New Nurses: What No One Tells You During Orientation
Welcome to your first nursing job! Whether you're a recent graduate or still finishing nursing school, stepping into your role as a new nurse is exciting but it can also be overwhelming. There are so many things that don't get covered in nursing school or orientation, and today we're unpacking those hidden lessons to help you feel more prepared and confident.
I’m Caroline Danna, a former nurse manager, nurse recruiter, and now a nurse career coach. Think of me as your big sister on the unit - here to guide you, support you, and tell you all the things I wish someone had told me when I started out. In this post, we're diving into real questions from my community, The New Nurse Society, where we support new nurses beyond the job offer.
1. Understanding Your Nursing Benefits Package
Most new graduate nurses feel overwhelmed by benefits. During hospital orientation, you're likely to get a brief overview of health insurance, 401(k) options, and maybe tuition reimbursement—but the explanations are often rushed or full of jargon.
Key benefits to know:
Open Enrollment: Usually a 30-day window to choose your benefits. You can revise them yearly or after major life events.
Education Benefits: Many hospitals offer allowances for tuition, books, CEUs, board certifications, and even conference reimbursements.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free and confidential support for mental health, workplace challenges, and more. Use it!
2. 401(k)s for New Nurses: Why They Matter
Understanding retirement savings early in your career can give you long-term freedom. A 401(k) is a pre-tax savings account that grows with compound interest. Contributing early—even a small amount—makes a huge difference over time.
Key tips:
Start with at least enough to get the full employer match (free money!)
Learn the difference between traditional vs. Roth 401(k)
Increase contributions annually if possible
3. Red Flags with Your Preceptor
Your preceptor can make or break your new grad experience. It's normal to need time to adjust, but some red flags should not be ignored:
Lack of teaching or guidance
Harsh or dismissive tone
Unsafe practices
Unwillingness to adjust to your learning style
Leaving you feeling anxious and unsupported
If you're noticing red flags, talk to your manager or a nurse mentor. You deserve a safe and supportive learning environment.
4. Building Relationships with Scary Nurse Peers & Managers
Every unit has at least one intimidating nurse. But often, they're just passionate professionals under pressure. Here's how to build trust:
Be reliable, on time, and engaged
Offer help—even for tasks that aren't "yours"
Show respect to all team members (especially CNAs!)
Show gratitude and say thank you often
These small actions go a long way in earning trust and building team rapport.
5. What If You Don’t Like Your First Nursing Job?
Feeling unsure about your first nursing job is incredibly common. The 4-8 month mark is especially hard, and burnout can creep in. But don’t panic.
Ask yourself:
What exactly isn’t working?
Is it the unit, the shift, the patient population?
Can anything be improved or changed (schedule, unit transfer, new preceptor)?
If your mental health is suffering, lean into EAP and speak with your manager or a coach. And remember: your first job is a starting point, not your final destination.
6. What’s in My Work Bag?
Here are a few of my ride-or-die items I always carry:
Carmex (my chapstick of choice!)
StinkBalm (blocks intense hospital odors—game changer)
Multicolor pens for report sheets
Medication case for migraines
Lightweight scrub jacket (it’s always cold on the unit!)
Hair ties, water bottle, and a good lunch
These essentials keep me feeling prepared, comfortable, and ready for anything. Here is a link to my amazon storefront but also a friendly reminder that you truly only need a stethoscope, pen and your badge to work as a nurse! The extras are just added bonuses to have the most enjoyable shift every time you clock in!
Bonus Tip: Consider Your Shift and Schedule
Orientation on day shift can be overwhelming. Consider requesting a few shifts on nights, where the pace may allow more time to learn and reflect. It’s not about avoiding chaos—it’s about creating space to build confidence.
Final Thoughts for New Nurses
If you’re reading this and nodding along, just know: you are not alone. The transition from nursing student to new nurse is tough. But it’s also filled with so much growth.
Give yourself grace. Advocate for your needs. Find your community. And remember - your nursing career is yours to shape.
If you’re craving more support, check out The New Nurse Society where we host Q&A sessions, workshops, and connection calls to walk with you through the hardest parts of this transition.
You’ve got this.
And - as always, I’ve got 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 28