Coffee With My Younger Nurse Self: 5 Things I Wish I Knew as a New Grad Nurse (Copy)
There’s a trend going around on social media that I absolutely adore—it imagines meeting your former self for coffee. You sit across from a younger version of you and reflect on everything you’ve learned, the things you’d say, the warnings you’d give, and the encouragement you’d offer. It’s incredibly therapeutic and got me thinking about what I would say to new-grad me, fresh out of nursing school, trying to find her place in the world of healthcare.
So today, I want to share the five things I wish I knew as a new grad nurse. If you're in your first year of nursing or still navigating those early career waters, this one's for you.
1. You Don’t Actually Know What Kind of Nurse You Want to Be
In nursing school, I was sure I wanted to be an ICU nurse. I imagined myself managing complex patients, hanging IV drips, and reading monitors like a boss. My senior capstone was in the ICU and I loved it. But when graduation rolled around, the only job I was offered was in med-surg—a specialty I thought I didn’t want.
One year on a med-surg unit taught me more than I could have imagined. Med-surg pushed me to develop strong time management skills, prioritize tasks, and fine-tune my assessment skills. It was challenging, humbling, and ultimately one of the best things that could have happened to me as a new nurse.
Now, 13 years into my career, I’ve never worked in the ICU. I found my rhythm in the emergency room, where I thrived in controlled chaos. Turns out, what I thought I wanted wasn’t what truly suited me. So if you're dead set on a specialty as a new grad, give yourself room to explore—you might be surprised where you find your fit.
2. It's Okay to Pivot
Nursing is one of the most flexible professions out there. Still, early in my career, I felt guilty every time I thought about leaving a job. I worried about letting my team down or upsetting a manager who took a chance on me.
Let me be the one to tell you: it’s okay to leave. It’s okay to change specialties. Your well-being, happiness, and growth matter more than loyalty to a position that no longer serves you. If you’re dreading work, anxious in the parking lot, or find yourself emotionally drained after every shift, it might be time to move on.
I’ve switched roles, tried per diem jobs alongside full-time work, and pivoted when I needed to. Each move taught me something new about myself and what I need to thrive. Life is too short to stay in a job that makes you miserable.
3. Self-Care Is Not Optional
Early in my career, I thought self-care meant massages and manicures—luxuries I couldn’t afford on a new grad salary. So I told myself I'd worry about self-care later.
Big mistake.
Self-care isn’t about spending money. It’s about finding what truly recharges your battery. For me, that turned out to be long-distance running and reading. Running outdoors on a sunny day resets my soul. Reading lets me escape, recharge, and explore new ideas.
Whatever your thing is—crafting, yoga, baking, video games—make time for it. Nursing is emotionally and physically taxing. You have to refill your cup in ways that work for you.
Also, set boundaries. Just because your phone rings doesn’t mean you have to answer. I used to feel obligated to pick up every extra shift. But saying "yes" to work often meant saying "no" to myself. Now, I protect my days off fiercely. I put work contacts on Do Not Disturb and check in when I feel up to it. You don’t owe anyone your mental health.
4. You Don’t Need to Go Back to School Right Away or EVER
In nursing school, I was constantly told, "It's not if you go back to school, it's when."
While I believe in lifelong learning, I also believe that rushing into more education without clarity can lead to regret. I earned my MSN in Nursing Leadership and Management in 2018, thinking I wanted to be in leadership. After four years in management, I realized it wasn’t the right fit.
Luckily, as a clinical instructor, I still use my degree. But I have friends who pursued advanced degrees and ended up in roles that didn’t align with their expectations or strengths.
So don’t rush. Take your time. Learn who you are as a nurse first. There is no shame in waiting, or in deciding not to pursue further education at all. Focus on learning about your work style, the culture you want, and the kind of impact you want to make. Nursing should fit your life—not the other way around.
5. You Are So Much More Than a Nurse
For the longest time, being a nurse was my entire identity. I worked full-time and picked up extra shifts. I introduced myself by saying, "Hi, I'm Caroline, an ER nurse." It took burnout and a career shift to realize how much of myself I had lost in the process.
Yes, nursing is a calling, and yes, it's something to be proud of. But it shouldn't consume you. You're also a friend, a parent, a book lover, a runner, an adventurer, an artist—whoever you are. Don’t let the job define you so much that you stop doing the things that make you you.
If you find yourself dreading every shift or losing touch with your passions, take a step back. The nursing profession will always be there. But the moments you miss with your loved ones, the time you could spend doing what you love—those are things you can never get back.
Final Thoughts: Coffee With 2012 Caroline
If I could meet my 2012 self for a coffee date, I’d say this:
You don’t really know what type of nurse you want to be yet, and that’s okay. You’ll change and grow. You’ll find the places and people who bring out the best in you. You’ll learn to set boundaries, to put yourself first, to rest, and to pivot. You’ll learn that you’re more than a nurse—you’re enough just as you are.
And now, I want to tell you the same thing.
Thanks for being here, friend. Whether you’re a brand-new nurse or well into your career, I hope this helps you reflect on your journey, trust the process, and embrace the season you're in.
And remember—I have one hand for me and the other for you. Until next time.
Caroline
PS. Want more on this topic? Listen to Life After Nursing School Podcast Episode 12