48: New Nurse Survival Guide: Navigating Your First 90 Days On The Job

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In Episode 48 of Life After Nursing School, I’m sharing a new nurse survival guide to help you navigate your first 90 days on the job—especially if you’re in orientation, starting your first nursing role, or wondering, “Why does this feel so hard… and is it supposed to?”


We break down why the first 90 days as a new nurse feel so intense, what’s happening behind the scenes during new employee orientation and nursing orientation, and how confidence is actually built through repetition—not perfection. I walk you through the three phases most new nurses experience: Days 1–30 (survival mode), Days 31–60 (the confidence dip), and Days 61–90 (early competence and finding your footing).


You’ll also learn practical mindset shifts to help with new nurse anxiety, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to compare yourself to other new grads—plus tips on asking questions, staying safe, getting support, and recognizing the difference between normal discomfort and an unsafe work environment.


If you’re a new grad nurse trying to survive orientation and become a confident bedside nurse, this episode will remind you: you’re not failing—you’re becoming.


Thank you to our Life After Nurse School Podcast Affiliate


-Mometrix: Study for the NCLEX or entrance exams (HESI & TEAS) with affordable resource Mometrix. Apply “ Caroline20” to get 20% off: https://ref.mometrix.com/1191-852.htm 


Connect with Nurse Coach Caroline:


Instagram →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠ (  / nursecoachcaroline  )


TikTok →⁠ @NurseCoachCaroline⁠ (  / nursecoachcaroline  )


Website →⁠ nursecoachcaroline.com⁠ (https://www.nursecoachcaroline.com)


Other Life After Nursing School Podcast Episodes mentioned that may help during the first 90 days: 

•  Episode 28 - “New Nurses: What No One Tells You During Orientation.” In that episode, we talk through things that often get overlooked—like basic 401(k) questions, how to handle intimidating or difficult coworkers, what I recommend keeping in your work bag, and more of the behind-the-scenes realities of being a new nurse.
• Episode 31 - “Surviving Nursing Orientation When Your Preceptor Isn’t the Best Fit.” In that episode, I share very tangible, realistic ways to navigate that relationship and advocate for yourself while still staying professional.
• Episode 36 - “How New Nurses Can Use ChatGPT to Build Critical Thinking Skills.”  This episode is geared toward helping you build your critical thinking skills as quickly as possible. This one is especially helpful if you’re looking for ways to strengthen your clinical thinking outside of your shifts.

Please consider rating & subscribing to the show if this episode brought value to your life! I am here for you ＜3