Dear New Nurse,
You did it. You passed your exams, survived your checkoffs, made it through clinicals—and now here you are. A full-fledged, badge-wearing, chart-opening, patient-caring nurse.
Let me be the first to say: Welcome to the wild, wonderful world of nursing.
This isn’t just a job. It’s a calling. A journey. A marathon made up of sacred moments, spilled coffee, and more growth than you thought possible.
But first… take a breath.
Because starting this career can feel like walking into a storm with a compass you’re not quite sure how to read yet. And that’s okay.
I wrote Each One Teach One for nurses exactly like you—those who are stepping into the real world of nursing with a heart full of purpose and a head full of questions. So here are a few tips from those pages to carry with you into your first shifts:
💡 Selah Tips for New Nurses:
1. You don’t have to know everything—just be willing to learn.
You’re not expected to be perfect. You are expected to be teachable. Stay humble, stay curious, and lean into mentorship. Ask questions—even the ones that feel silly.
2. Every nurse was new once.
Even the nurse who seems to run the unit with her eyes closed had a Day 1. You’re not an imposter—you’re an evolving professional. Give yourself grace.
3. Boundaries will protect your peace.
Whether it’s declining that extra shift or learning how to chart and leave, boundaries are a vital part of long-term success. You can’t pour from an empty cup—no matter how caring your heart is.
4. Shift debriefing is your lifeline.
Find someone (or a journal) to process your shifts with. Don’t let emotional build-up become burnout. A five-minute Selah moment after work can change everything.
5. You are more than your title.
Don’t let the role consume your identity. You are a whole person first—a nurse second. Your compassion, culture, values, and voice matter on and off the unit.
You don’t have to thrive on Day 1. Or Day 21. But you will find your rhythm.
So whether you’re nervous, excited, overwhelmed, or all of the above—know this: Selah Ascent is here to walk with you.
This space is your pause between the shifts. Your voice in the noise. Your place to reflect, grow, and rise.
Welcome home, nurse. Let’s do this together. 💛
With you in this journey,
Pai
Founder, Selah Ascent
(MSN, RN—and still learning, too)