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The keys to success for nurses begins the first day you graduate. When suddenly you are expected to now incorporate into the care you give all that you have learned. You are now one of many nurses who will be turned to for advice and support by patients family and your friends. What an awesome responsibility.

You have chosen a profession that greatly impacts another person's life. Always consider this an honor and treat your patients with great respect. Be aware of the unsure and the fearful in your charge and let them know, that they can count on you to be there. Be sure not to let them down.

The wisest of you will realize that there is much more to learn and a confidence to build. This will happen one experience at a time. Most of the time you will benefit from having an open mind and a good attitude. It will help if you seek out a mentor to guide and support you through paths that are new to you. The greatest advice I could offer is that it is best to never fake a confidence that you really do not have. As that would put your patients at risk. The smartest of nurses know the inherent risks in their practice and ask for help when they need it.

New graduate nurses will benefit by keeping their minds open to the patients in their care. It would be best to understand that there is a humbleness necessary in caring for the ill. Care for every patient as if he or she were your family. Remember that if in the hospital or in the community, your professional behavior carries out into your community with you. So never have careless conversations in public and remember especially, patient confidentiality. As what you say now reflects on the entire profession and you now represent your hospital or your affiliated organizations.

To be thought of as a professional takes consistent practice and trustworthy stands. And know that often it may be only you the nurse, who represents those that are unable to speak for themselves. Others will always remember your words, so always speak the truth. Learn to recognize when another needs information that you yourself can not provide. Make it your responsibility to direct them to appropriate people.

You must always stand proud but accessible, for you have been blessed with a combination of abilities both intrinsic and taught. What you are able to give may be known only by the sick and dying, but it will leave you filled with a richness that leaves monetary values behind.

Learn more about this author, Olivia Bredbenner.
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