many days I have gone home and seriously wondered whether I am capable of my role. It has helped to speak with other new qualified nursing associates and registered nurses and discover that almost everyone I have spoken with has felt the same way.
Being newly qualified is extremely exciting and utterly nerve wracking at the same time! For myself the first two months were probably the most difficult. Those first few months were a massive learning curve and at times felt overwhelming.
Where Do I Fit Into All This?
The multidisciplinary team (MDT) is an amazing thing. Since beginning my training I have always been amazed and fascinated by how all the different roles and specialities work together to provide patient care. I was initially unsure of where I fit into the MDT once qualified, however I found that this has becoming clearer over time. I have learned that good verbal communication is essential as well as clear and accurate documentation. An effective MDT consists of all members fact finding and sharing those facts.
It takes some time to figure out all the small details and requirements of your role. The obvious tasks, such as medication administration are relatively easy. However, understanding your role in the whole system is a learning curve in itself.
Competencies
During the first six months I have been able to get most of my essential competencies completed. Medication management and administration was the first essential competency, followed by IV therapy, nasogastric tube insertion and feeding, female catheterisation and cannulation. I recommend getting the competencies you need in your area practiced and signed off as soon as you can. I found this improved my confidence and removed a lot of stress and pressure knowing that I was capable of these tasks.
It is important however to ensure that you are confident in your abilities and to make sure you practice your competencies under supervision until you are satisfied that you can carry them out yourself.
Spinning Plates
My ward is always busy and a typical shift feels like I am trying to keep many spinning plates in the air all at once. Interruptions are constant but I have become better at taking in new information or instructions, reprioritising my task list, and quickly getting back on track. It’s not always easy but I am dropping less plates as time goes on!
I’m Still Learning
When you qualify you take off your L plates and the learning truly begins. I remind myself that I still have my green just passed P plates on. Several experienced staff have told me that it takes around a year after qualifying to become truly competent in the role. I have worked with some newly qualified nurses and nursing associates who reach this stage a lot sooner than that and others who take a little longer. Myself, I feel that I am probably on course for around a year.
Although I can now handle many of my daily tasks without breaking into (too much) of a sweat – I know that there are always surprises in store and many unknowns and new situations that I have not yet encountered. I appreciate my colleagues, who are very supportive, and still ask lots of questions! It’s important to remember that you can’t know everything and when newly qualified every day is going to present new situations.
Preceptorship
I also finally joined the Preceptorship programme at my Trust. I have only attended the first introductory session so far but I will post my experiences with this over the new few months.
Final Thoughts
My tips for newly qualified nursing associates and those about to qualify:
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Don’t be afraid to ask colleagues to repeat instructions or clarify what they need.
- Speak to your seniors if you’re struggling with any aspect of your new role.
- Join your preceptorship programme.
- Reflect on your day in a constructive way.
- You will get better at prioritising tasks as time goes on.
- Don’t give up!
