INTRODUCTION: Erin Smital, Nursing Professional Development Educator & Nurse Residency Coordinator, RWHC
We offer a Nurse Residency Program that is designed for the new graduate nurse. It is structured around monthly learning sessions, with a focus on providing an interactive, reflective and enriched learning environment. The program is designed to enhance recruitment/retention of the new graduate nurse and support their transition into a competent practitioner. I am proud to announce that we recently completed year 18 of this program. I asked our participants to write an open letter to "The nurse struggling right now... ". These kind words of support and encouragement are meant for every nurse, in every position, in every stage of their career.
LETTER 2
It will get easier and you will become more confident in yourself and your skills. Take time to celebrate all that you have and will achieve! You are already amazing and have worked so hard to be where you are right now. Nursing is such a beautiful career. Enjoy the opportunities! Remember your WHY; remind yourself of it frequently. Do what you can to keep your passion (for nursing/ caring for people) alive. Fill your cup, too! Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable with coworkers, patients, preceptors and/or your loved ones. Take your PTO days! Don’t be a people-pleaser so much that you lose sight of what you want. Learn to be comfortable saying no.