What I wish I knew in my first 90 days as a nurse

“When I walked into the ER as a brand-new nurse, fear was my daily partner. I thought I had to know everything on day one. The truth? Nobody does. And that’s okay.”

What I Wish I Knew in My First 90 Days as a Nurse

That first day walking into the hospital as a new nurse was overwhelming, to say the least. We’ve all probably been told to hide our fear and look like we know what we’re doing. But the truth is — on that first day, none of us do.

Looking back, nursing school taught me how to pass tests, but not necessarily how to save lives or even avoid making mistakes. What carried me through those first months wasn’t confidence — it was learning a few key lessons that made all the difference.

Lesson #1: Find one mentor. Not ten voices, not every nurse on the floor — one seasoned, tell-it-like-it-is mentor who can guide you. Too many cooks in the kitchen just makes things confusing.

Lesson #2: Carry a pocket pad. Write everything down. Questions, fears, things you notice. And just as importantly — write down your wins, no matter how small. One day, you’ll be grateful you recorded both the struggles and the victories.

Lesson #3: Ask the “dumb” questions. You’ll be tempted to stay quiet, but the only dangerous question is the one you don’t ask. I once asked what rhythm we were treating during a code. CPR was in progress, everyone was frantic, and the doctor snapped back, “V-fib/asystole,” glancing at the monitor. But here’s the thing — I was holding the disconnected pigtails from the monitor in my hand. Because I asked, we reconnected, recognized the real rhythm, and saved a life. That “dumb” question changed everything.

Lesson #4: Celebrate your wins. Write them down. Remember them. From small victories to life-saving moments, those are the things that keep you going. They remind you that you are growing, even when the days are long.

If you’re in your first 90 days, hear this: you’re not failing — you’re learning. Fear will fade. Skills will grow. And one day you’ll look back and realize you’ve come further than you ever thought possible.