The truth about my first year as an RN

Your first year as a nurse is a rollercoaster—overwhelming, exhausting, but also incredibly rewarding.

From imposter syndrome and tough patients to time management struggles and endless learning, it’s a lot to handle. The key is to stay organized, ask questions, find a mentor, and take care of yourself ALWAYS.

Learn to say no, improve your charting, and develop a thick skin—because not every shift will be easy. But with time, confidence grows, and so does your impact. 🩺

What’s one thing you wish you knew before your first nursing shift? Drop your advice below! ⬇️

#lemon8partner #nurse #nursesoflemon8 #nursing #newgradnurse

2025/2/13 Edited to

... Read moreStarting your journey as a new grad nurse can feel like a daunting experience. Understanding the common challenges can help ease the transition. Not only do you face a steep learning curve and the pressure of making critical decisions, but you also have to build relationships with patients and colleagues. Many new nurses experience imposter syndrome, feeling inadequate despite their qualifications, which can hinder their performance. To combat this, it is crucial to seek mentorship, engage in continuous learning, and actively participate in peer discussions. Time management is another significant aspect of nursing. Balancing patient care with documentation can prove tricky. Utilizing organization tools such as digital planners or apps can enhance efficiency. Moreover, learning to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance will help streamline your workflow. Lastly, self-care should never be neglected. Engaging in physical activity, practicing mindfulness, and ensuring work-life balance are essential strategies for preventing burnout. The journey may be overwhelming at times, but remember: every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Sharing your tips and seeking support from fellow nurses can greatly contribute to your confidence and effectiveness in practice.

24 comments

Ron's images
Ron

❤️

Jоєу Z's images
Jоєу Z

As far as not thinking you’re competent enough just as long as you remember the basics for any life support ABC, you can’t really fuck up…..granted maybe in my case it worked out for me considering I’m just trying to get them over to you to stabilize a little more

See more comments

Related posts

The Truth About My First Year as an RN
Your first year of nursing? Honestly… it’s a rollercoaster. 🎢 Overwhelming, exhausting, but also so rewarding. I went through it all: ✨ Imposter syndrome ✨ Tough patients & tougher shifts ✨ Time management fails ✨ Constant learning What helped me survive that first year ⬇️ ✅ Staying orga
nurse_sunee

nurse_sunee

14 likes

The truth about glass skin…
I have heard of this before, but I never believed it. I’ve been noticing that my skin feels so irritated and it gets red easily, it also feels tight even when it’s moisturized. I decided to switch up my routine and I’ve been using more oil based products, like this toner. It feels amazing on th
Salomé Alvarado

Salomé Alvarado

2322 likes

A woman's lower torso in dark leggings with white arrows pointing to her hip dips, overlaid with the text 'THE TRUTH ABOUT HIP DIPS!! SWIPE'.
An illustration comparing two pelvic bone structures, one labeled 'Dip' and the other 'No Dip', explaining that hip dips depend on bone structure and the space between the ilium and hip.
An illustration of a woman using a hip abductor machine, with text stating that this exercise will not fix hip dips.
The truth about hip dips!!
Apologies for the blurry pictures! I saved them from google. Summary: Hip dips depend on your bone structure which depends on your genetics. The appearance of hip dips depends on the space between the pelvis and the hip. You can’t get “rid” of hip dips however, you can reduce the appearance
Natasha Enberg

Natasha Enberg

67 likes

A split image showing a woman's weight loss transformation. The left side shows her before, with a larger midsection, and the right side shows her after, appearing significantly slimmer. Text overlay states "HOW I LOST OVER 70LBS W PCOS AND ADENMYOSIS".
Pcos weightloss, for the baddies ( the truth )
Losing weight while managing PCOS and adenomyosis, raising five kids, attending nursing school, and working may sound impossible. But I did it—IN LESS THAN A YEAR- and I’m here to share how! 🩷Your Health Starts in the Kitchen🩷 The first lesson I embraced was that nutrition is key. For years,
Heather

Heather

1415 likes

A flat lay of a desk with a notebook showing a handwritten schedule, a pen, a light alarm clock, and a pill organizer, with the text "hard truths about motivation" overlaid.
A white textured armchair with a pink heart blanket, a plant, and yellow smiley face slippers, with the text "NOBODY FEELS IT ALL THE TIME" overlaid.
A close-up of a pink bowl filled with yogurt, sliced bananas, chocolate chips, and cinnamon, with a spoon, and the text "ACTION CREATES IT" overlaid.
the truth about motivation !!!!
motivation is an art and a science 🫶 there are certain universal rules to motivation, and there’s also and ebb and a flow to its actual application in your life :) with the new year, i think it’s a good time to talk about how motivation plays a role in all of our lives!! what’s motivating to
carley ◡̈

carley ◡̈

193 likes

A young woman with dark hair smiles at the camera from inside a car. Text overlay reads "i am autistic," indicating her self-identification.
A collage of nine images depicting various romantic moments between couples, including kissing, holding hands, and hugging. The text overlay states, "we can have romantic relationships."
A collage of eight different food items, such as avocados, mangoes, pancakes, sushi, and tacos. The text overlay reads, "we have foods we love."
the truth about autism.
kaylee 🌇🫧

kaylee 🌇🫧

3357 likes

the truth about healthy relationships >>
relationships are not easy, but it also won't be hard to be with someone who is a good fit for you. relationships come with challenges- and how you deal with those challenges is what strengthens your relationship. what i've learned from being with my boyfriend for a bit over a year is
Erriel Lorré

Erriel Lorré

135 likes

The Truth About College
I could go on and on, but these are a few things that I found out to be true to me during my current academic journey. 🤧 But everyone’s journey is different‼️ Wishing all students a great school year as summer is coming to an end! 🥹🙏 WE GOT THIS!! 🙌🏾🫵🏾 #collegecommunity #college #collegetips
Hoku Roby

Hoku Roby

41 likes

the truth about MOTHERHOOD 👩🏾‍🍼🤰🏾🩷
I love being a mother 🩷it’s everything to me honestly I feel like I have a sole purpose in life and I actually have a reason to constantly elevate my self . Since becoming a mother I hold myself to a different standard I have done so much personal growth, l've learned so much about myself an
k.marie

k.marie

372 likes

Shadow work journal prompts for inner truth 🔥🫶
So first… what’s “shadow work journal” ? 🫨 Shadow work involves courageously exploring the parts of yourself you've hidden, denied, or rejected - the aspects living in your psychological “shadows”. These prompts guide you into those dark corners where your deepest truths hide 😶‍🌫️ , help
Luna.lifelight

Luna.lifelight

192 likes

A hand holds four instant photos of couples and friends against a beach backdrop, introducing the idea that achieving intimacy, joy, and connection in any relationship requires specific actions.
Instant photos are scattered on a person's legs, illustrating the willingness needed for stronger communication: accepting criticism, repairing after arguments, not expecting mind-reading, and consistent check-ins.
A person sits on rocks by the ocean, representing the willingness required for more joy and connection: prioritizing quality time, finding shared interests, identifying common goals, and maintaining romance.
the hard truth about healthy relationships
healthy, fulfilling relationships don’t happen by accident! they’re a result of intention, effort, and a willingness to make mistakes together along the way ✨ if you want intimacy, be willing to… ➡️ practical radical vulnerability we live in a world where dating is largely surface level and
carley ◡̈

carley ◡̈

269 likes

Here’s the Truth about the Lion’s Gate Portal
Everyone’s talking about 8/8. But not everyone’s telling the truth. The Lion’s Gate Portal is real but it’s not about trendy manifestation rituals or instant abundance hacks. It’s a layered alignment that’s been distorted, commercialized, and stripped of its deeper meaning. Here’s what most won
✨Ready for Truth✨

✨Ready for Truth✨

98 likes

Pt3 How My Grandma Shows The Truth About Marriage for Many Women
The story of my grandparents’ “successful” 77 year marriage is a prime example of the way women often pay the highest cost in the relationship. The woman is still not in full control of her own personal decisions, even when she will be the one to pay the price. Women’s stories need to be told. T
What He Really Means

What He Really Means

1 like

Truth About Women’s Health
hello (: Ladies, have you ever thought about why you feel a little off with absolutely zero explanation? Wellll there’s probably an explanation and it probably is due to what season of your cycle youre in. Women’s health is such an interesting topic! These facts about women’s health cycles just r
mom | sierra ◡̈

mom | sierra ◡̈

870 likes

A pink dropper dispenses pink serum into a brown bottle labeled 'The Ordinary. Soothing & Barrier Support Serum,' with text indicating it's 'The Pink Serum' and costs less than $20.
A brown bottle with a white dropper and a white box, both labeled 'The Ordinary. Soothing & Barrier Support Serum,' are displayed on a light background.
A side profile of a person's face with braided hair and glasses, showing a highlighted area on the cheek with 'Minor breakout & redness' indicated.
The ✨TRUTH✨ About the Pink Serum
As someone with oily and acne prone skin, I can absolutely vouch for this product helping repair your skin’s natural barrier and maintaining its hydration! Without this product my skin is a bit dry in some areas, and I get a little redness from acne irritation. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a
Aja Denise

Aja Denise

4228 likes

A woman in blue athletic wear with a toned midsection, holding a phone to her face. The image features the text "the truth about getting abs" and highlights her abdominal area with an arrow.
A woman taking a mirror selfie in a gym bathroom, wearing blue athletic wear and headphones. Overlay text explains that a calorie deficit and low body fat percentage are crucial for abs, listing an ab workout routine and a cooking tip.
A screenshot of a TDEE calculator interface with fields for gender, age, weight, height, activity, and body fat percentage. Text explains that abs are shown when lean enough and advises using the calculator to determine calorie intake for leaning down.
THE TRUTH ABOUT ABS 🤯
Hey ladies today I would like to talk about how to actually get abs. Getting abs is actually simpler than what it seems like all you need to do is go in a calorie deficit and have a low enough body percentage so that you’re able to see your abs… if you are consistent with your ab workouts at least
Zazel Rosado

Zazel Rosado

217 likes

The Truth About Self-Discipline
Self-discipline is the bridge between with your goals and your success. Start small, master your mindset and letvin at a discipline-not fleeting motivation— be your guide. " Every step forward builds momentum for the life you truly desire. Ready to transform your habits and take control of yo
Karen | Cycling Digital Mama

Karen | Cycling Digital Mama

5 likes

A young woman smiles in a mirror selfie, wearing a white t-shirt and jeans, in a tiled restroom. Text overlays read 'The truth about uni first year edition'. She holds a phone with a floral case, reflecting the article's theme of university life.
The truth about uni
hey guys! i’m currently home for the weekend but besides me being happy in campus, i thought i could share the downsides of being the youngest kid in the family in a new environment and the first to move out. when it came to moving in last month, i was sad to leave my family but happy to be able to
abi 🫧

abi 🫧

6 likes

✨THE TRUTH ABOUT TOE PRESSONS✨
the truth about toe pressons … i love them! should i add them to my online nail boutique? 👀 #presson #pressonset #shadedbyshanell #toepressons #frenchtiptoes #frenchtipnails #toenailsinspo #press on nails #whitetipnails #pressonsthatlast
Shanell

Shanell

440 likes

The truth about a new puppy
Over the past month and a half of owning a new puppy I thought I’d share the good the bad and the ugly of new puppy hood. 1. Nothing will go exactly the way you planned - you can do months or even years of research into how to take care of your pup but all in all the puppy will do what puppy
LouMaru

LouMaru

19 likes

The TRUTH about BAT WINGS
So someone commented on my previous post about bat wings saying that bat wings are loose skin and cannot be improved without surgery. I'm sorry but this is false information and very dangerous to tell someone. Now there are some instances where surgery is necessary but definitely not in my c
Kalias Queen

Kalias Queen

93 likes

The Truth About Periods Nobody Talks About...
Why did moms act like getting a period was going to be simple?? 😭 Nobody mentioned the mood swings, the leaking, the demon cramps, the sore boobs, or how expensive it is to just exist as a girl. Tell me your worst period symptom + your funniest first-period story!👀 #GirlTalk #period #re
Holly🌼💖

Holly🌼💖

750 likes

Kim Kardashian and a young North West pose together. Kim wears a gray strapless top and skirt, while North wears a black suit. They stand before a backdrop with various brand logos, including Fiji Water.
Kim Kardashian walks out of a building, wearing a pink ripped turtleneck crop top, matching pants, a gray coat draped over her shoulders, and sunglasses.
Kim Kardashian, in a pink ripped outfit and gray coat, holds a young North West, dressed in a black leather jacket, as they exit a building with a security guard nearby.
Kim Kardashian Leaves Baby In Hotel?! Truth’s Out✨
Okay but why did I just now learn that people actually believed Kim Kardashian forgot her 1 year old daughter North at a hotel in Paris back in 2014?? So here’s what’s going on 11 years later (and yes, it’s still fresh): This past weekend on July 11, 2025, Kim again had to clear the air on inst
Lea Elizabeth✨

Lea Elizabeth✨

456 likes

A person in medical scrubs with a stethoscope around their neck, sitting down. The image has text overlayed that reads, "THE TRUTH THEY DON'T TELL YOU ABOUT IN NURSING."
A hand holding an open book, a cup of coffee, and a white sneaker on a wooden surface. Text describes how nursing rewires the brain, leading to passion, stress, anxiety, and exhaustion.
A hand holding a large stack of US dollar bills. Text discusses that nursing pay is often insufficient for the emotional and physical demands, including long shifts, travel, and working holidays.
The Truth About Being A Nurse 🩺
I hate when people say nurses or just anyone in healthcare makes it their whole personality. Even if true, I say as they should. It’s something that you’ll honestly never be able to understand until you have put in the hours, the tears, & the dedication that it takes. It changes you as a person
Hailey J 🩺

Hailey J 🩺

1315 likes

A festive Christmas scene with a table full of food, including oysters, hot pot ingredients, and chopped garnishes. A decorated Christmas tree and a fireplace with stockings are in the background. The text overlay reads 'Ended the Santa Myth This Year'.
Told My 9-Year-Old the Truth About Santa…
This Christmas, I told my 9-year-old that Santa isn’t real, they were asking a lot of questions, so it felt like time. They actually took it great and now help keep the magic alive for their 6-year-old sibling. We explained it’s just for fun and talked about what Christmas really means. But some
carsick

carsick

22 likes

The truth about my weight gain
The truth about my weight gain: Depression, changing sizes, & finding my way back 🤍 Hey Lemon8 family, it’s been a minute since I last posted (almost a year, oops!🫣), but I wanted to pop back on here and just be completely real for a second. The last couple of years have been a massive str
LifeofPo30

LifeofPo30

0 likes

A woman in a dark setting with text "THE TRUTH ABOUT GOING VIRAL ON 🍋8". An embedded Lemon8 post shows "Why I don't care about my follower count on 🍋8" with 34.3K views, illustrating the creator's experience.
A woman in a car with text "1. IT TAKES TIME" and "My most viewed post only started gaining attention a few weeks after i posted it," emphasizing the delayed nature of virality.
A woman in a car with text "2. NOTHING IS GUARANTEED" and advice to "post for you!! Any views or likes that come along with it are just extra," reinforcing the article's message.
The truth about going viral on 🍋8
I love this app and the people on it! But i don’t like the people farming for likes or views. I understand the want for an audience and engagement on your posts but i feel as though it should be from content you enjoy making! Not content specifically made to get likes and views. I post what I wa
Kayja ♉️🌱

Kayja ♉️🌱

334 likes

The SICK truth about vet bills no one talks about‼️
#dogs #doghealthtips #puppyessentials #vetbills #pethealthandwellness New York
petcaredaily

petcaredaily

2 likes

Honest truth about my weight loss
#weightlossglowup #weightlossstruggles #weightlosslifestyle #weightlosstransformations #weightlosshealthjourney #weightlossstory #summerbod
Mj

Mj

687 likes

Two young children, seen from behind, stand inside a plastic playhouse. One child wears a light, fuzzy full-body outfit, while the other wears a dark top and light pants. The image is overlaid with the text "3 Reasons why Why I REGRET having my kids 1 year apart."
A man sits on a rug, holding two young children in his arms, with a black dog looking on from the background. The room is a child's play area with shelves of books and toys. The text "My husband & I get double the cuddles.. ugh!" is overlaid.
Two young children sit on the grass outdoors, with a white fence behind them. One child wears a green jacket and holds a toy, while the other wears a light brown fuzzy outfit. Their faces are obscured. The image includes the text "They have a best friend for life... I bet they'll hate it!"
The truth about having kids 1 year apart…
I’ll be the first to admit I regret having my babies back to back. Seriously, what were we thinking?!… Double the cuddles? Now I can’t even scroll my phone while I lay in bed cause I have to hug them both at the same time, ughhh… Okay obviously I’m kidding 😉😂 I love that my kids are only 17 m
Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

Dania Toddler Mom & UGC

37 likes

A devotional booklet titled 'The Truth About Salvation' open to a page discussing Acts 16:28-33. The page features the quote 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved' and is dated September 16, 2025.
A close-up of a devotional page titled 'The Truth About Salvation,' focusing on Acts 16:28-33. Key phrases about faith in Jesus, free will, and eternal life are highlighted, explaining salvation through Christ.
A close-up of a Bible page showing Acts 16:25-34, detailing the story of the Philippian jailer. Highlighted verses include his question 'What must I do to be saved?' and the answer 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.'
The Truth About Salvation
Devotional booklet: In Touch Ministries monthly devotional To begin your free subscription visit Intouch.org/subscribe They will send a booklet monthly for as long as you keep the subscription! Bible: The Care and Counsel Bible In New King James Version Second Bible: Life Applicatio
Alexandra

Alexandra

15 likes

See more