Get notified when new graduate content drops.
If you’re a new grad, the early days of your nursing career can feel like a whirlwind of emotions.
One moment you’re excited to finally be working as a registered nurse, and the next, you’re overwhelmed by the pace, responsibility, and realities of professional practice.
Transition shock, a term coined by Dr. Judy Duchscher in her work on the experiences of newly qualified nurses, perfectly describes this challenging period.
The gap between the structured, supportive environment of university and the high-pressure demands of the workplace can be jarring, and it’s often accompanied by feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, and even depression.
In the midst of this upheaval, finding your “go-to” person or place is essential. Whether it’s a trusted colleague, a preceptor, or even a quiet corner in your workplace where you can regroup, having a reliable source of support can make all the difference.
As a new grad, you’re not just developing clinical skills—you’re also navigating the complexities of workplace culture, shift work, and your own evolving identity as a nurse. It’s easy to feel like you’re falling short, especially when imposter syndrome starts to creep in.
This common phenomenon makes you question whether you’re really cut out for the role, no matter how much evidence there is to the contrary.
The weight of imposter syndrome can lead to situational anxiety and depression, especially if you don’t have a safe space to share your concerns or ask questions.
This is where your go-to person or place comes in. Having someone who reassures you that what you’re feeling is normal—or a space where you can take a moment to breathe and reset—can help ground you and restore your confidence.
Your preceptor is often a great starting point. While they might not have all the answers, they’ve been through the new grad experience themselves and can empathise with your struggles.
A good preceptor will provide guidance, encouragement, and a sense of safety as you navigate the steep learning curve of your first year.
But…your go-to person doesn’t have to be your preceptor. It could be a friendly senior nurse who always makes time for a chat, a peer who’s also going through the grad program, or even a supportive staff member from another discipline.
The key is to find someone who makes you feel comfortable, heard, and valued.
Sometimes, your go-to person might not be someone you work with directly. Professional networks and online communities, like those fostered by Dr. Judy Duchscher’s Nursing the Future, can connect you with like-minded nurses who understand the challenges of transition shock.
These networks provide resources, forums, and mentorship opportunities to help you build resilience and confidence. You can explore more at nursingthefuture.ca.
In addition to finding your go-to person, having a physical or mental “go-to” place can be equally valuable.
This might be a quiet room where you can take a moment to decompress, a nearby café where you can grab a coffee and reset, or even a mental routine that helps you find calm amidst the chaos.
Shift work adds another layer of complexity. The irregular hours can disrupt your sleep, strain relationships, and leave you feeling isolated. A go-to place can offer a small sense of stability in an otherwise unpredictable schedule.
Even with the best go-to person or place, there will be times when the pressures of nursing feel overwhelming.
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to navigate this alone. Free, confidential mental health resources like those offered by MindSpot can provide additional support.
Their services are independent of your employer and designed to help Australians manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
You can find more information and access their resources at mindspot.org.au.
Identifying your go-to person or place is just one piece of the puzzle. As you settle into your role, try to build a broader network of support.
This could include your fellow grads, mentors, or even external professional groups.
Surrounding yourself with people who understand what you’re going through will remind you that you’re not alone and that the challenges you’re facing are part of a larger journey.
Your first year as a nurse will test you, but it will also shape you in ways you can’t yet imagine.
Finding your go-to person or place can provide the grounding you need to manage the ups and downs, navigate transition shock, and build the resilience to thrive in your career.
Remember, support is always available—you just need to reach out.
For more resources, visit nursingthefuture.ca and mindspot.org.au.
Who wrote this Guide?
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.
Ausmed Education is a Trusted Information Partner of Healthdirect Australia. Verify here.