If you could go back to your first day in the industry, what would you say to your younger self?
Hey, That Flustered Self with Eyes Full of Trepidation and Excitement
If I could hop into a time machine and return to your first day in that nurse's uniform, smelling the hospital's distinct antiseptic scent, palms sweating from nerves, I'd pat your shoulder and say these words:
1. Don’t Fear Your "Clumsiness"—It’s Normal
Feeling overwhelmed, like a fool who’s always a step behind? That’s completely normal! The textbook knowledge with all its rigid rules is worlds apart from real, breathing patients who cry, fuss, and whose conditions change in an instant.
Remember: No one is born an "expert." That preceptor who now seems so decisive and all-knowing? She was once exactly like you. So, set aside that fragile pride and ask boldly! "I'm not sure about this, could you show me again?" There’s no shame in that—it’s a hundred times better than making a mistake because you pretended to know.
2. Your Body Is Your Most Vital "Instrument"—Take Care of It
I know you want to do everything perfectly—to comfort patients and impress your preceptor. But please, remember to eat, drink water, and use the restroom!
It sounds obvious, but you’ll soon realize how easy it is to forget when you’re swamped. You’re not a machine; you’re human. How can you care for others when you’re running on empty? A pair of comfortable shoes matters far more than a designer bag. On your days off, sleep well, eat something delicious, do what brings you joy—that’s not laziness, it’s "recharging."
3. Build an "Emotional Firewall"
You’ll soon witness life’s fragility and unpredictability—families’ tears and despair, patients who misunderstand or even lash out at you. These emotions will crash over you like waves.
You must learn to build an "emotional firewall" in your heart. On this side of the wall are your compassion, professionalism, and care—use them to help patients. But the patients’ pain, families’ grief, even colleagues’ complaints? Feel them, empathize, but don’t let them pierce the firewall and become your burden to carry home. When your shift ends and you take off that uniform, you are yourself again. Find a way to empty your emotional trash—vent to a friend, run until you’re drenched in sweat.
4. "Slow" Is the Fastest Way Forward
At first, you’ll rush to prove you’re as capable as others. But remember our golden rule: Safety always comes first.
When administering meds, slow down—double-check. When carrying out orders, slow down—review them again. In an emergency, slow your mind—think before you act. The more you hurry, the more mistakes you’ll make. Burn the protocols into your brain; make "three checks and seven verifications" muscle memory. This kind of "slowness" will make you steadier and carry you further.
5. Find Your "Battle Buddies," But Learn Independence
The unit is a microcosm of society. You’ll meet kind preceptors who genuinely want to mentor you, brilliant but gruff veterans, and maybe even some unfriendly faces.
Seek out those who radiate positivity—they’ll be your light. Learn humbly from everyone, even by just observing. But push yourself to become independent quickly. Your preceptor won’t always be by your side. Ultimately, you must become someone who can stand on your own—someone patients can trust with their lives.
Finally, I want you to know:
This path is hard. Truly hard. You’ll be exhausted to tears, wronged enough to want to quit. But trust me: There will be moments—a patient’s sincere "thank you," seeing a life heal under your care—when you’ll feel an indescribable sense of value and joy.
Don’t be afraid. Walk forward bravely. Years from now, looking back, you’ll thank this clumsy but persistent version of yourself. You will become the very person you admire now.