Your Pocket Guide to Building Confidence in Your Grad Year

I know firsthand that starting your grad year is no small thing. Walking onto the ward for the first time felt like stepping into another world - one where everyone seemed to know exactly what they were doing, except me.

It was overwhelming, exciting, and to be honest, terrifying. If you’re feeling the same way, you’re not alone. Every nurse has stood where you are now, wondering if they’d ever find their footing.

Here’s what I’ve learned: confidence isn’t something you show up with - it’s something you build, moment by moment, shift by shift.

It grows through small wins, leaning on your team, and learning as you go.

This pocket guide is here to help you navigate the challenges, celebrate your progress, and remind you that you’ve got this, one shift at a time.

Starting out: Surviving day one

The first shift can feel like chaos - so much to learn, so many new faces, and that nagging feeling that you should already know what you're doing. But no one expects you to be perfect.

Breathe	First days are overwhelming, I’ve been there. Take a moment to ground yourself when it feels like too much.
Ask questions	No one expects you to know everything - clarity is always better than guessing.
Pack essentials	Bring your name badge, a pen (or two), a small notebook, and snacks. Trust me - no one works well on an empty stomach.
Buddy up	Introduce yourself to someone on your shift, whether that’s another grad or a new colleague. A friendly face can make all the difference.

Facing the known unknowns

In university, you learn the theory - but the reality of a hospital ward is something else entirely. You’ll constantly be faced with situations where you don’t even know what you don’t know. That’s okay. The key is to start with the basics, ask for help, and trust that with time, it will start to make sense.

Prioritisation made simple	Tools like ABCDE are your best friend - use them as the basis of your decision-making. Focus on safety first - patients’ lives always take priority over paperwork.
Ask for help	I leaned on phrases like “Can you show me how to…?” or “Do you know how to…?” more times than I can count. Better than okay, it’s the smartest thing you can do!
Stay organised	Write down tasks in order of urgency/priority and tick them off as you go.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint	Grad year isn’t about knowing it all on day one - it’s about learning over time so try not to be too hard on yourself.

Small wins = Big confidence

Confidence doesn’t come from mastering everything overnight - it comes from those small moments when you realise you’re improving. It’s easy to focus on what you don’t know, but recognising what you’ve learned already can help shift your mindset.

Celebrate tiny victories	Made it through handover and actually understood most of it? That’s progress! Explained a procedure to a patient without stumbling? You’re getting there.
Write it down	I kept a notebook during my grad year, and it helped me more times than I could count. Jotting down what I’d learned not only became my go-to reference when I needed to double-check something later, but it also boosted my confidence knowing I had it in my back pocket.
Find your mentor	Whether you connect with your preceptor, educator or a fellow colleague, having a mentor can significantly help you in your grad year.
Feedback is liquid gold	Ask your colleagues for one thing you’re doing well and one area to improve - it’s all part of growing.

Leaning on the team

Nursing can feel overwhelming, but you’re not expected to do it alone. The best nurses I’ve worked with weren’t the ones who knew everything - they were the ones who worked well with their team. Leaning on the people around you doesn’t make you less competent; it makes you a better nurse.

Nursing is a team sport	Those calm, confident colleagues you admire? They started where you are and are almost always happy to help you.
Speak up early	Struggling with something? Let someone know before it becomes overwhelming or unsafe.
Learn by watching	Some of the best tips I picked up came from simply observing experienced nurses.
Share the load	When you’re stuck, ask for help - your team is there for you, just like you’ll be there for them one day.

Finding balance in the chaos

Grad year is intense, and it’s easy to burn yourself out trying to prove yourself. I learned the hard way that saying yes to everything and pushing through exhaustion isn’t sustainable. The best thing you can do is learn how to set limits and take care of yourself early.

Set boundaries	It’s okay to say no to extra shifts or responsibilities when you’re already stretched thin.
Prioritise rest	Sleep, eat, and take breaks when you can. You can’t care for others if you’re running on empty.
Recognise burnout	If you’re feeling disengaged or overwhelmed, talk to someone.
Have a reset ritual	Whether it’s a walk, a coffee, or a good book, find something that helps you recharge after tough shifts.

Your Grad nurse confidence checklist

Some shifts will feel like a win. Others will leave you wondering if you’re cut out for this. The key is to notice the small moments that show you’re getting better.

• Managed to complete one shift without feeling completely overwhelmed.
• Asked for help when needed - and didn’t feel bad about it.
• Celebrated a small win, no matter how tiny.
• Took a break or did something for yourself post-shift.

Looking ahead

I learned that your grad year isn’t about being perfect - it’s about finding your rhythm, learning from your experiences, and building confidence step by step. Some days will feel like a win, and others might feel like a struggle - that’s just how it goes.

I can promise you, though, that over time, the things that feel hard now will become second nature.

One day, you’ll look back and realise just how far you’ve come. You’ll find yourself guiding someone else through their first steps, remembering exactly what it felt like to be where they are.

Until then, take it one shift at a time, trust the process, and don’t forget to give yourself credit for everything you’re already achieving.

You’re exactly where you’re meant to be.