What It’s Really Like to Start in the ER and Create Content as a New Nurse
Transitioning from nursing school to real-world nursing is tough—especially if you jump straight into the ER. Add a side hustle as a content creator, and it’s safe to say you’re not exactly easing in. But that’s exactly what Alyssa Jobes did, and in this honest conversation, she shares what worked, what didn’t, and what she wishes someone had told her earlier.
Whether you're about to graduate, applying for your first job, or wondering how other nurses balance work and social media, you’ll find practical insight, encouragement, and a few good laughs here.
Meet Alyssa: New Grad Nurse, ER RN, and Content Creator
Alyssa Jobes is a new graduate ER nurse in California—and if you’re on TikTok or YouTube, you may already follow her. She’s known for sharing her honest experiences as a nurse, her love of iced coffee, Pilates, and walks with her fiancé and two Frenchies.
But before any of that, she was a nursing student trying to figure it all out. Like most new nurses, she learned quickly that the jump from school to real life is more than just passing the NCLEX. It’s learning time management, building confidence, and setting boundaries—both in scrubs and online.
Nursing School: The Struggle Is Real (and So Is the Growth)
Alyssa started at Sac City College for her ADN and completed her BSN online through the University of Phoenix. She shares that the biggest shock in nursing school was the shift in how to study.
“It’s not like pre-reqs. I had to study totally differently to pass nursing exams,” she says.
She found success with what she calls her “three times method”:
Watch the prerecorded lecture
Take notes during in-person class
Watch YouTube videos to reinforce the material
She also loved using a whiteboard for active recall—something she picked up on TikTok. If you’re still in school, Alyssa’s advice is simple:
Don’t copy your friends’ study methods.
Try multiple approaches.
Find what works for your brain.
Getting That First Nursing Job: The Not-So-Glorious Reality
Alyssa applied to over 100 jobs before landing her first ER position… three hours from home. Like many new grads, she didn’t know just how competitive the market would be—especially in California.
“I thought working as a transporter and doing clinicals at the same hospital would help. But it was so competitive, I didn’t get in.”
What she wishes she’d done differently:
Applied earlier, even before graduation
Networked more during clinicals
Got to know charge nurses and nurse managers
Pro Tip: If you're in your last semester, start prepping your resume and applying now. The hiring window often opens months before graduation.
Orientation Red Flags to Watch Out For
Her first job in the ER came with only five weeks of orientation—and a different preceptor almost every day. Not ideal.
“It was chaotic. I didn’t feel ready.”
In contrast, her second job gave her a full 12-week orientation with consistent preceptors and time to build confidence.
If you’re starting your first job, here are red flags to look out for:
Orientation shorter than 10–12 weeks
Constantly changing preceptors
Lack of structured training
Confidence, Gut Feelings, and Time Management
Alyssa says time management was her biggest struggle early on.
“I had to learn how to prioritize. What can wait, what needs to be done now, and what can I delegate?”
One of her go-to tools was jotting everything down—whether it’s on paper or in a shift-planning app—to avoid getting lost in the chaos.
As for confidence? That came from:
Repetition
Asking questions constantly
Trusting her gut
Even as a new nurse, Alyssa says listening to her gut often proved to be the right call. And while she still sometimes leans on experienced nurses, she’s learning to own her instincts more with each shift.
Let’s Talk Content Creation: Building an Online Presence as a Nurse
Alyssa didn’t start content creation for fame—she started because she loved watching other nurses on YouTube. Her early content wasn’t perfect (she cringes at her first 100 videos), but she stayed consistent.
“I just wanted to share my journey in case someone else found it helpful.”
Eventually, brands noticed. One clothing company reached out after she tagged them consistently, and they’ve been working together for years.
Her advice for new creators:
Don’t wait until you feel ready
Consistency matters more than perfection
Tag brands you already love
Set boundaries with work
Balancing Work, Life, and Social Media
Alyssa doesn’t pick up extra shifts often—and she’s intentional about keeping her days off for rest, hobbies, and content creation.
“I try to spend less time consuming content and more time creating it. It’s not always easy, but I set app limits and take breaks when I need to.”
For new grads, she recommends:
Planning fun activities into your calendar
Avoiding the guilt trap of always picking up extra shifts
Using tools like Nurse Grid to balance your work and personal life
What’s Next for Alyssa?
She’s aiming to earn her CEN certification and complete her hospital’s 3-year ER training track, which includes pediatrics and critical care. Oh—and she’s planning her wedding.
So yeah, she’s got a full plate. But she’s handling it all with humor, honesty, and a strong support system.
Alyssa’s Advice for Nursing Students and New Grads
“Celebrate the fact that you just finished nursing school. That’s huge. Take time to enjoy life before starting your job.”
She also reminds new grads that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Ask for help, trust your gut, and know that confidence comes with time.
Final Thoughts
Alyssa’s story is a reminder that new grad life isn’t just about surviving—it’s about figuring out what kind of nurse (and person) you want to be. You’ll make mistakes. You’ll have great days and rough ones. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll film a cute video about it along the way.
If you’re navigating this stage of life, remember:
It’s okay to start small
You don’t need to have it all figured out
Your experience is valid—and worth sharing
Caroline
PS. Want more on this topic? Listen to Life After Nursing School Podcast Episode 23