These apps and resources got me through nursing school! If you’re thinking about applying, got accepted and start in Jan, or currently taking the prerequisite courses needed before entry…these apps will help you become successful in any LPN or RN program. YouTube: there’s so many free resources!

Hello, fellow new grad nurse! Here are some essential items I highly recommend to make your shifts smoother and more efficient: Erasable Pens✍️ I always keep erasable pens handy for quick corrections and flawless note-taking. They're perfect for jotting down patient info without worrying a

As a new grad nurse, I wish someone had told me that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but it’s also okay to ask for help. There’s this pressure to know everything right away, but the truth is, nursing is a journey, not a destination. I wish I knew that the first year would be the hardest, but also th

As a new grad nurse, I felt like I was drowning in the constant hustle, trying to keep up with everything. Looking back, there are a few key things I wish I knew that would have made my transition smoother. If you’re a new grad or about to start, here are some tips that might just save you some str

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As a nurse, some days stay with you forever, not because of chaos or adrenaline “, but because of the quiet moments when someone is ready to go, and all you can do is watch them suffer. I’ve held hands that were cold and trembling. I’ve seen families whisper prayers through tears, begging for pe

I’ll be honest, I never imagined that as a nurse, I’d have to worry about my own safety while trying to care for others. 🏥 A few months ago, I was working a night shift when a patient became aggressive. Verbal threats turned into physical tension, and suddenly I was scrambling not just to provid

Some days, nursing feels like running a marathon with no finish line. The long shifts. The life-or-death decisions. The constant emotional weight of caring for people at their most vulnerable. We’re expected to show up, stay strong, and keep going—no excuses. But we’re human. We get exhaus

Last week a coworker said, “Well, you know… hospitals prefer BSNs because they provide better care.” I froze. Because that sentence? It hits differently when you’ve worked beside ADN nurses who could run circles around ANYONE on the floor. Honestly, the longer I’ve been a nurse, the more I re

It’s a privilege to be trusted in taking care of your love ones. Being a nurse is a gift. It takes patience, love, dedication, courage, empathy and compassion. Anyone can be a nurse but not every nurse has those qualities. I will always pay myself on the back. I can say that I’ve heard those words

Starting out as a new grad nurse is exciting—but let’s be honest, it’s also overwhelming. Between learning time management, mastering new skills, and trying not to cry in the supply room (we’ve all been there), the stress can hit hard. Here are a few things that helped me manage it: 📝Ask Quest

To all the new grad nurses out there, give yourself grace – this journey is not easy, saving lives should not be easy! but you're doing amazing! 🌟 Trust your gut. Soak it all in like a sponge – every shift, every patient is a chance to learn. Don’t hesitate to ask questions even if you feel dum

1: Rounding The amount of times I’ve gotten report and it not really be the situation I’m walking into.. plus you need to know your patients are okay before starting. 2: Be Bold, Be Teachable Sometimes people in this field prey on the newer ones coming in. This can be due to so many things.

want to talk about something that’s been on my mind: here in Michigan, new grad core staff nurses start around $35 an hour. On paper, it sounds decent, but after 12-hour shifts, weekends, nights, and all the stress, I can tell you it’s not enough. We’re talking about nurses who are responsible for

Nursing school is more than exams, check-offs, and early clinicals. It’s also identity shifts, anxiety, comparison, and questioning everything. This is the advice I needed when I felt like I wasn’t smart enough, confident enough, or “nurse-y” enough to make it through. You don’t need to be perfec

When I first started on the floor, taking vitals felt like a high-pressure exam I had to pass every time. Fast forward to today, they’re second nature, but I never take them lightly. They’ve helped me catch early warning signs more times than I can count. Here’s how I actually use vital signs on

I’m a travel nurse, so my pay looks a little different, but every time I talk to the core staff at my hospital, I’m reminded how rough it is out there. Starting wages for new staff nurses here are around $33 an hour. And honestly? For everything they do, that’s pretty rough. These are the people

🩺✨ Charting = the #1 thing that stressed me out as a new nurse. It feels like you’re either writing a whole novel 📖 or forgetting something important 😅. Here are the BEST charting tips I wish someone had told me — the ones that actually make your life easier and protect you legally. Think: c

vital signs 101: Understanding M.A.P (mean arterial pressure) As nurses, we monitor vital signs constantly, but how often do we check MAP? If you're wondering why it matters, here's my quick & easy breakdown that helps me remember! What is MAP? MAP measures the average pressure

If there’s one thing nursing has taught me, it’s that growth never stops—and neither should we. Whether you’re a brand-new nurse finding your footing or a many years in and still figuring it out (like me), these are a few reminders I’ve picked up along the way that have made a big difference in how

📲 App you need: Colorful Widget (iOS & Android friendly!) Download Colorful Widget for free and get access to SO many aesthetic wallpapers, widgets, and animations 💖 From soft pink ECG lines to moving stethoscopes and pastel pill animations — it’s everything a cute nurse needs 🩺💗 💡 Bonus:

Last week, I called in sick. Just one day. I expected rest, recovery, and maybe some peace of mind. Instead, I felt guilt, anxiety, and judgment from my own team, and even myself. This is the hidden truth about healthcare: we’re told to be heroes, to sacrifice, to put patients first… always.

I remember when I first started out as a nurse. 9 years later I've learned so much that I can share with you. - Don't stress about your first job. You're not stuck there forever! Gain experience and learn a lot! - Do a New Grad residency program. It is so helpful and they give you m

Staying organized is honestly what’s keeping me steady on my psych nursing path. Between studying, healing, and rebuilding my routines, I’ve learned how much structure really supports my peace. Here’s what I use to stay centered and keep my days calm but productive as a future nurse: • a clea

..lf you’re in it for the appreciation don’t become a nurse because it’s few and far. “Nursing isn’t a professional degree.” Statistically, non professional degrees & jobs are easier to manage and acquire. It takes no professional skill to ensure someone’s wellbeing. Parents take care o

✨ I’ve always wondered, what actually feels like the best shift when you’re a nurse? I hear so many different takes, and honestly, every time I read about nurse schedules, I’m like… “Y’all are superheroes because HOW?!” 😭 From 12-hour shifts to overnight rotations to those back-to-back doubles, it

These are the things I wish someone had guided me through when I first started nursing school. From managing student loans to thinking long-term about money, I’ve learned that financial choices matter just as much as academic ones. If you’re beginning your nursing journey—or even already in it—