Ask an expert: Top tips to thrive in your graduate year

Clinical Support Midwife at Grampians Health, Ballarat, VIC

1. Have a mentor/support person/educator that you can talk to and who will provide you with constructive feedback. I worked at a private hospital and there were no support staff/educators there, but I had a buddy midwife who was so lovely, made a positive impact on my grad year and influenced the kind of midwife I am today.  
2. Be curious and embrace new challenges during your grad year. Don’t limit yourself by thinking "I’m just a grad." I took opportunities to push my skills, like supporting a woman during a caesarean for a stillbirth and teaching childbirth education, both of which were rewarding experiences. 
3. Don’t give up. It may feel tough at first, but it gets better. Keep practicing skills and learning from mistakes. Even after 15 years as a midwife, I remind myself: "Don’t give up until you get it!" 

Registered Nurse/Midwife and Midwifery lecturer, La Trobe University, VIC 

1. Carry a notebook. Uni has given you the foundation knowledge you need to start your career, but you don’t know everything and that’s ok! Carry around a little notebook in your pocket and write down anything that comes up that you’re not familiar with (for example, a medication, an investigation, or a medical condition) so you can go home and study it. 
2. Say no to those double and extra shifts. Your grad year is exhausting physically, mentally and emotionally. Taking on extra work will see yourself very quickly burnt out, so it’s ok to say no. 
3. Exercise, however that looks for you! There is lots of evidence to support the benefits of regular exercise for shift workers. It can improve your sleep, stress level and mood, as well as making you physically stronger to cope with the demands of being a nurse and/or midwife. 

Associate Nurse Educator Transitional Support, Professional Practice Support Unit. North West Hospital and Health Service, QLD 

1. During your graduate year you may find yourself in a specialty you didn’t initially choose.  Don’t despair, this can be an invaluable opportunity for your growth. Embrace the learning and see every new experience as an opportunity to add to your professional development. Remember, you are developing transferable skills — critical thinking, patient assessment, communication and teamwork, these skills will also serve you well during your nursing journey. 
2. Actively seek feedback. Be open to receiving feedback from experienced nurses, preceptors, and supervisors. Feedback is a tool for improvement not criticism. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek clarification and ask for advice. Your graduate year is all about your learning and growth. 
3. At the end of each shift, take the time to reflect on what went well and areas for improvement. Self-reflection will help you grow, consolidate learning, and identify learning opportunities. Reflecting will not only enhance your learning experience, but it will also keep you on track as your improvements throughout the year will keep you motivated. 

Remember, you also have access to our team of experienced nurses and midwives if you’re struggling and need to strategise how to get through your grad year. We’re here for you Australia-wide on 1800 667 877 or by email. 

You can also check out the rest of this newsletter, Edition 25: Supporting future nurses & midwives — Tips for students & grads.