Glass Elevator Moves- My First Year as a Nurse

My first year as a NYC nurse was anything but slow—and I made sure to take the elevator, not the stairs when it came to leveling up:

1. Graduated from Nurse Residency

That first year was filled with growth, reflection, and SO many learning curves. But finishing my residency gave me a solid foundation and the confidence to trust my voice as a nurse.

2. Promoted to Clinical Nurse II

I hit my clinical and professional milestones early and got promoted from a CN I to CN II before my first year was even up. It felt so validating to have my hard work recognized.

3. Secured a Raise

With my promotion came a pay increase—proof that showing up consistently, advocating for yourself, and tracking your progress pays off. Literally.

It’s easy to feel stuck as a new grad, but the truth is: the elevator is there—you just have to press the button and ride it with purpose.

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