Hello all. This post is going to be quick, but a little bit different than typical content with this title. This is a serious post and may seem negative, but is necessary and unfortunately the harsh reality of healthcare. Keep reading if you are interested!

This post is not sponsored. All thoughts and opinions are my own and do not reflect the entirety of nursing.

YOU ARE REPLACEABLE.

What? Why would you say that? I have been saying this since nursing school and many said I was too pessimistic. I disagree. As a new grad nurse you need to know that you are replaceable and that you are simply just your employee ID number. I have seen it take years for experienced nurses to realize this when they recongize they have given their all to the department and management could care less. We have to remember that Western world healthcare is a business and the end goal is to make money (if you are in a corporate healthcare system).

New nurses like myself should be aware of this and focus on caring for patients to the best of our ability safely. Know that you do not have to stay in your hired department forever. If you feel like you do not have appropriate resources to provide safe care, professionally express that. If no changes are made, move on. You have a license to protect. The system sees you as a resource to help their numbers. In turn, you should view the employer in a similar manner. If they pay for certifications, complete all the certifications possible, take advantage of continuing education to increase your marketablility.

At the end of the day, there will always be someone who will be desperate for the position that you have. Perform your best, chart well, stay out of the unit politics, utilize all resources to boost your resume, take time off if you feel worn down, listen out for opportunities and have a back-up plan.

Thanks for reading!