What to Expect in Your First Handover

If you’re a new grad, chances are you’ve already put a lot of pressure on yourself to get everything right. You want to prove you’re capable, competent, and worthy of that shiny new title of “Registered Nurse".

So, when it comes to giving your first handover, it’s no surprise that nerves can hit you like a freight train.

Here’s the thing: expecting perfection in your first few handovers is not only unrealistic—it’s a recipe for stress and self-doubt.

What you should expect is to feel nervous, maybe even a little panicked. That’s entirely normal.

Handover is one of the most daunting aspects of starting out as a nurse because it’s so public. You’re not just quietly managing patients; you’re speaking up in front of a team, sharing information, and exposing yourself to questions. It’s no wonder so many new grads find it overwhelming.

Who wrote this Guide?

Kath Sharples | Sydney Adventist Hospital

Kath Sharples is an experienced educator with international expertise in graduate nurse programs. She co-authored Preceptorship for Newly Registered Nurses and spearheaded Australia's first online and accredited Transition to Practice Program. As Education Manager at Adventist Healthcare Limited, Kath collaborates with nurse leaders and educators to support graduate nurses at Sydney Adventist Hospital. She also consults for health and aged care organisations through her business, Health Education Consultants Australia.

Fight, Flight, or Freeze

The stress you feel before a handover isn’t just in your head. It’s a physiological reaction—your body’s fight, flight, or freeze response kicking in.

For some grads, this manifests as fight. They might feel defensive or reluctant to take feedback, interpreting every question as criticism.

Others lean towards flight. Instead of preparing for handover, they’ll volunteer to do anything—fetch medications, restock, clean beds—just to avoid the event altogether.

And then there’s freeze. Many grads can recall that horrifying moment when their mind went completely blank, their voice refused to cooperate, and the words simply vanished.

What’s at play here is often imposter syndrome. It’s that sneaky voice in your head telling you you’re not good enough, that you don’t belong, and that everyone will figure out you’re a fraud.

Imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate—it’s been experienced by everyone from Michelle Obama to Albert Einstein. The good news? It’s not a reflection of your ability; it’s just a reaction to stepping outside your comfort zone.

Preparing for Handover

If you’re feeling nervous, preparation is your best friend. Confidence often comes from knowing you’ve done your homework. Here are some practical steps to set yourself up for success:

1. Understand the Format
   Every workplace has its own way of doing handover. Some use an A-G framework; others prefer ISBAR. It might be bedside, a team huddle, or a mix of both. Find out the preferred style ahead of time so you know what’s expected.
2. Know Your Patients
   Familiarise yourself with the details of your patients’ care. Whether it’s reviewing the electronic medical record (EMR) or jotting down key points on a notepad, having something to refer to can make all the difference.
3. Get the Basics Right
   It sounds simple, but don’t underestimate the importance of self-care. Sleep, eat, stay hydrated, and use the bathroom before the handover begins. Stress can make your body go into overdrive, so taking some deep breaths can release tension and help calm your nerves.
4. Embrace Vulnerability
   Here’s the secret most new grads don’t realise: strength comes from vulnerability. Letting your preceptor or team leader know you’re nervous doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human. In my experience, most nurses are incredibly empathetic and will go out of their way to support you. Forget the myth that “nurses eat their young”, I’ve only ever known nurses to look after their own. Brené Brown, an expert on vulnerability, reminds us that opening up allows others to truly see us—and that’s where connection and support are born.

The Role of Support

Your preceptors, team leaders, peers, and new grad facilitators are there to help you navigate these early challenges. Lean on them. They’ve been where you are and understand what you’re going through. In most cases, they’ll be your biggest cheerleaders, offering advice, encouragement, and reassurance when you need it most.

And remember, handover is a skill. Like any skill, it gets easier with practice. The first few times might feel like climbing a mountain, but with time, repetition, and support, it will start to feel more manageable.

It Does Get Better

Your first handover is just one step in your journey as a nurse. You might feel nervous, stressed, or even unsure of yourself, but those feelings are temporary. With preparation, support, and a willingness to be vulnerable, you’ll find your voice and your confidence.

Handover isn’t about perfection—it’s about communication, collaboration, and ensuring your patients receive the best care possible. And with every handover you give, you’ll get closer to becoming the nurse you’ve always aspired to be.

So, take a deep breath, trust yourself, and remember: you’ve got this.