New nurse practitioners- 4 tips for surviving 1st year

Embarking on the journey of a new nurse practitioner is both exhilarating and challenging. The transition from nurse practitioner school to practicing independently can be overwhelming, but it is also filled with opportunities to make a significant impact on patients’ lives.

As a family nurse practitioner for the past four years and The Nurse Practitioner Charting Coach, I’ve witnessed the highs and lows of this profession. Reflecting on my own experiences, I want to offer support and guidance to new nurse practitioners during this critical time. Here are some tips for new nurse practitioners on how to survive your first year of practice.

Challenges as a New Nurse Practitioner

When I first entered healthcare, my excitement was palpable (just like the bulging veins on an arm). The idea of helping patients during their most critical times and making a meaningful difference in their lives fueled my passion. Becoming a nurse practitioner was my dream since I declared nursing while in high school.

But starting out as a new nurse practitioner brought its own set of challenges. The transition from being a registered nurse (RN), to a nurse practitioner student, to being the provider creating the treatment plan was daunting. I experienced so many moments of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to perform at the highest level.

For many new nurse practitioners, the initial excitement can quickly turn into a struggle to keep up with the demands of the job. The pressure to prove oneself, the fear of making mistakes, and the sheer volume of information to be mastered can be overwhelming. It’s important to recognize that these feelings are normal and that every new nurse practitioner goes through a period of adjustment.

As a RN, you likely felt like a master of the trade. You gained the knowledge and experience to feel confident in your RN role. So when you start out as a new nurse practitioner, you are quickly reminded what it means to be a novice. You are essentially starting at the bottom in a completely different role and you have to spend the time and energy to regain that confidence.

I remember being EXTREMELY scared to begin diagnosing and treating patients. My first day on the job, I was crippled with fear and questioned every action.

When it came to charting, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t learn much about charting in nurse practitioner school. So I was not sure what to actually chart. I struggled through the first year of practice as a nurse practitioner. And now I teach new nurse practitioners how to get a handle on the charting!

Tips for New Nurse Practitioners

Here are a few tips to survive your first year as a new nurse practitioner!

Giving Yourself Grace

One of the most important pieces of advice I can offer to new nurse practitioners is to give yourself grace. Transitioning into a new role takes time, and it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. No one expects you to know everything from day one. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge the progress you are making, no matter how small it may seem.

Imposter syndrome is a common experience among new nurse practitioners. It’s easy to feel like you don’t belong or that you’re not competent enough. Remember that you were chosen for this role because of your skills, knowledge, and dedication. Trust in your training and the journey that brought you here.

You Know More Than You Think

Another crucial tip for new nurse practitioners is to remember that you know more than you think. The extensive training and education you received have equipped you with a solid foundation. The fact that you passed your certification exam and was approved for a state license means you are qualified to practice as a nurse practitioner. While there will always be new things to learn and areas to improve (that’s why nurse practitioners are required to complete continuing education), you have the knowledge and skills to provide excellent care to your patients.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and the complexity of clinical situations. However, as a new nurse practitioner, trust in your ability to critically think, ask questions, and seek guidance when needed. Don’t hesitate to consult with colleagues, mentors, and resources to enhance your understanding and confidence. These people and resources are available for a reason!

Mastering the Art of Charting

I don’t know about you, but I learned very little about charting in nurse practitioner school. And yet it is such an important part of our job. So when I started in primary care, I was overwhelmed with knowing what/how to chart, how to chose the correct Evaluation and Management Code, and how to protect myself legally. So I had to teach myself these charting skills which greatly improved my overall stress and productivity.

One of the most practical tips for new nurse practitioners is to learn how to chart effectively. Efficient charting is a skill that can save you a significant amount of time and frustration. Good documentation is essential not only for legal and billing purposes but also for ensuring continuity of care and clear communication with other healthcare providers.

I realized just how many nurse practitioners were struggling with charting. So created The Nurse Practitioner Charting School to be the #1 stop for all documentation resources specifically for nurse practitioner. If new nurse practitioners (plus experienced APRNs) can get a handle on their charting, they will experience less stress and overwhelm.

Be sure to check out The Nurse Practitioner Charting School for free charting and time management tips. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Stay organized: Develop a systematic approach to charting. Use templates and checklists to ensure you cover all necessary information.
2. Be concise and clear: Avoid over charting or creating “note bloat.” Create clear and concise, problem-focused chart notes to save time and make it easier for others to understand your chart notes.
3. Chart in real-time: Whenever possible, chart during or immediately after patient encounters. This practice ensures accuracy and helps you stay on top of your workload. In fact, this is my favorite charting tip! Check out this video here.
4. Learn how to chart: One thing nurse practitioners do not learn much about in school is charting… Check out this online course: How to Chart as a New Grad Nurse Practitioner for more help!
5. Utilize technology: Take advantage of electronic health record (EHR) systems and other technological tools to streamline your charting process. There are artificial intelligence tools such as Freed AI Medical Scribe to help make this a reality. Freed AI Medical Scribe abstracts important information said by the patient and the provider and populates the information into a SOAP note format. You can then copy and paste into your EHR (Learn more about Freed AI here).

Finding Support and Building Resilience

The journey of a new nurse practitioner can be demanding, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Seek out mentors and colleagues who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement. Joining professional organizations and online communities can also be valuable for networking and sharing experiences.

***Also join the STOP Charting at Home Membership for the support, education, and community you need to improve your charting as a new nurse practitioner!

Building resilience is crucial for long-term success in healthcare. New nurse practitioners should prioritize their own mental, emotional, and physical health to avoid nurse practitioner burnout. Here are some strategies to help you stay resilient:

1. Self-care: Prioritize self-care to maintain your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices can help you manage stress and stay focused.
2. Set realistic goals: Break down your tasks into manageable goals. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and avoid setting unrealistic expectations for yourself.
3. Develop a Support System: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, and colleagues. Having a strong support system can provide a sense of security and encouragement during challenging times. Join The Burned-out Nurse Practitioner Facebook group for support from other nurse practitioners!
4. Reflect and learn: Take time to reflect on your experiences and learn from them. Journaling can be a useful tool to process your thoughts and track your progress.

Get More Charting Help

Transitioning into the role of a new nurse practitioner is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. By giving yourself grace, trusting in your knowledge, mastering the art of charting, and building resilience, you can navigate this transition successfully. Remember that you are not alone, and there are resources and support available to help you thrive in your new role.

As a seasoned nurse practitioner and The Nurse Practitioner Charting Coach, I am here to support you every step of the way. Embrace the journey, learn from your experiences, and continue to make a positive impact on the lives of your patients.

I created an online course exactly for new nurse practitioners. This program was designed to help new nurse practitioners overcome the overwhelm and learn how to chart as a new grad nurse practitioner!

Click here for more information!

***Full disclosure, this post contains affiliate links. If you subscribe to Freed AI Medical Scribes, I do receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you but does help me continue to run The Nurse Practitioner Charting School. Thank you for your support!