My Grad Year: Navigating Challenges and Building Strengths

Clare
Jan 26
3 min read

Starting my graduate year in a busy tertiary hospital was an incredible opportunity, but it wasn’t without its challenges. From balancing personal expectations to navigating undiagnosed ADHD, this year taught me resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of building a support system. Here's a look into my journey—the struggles, the strengths, and the actionable steps that helped me not just survive, but thrive.

The Challenges

1. Being Part of the Team

Joining an established team as a new grad can feel intimidating. Everyone seemed so confident and capable, and I constantly questioned if I truly belonged. Learning to find my voice, contribute meaningfully, and build trust took time and persistence.

2. Undiagnosed ADHD

Managing tasks, prioritising effectively, and staying organised became daily battles. With the fast-paced nature of nursing, I often felt overwhelmed, forgetting minor details or struggling with time blindness.

3. High Expectations and People-Pleasing

I’ve always held myself to high standards, but in a high-pressure environment, this quickly became a double-edged sword. I wanted to excel, impress my preceptors, and avoid disappointing anyone, often at the expense of my own wellbeing.

Learning to say “no” and set boundaries became essential skills I had to develop.

The Strengths

Despite the hurdles, I realised I had valuable strengths that helped me navigate this challenging year:

1. Previous Career Experience

My previous career experiences gave me an understanding of team dynamics and interpersonal relationships. I already knew how to collaborate, communicate, and adapt to various personalities, which helped me integrate into the team.

2. Nursing Speciality Knowledge

Thanks to my placements and my attitude to making the most of it, I had a foundational understanding of the nursing speciality I was working in. While it wasn’t extensive, it gave me a starting point and helped me feel slightly less out of my depth.

3. Resilience and Self-Awareness

Acknowledging my struggles early on allowed me to seek support and develop coping mechanisms. a large part of which included finding an (unofficial) mentor, coworkers that I could debrief with and developing an a professional relationship with my boss that encouraged open communication. This self-awareness became a crucial part of my growth.

Actionable Strategies to Stay Balanced

If there’s one thing I learned, it’s that you can enjoy your grad year without burning out.

Here are the steps that helped me balance my work, personal life, and mental health:

1. Self-Check-Ins Post-Shift

At the end of each shift, I took five minutes to reflect. What went well? What could I improve? How am I feeling? These mini check-ins helped me process my day and left work at work.

2. Regular Catch-Ups with a Buddy or Mentor

Finding a buddy or mentor who understood my challenges was a game-changer. Whether it was a coffee catch-up or a quick vent session, these moments of connection gave me perspective and reassurance.

3. Plan Your Roster to Work for You

Where possible, I requested shifts that aligned with my energy levels and commitments. For example, I avoided back-to-back night shifts if I knew they’d leave me drained. Remember, you can have input into your roster—advocate for what you need.

4. Book Leave in Advance

One of the best pieces of advice I received was to book leave early. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, having something to look forward to makes a huge difference. And yes, as a grad, you can take leave! It’s accrued on a pro-rata basis, so if you have the hours, you’re entitled to use them.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

Whether it was successfully completing a task or simply surviving a tough shift, I learned to celebrate the little victories. These moments of positivity kept me motivated.

6. Prioritise Self-Care

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. For me, that meant prioritising sleep, and scheduling downtime to recharge.

Final Thoughts

Your grad year is a whirlwind of learning, growth, and self-discovery. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed—what matters is how you respond. By leaning on my strengths, embracing support, and implementing strategies to manage burnout, I found a balance that worked for me. Remember, you’re not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help. You’ve got this! 🐝✨

Need Extra Support?

If you’re feeling the pressure of your grad year or nursing studies, The Nursing Hive is here to help!

Our mentorship and support programs are designed to guide you through challenges, help you build confidence, and create a personalised plan for success. Whether it’s one-on-one mentoring or practical resources, we’ve got your back.