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 6
You will get through all the tough things!
You know more than you think you do!
Find someone you are comfortable talking to because you will need them. You will need them to help you get through rough shifts, days and weeks. They will be your safe place.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask where something is.
Be yourself; don’t be someone you aren’t.
Make your voice be known. Don’t stay in uncomfortable situations!
Cry, yell, and laugh. Feel your emotions; you will feel better.
Take care of yourself! If you aren’t the best version of yourself, you won’t be helpful to patients!