Starting out as a new nurse can feel like jumping into a hurricane. There’s the constant buzz of alarms, the rush to answer call lights, the whirlwind of tasks—and in the middle of it all, you’re expected to be calm, cool, and competent. When I first graduated and stepped onto the floor, I quickly realized that the biggest challenge wasn’t just the technical skills or medical knowledge. It was figuring out how to take care of myself while taking care of everyone else.
The Fast Pace Is Real
Nursing isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle. Shifts can stretch long, breaks are sometimes non-existent, and emotional exhaustion can sneak up before you even notice. I remember my first few weeks vividly—trying to keep up with the endless to-do list while processing what my patients were going through. The pressure to perform and not make mistakes felt overwhelming. It was easy to get caught up in the fast pace and forget to pause, breathe, or even eat.
For a while, I thought this was just part of nursing—the sacrifice you make to be good at your job. But I quickly learned that ignoring self-care wasn’t sustainable. If I wanted to be the best nurse I could be, I had to find my own rhythm—my way to recharge, stay grounded, and keep going.
Learning to Listen to Myself
One of the first things I had to get used to was tuning in to what my body and mind were telling me. When you’re new, it’s tempting to push through exhaustion or stress as if it’s a badge of honor. I fell into that trap early on. I’d skip meals because I was “too busy,” stay late because I wanted to finish my charting, and brush off feelings of overwhelm because “that’s just how it is.”
But the truth is, nursing demands a lot from you, and if you don’t listen to yourself, burnout can hit hard. I started paying attention to little signs—like how my shoulders felt tight, or how my mind got foggy during my last hour on shift. Those were cues that I needed to step back, even if just for a minute. I learned to ask for help, to take a quick walk when I could, and to prioritize hydration and nutrition no matter what. Some of the best advice I got while I started was to take your breaks seriously: if you’re given an hour for lunch, find coverage and take it. Food is fuel, and you can’t adequately care for your patients when you’re running on empty.
Finding What Works for You
Self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. What helped my colleagues might not work for me, and vice versa. For me, it’s a mix of small habits and bigger rituals that create balance.
I’ve always been drawn to quiet moments and reflection. After long shifts, I like to take time to walk through a museum or simply wander outside, letting my mind slow down and my eyes focus on something other than monitors and charts. Photography, a hobby I’ve loved for years, became a way to reconnect with beauty and perspective outside the hospital walls. It’s a reminder that there’s a bigger world beyond the ward.
I also find grounding in social connections. Card games with friends, casual conversations, and shared laughter help me decompress. Nursing can be emotionally heavy, and having those moments of lightness is essential. It’s about finding your own “pause button” that recharges you in a way that feels genuine.
Setting Boundaries Without Guilt
One of the toughest lessons for me was learning to set boundaries without feeling guilty. As a new nurse, there’s a natural urge to say yes to every extra shift, to stay late helping, to be available 24/7. I thought I needed to prove myself by always being “all in.”
But what I realized is that boundaries are not about selfishness; they’re about sustainability. Taking care of yourself means you show up better for your patients, your team, and yourself. Saying no when you’re stretched too thin is a way of respecting your limits and preserving your energy for when it really counts.
I started to communicate more openly with my supervisors and peers about when I needed a break or couldn’t take on extra duties. That honesty felt scary at first, but it also earned me respect. It created a space where I could be human without feeling like I was failing.
Self-Care Is Part of Being a Good Nurse
It might sound obvious, but self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s part of the job. Taking time to rest, recharge, and reflect isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about being effective. When I’m tired, my attention slips. When I’m overwhelmed, my judgment clouds. When I’m disconnected from myself, it’s harder to connect with my patients.
Nursing is about so much more than procedures and meds. It’s about empathy, presence, and resilience. And all of that starts with taking care of your own wellbeing.
Encouraging Other New Nurses
If I could offer one piece of advice to new nurses just starting out, it would be this: Find your rhythm early, and respect it. Don’t wait until you’re burnt out or exhausted to start thinking about self-care. Make it a daily practice, no matter how small. Even a few deep breaths before entering a patient’s room, a moment of quiet between tasks, or a text to a friend after a tough shift can make a difference.
And remember, you’re not alone. Nursing is demanding, yes, but it’s also full of people who understand what you’re going through. Lean on your team, share your struggles, and celebrate the small wins together. Self-care is a shared journey, not a sprint.
Every day, I’m learning how to be a nurse and how to take care of myself along the way. It’s not always easy, and sometimes I stumble. But finding my own rhythm in this fast-paced career has made all the difference. It’s helped me stay grounded, keep my compassion alive, and grow into the kind of nurse—and person—I want to be.
Nursing will always challenge you, but it can also teach you about balance, resilience, and kindness—especially toward yourself. For me, that lesson has become one of the most important parts of this journey. Remember: Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting those around you.