Becoming a staff nurse

As a student you were told what you needed to learn, but it's now up to you to identify and address your learning needs. You will need to keep your portfolio up to date and to reflect on the new things you are learning. But even though you are now fully accountable, you are not strictly ‘on your own'. You will still have support: your employer should have a training and development administrator, you will have clinical support in your work environment, and there is also likely to be a comprehensive induction programme for new staff. Some staff may not readily accept you: it can take time to become one of the team. Sometimes, what you learned as a student may no longer seem relevant; you may be tempted to take short cuts in tasks such as manual handling and documentation, especially if you see others in more senior roles doing the same. It may be difficult to assert yourself. You may feel like you need to ask permission or seek advice. Trust your instincts.

Is it normal?

It's also normal to look at yourself in the mirror and think, ‘Who are you and what makes you think YOU can be a nurse?' Every one of us has done it. There will be times when you doubt yourself so much that it makes your stomach turn over. You have to realise that it's normal and just get on with your work. For the first six to twelve months, give yourself permission to not know everything. Reflect on what you are learning and doing, allow yourself to be confident in what you know you can do, and honest about what you may need help with. Before you know it, you will be comfortable in your role as a junior staff nurse - and well on your way to being an experienced, established nurse.

With thanks to Bethann Siviter, RN, a nurse consultant for South Birmingham PCT, for her help with this article.