Celebrating Nurses Week by Building a Supportive Culture for All Nurses

As we approach Nurses Week, I find myself reflecting on my early days, particularly on the profound impact one nurse had on my career: Maryann. She wasn’t just any nurse; she was the epitome of what I aspired to be—smart, confident, and incredibly kind. Maryann had a wonderful relationship with the physicians, exuded competence and professionalism, and never once made me feel inadequate, despite my newcomer status. Her mentorship guided me through those intimidating first steps into nursing and set a standard for the professional I wanted to become.

The Reality Check

But let’s face it, not every new nurse is fortunate enough to have a Maryann in their early career. The transition from nursing school to the floor is often brutal. Many new nurses, brimming with eagerness, face a tough welcome that can shake their confidence—and it demonstrates the harsh reality that the phrase “nurses eat their young” is still part of our narrative. This Nurses Week, let’s focus not just on celebrating but on making real, actionable changes that honor and empower every nurse—from the greenest rookies to our most seasoned veterans.

Because here’s something crucial to remember—Maryann wasn’t born an expert. Nobody is. That’s a message we need to share loud and clear. Nursing is all about growth, about asking questions and seeking out help when you need it. It’s about learning from each step, each challenge, and each victory.

Why Do Nurses Leave?

Let’s discuss the phrase that hits close to home for many of us in nursing: the old saying, “Nurses eat their young.” This unsettling saying captures an ongoing challenge in our profession that seriously impacts nurse retention. It’s disheartening to think that the place meant to heal can sometimes feel like the most challenging battleground for new nurses stepping into their roles.

Why is this such a big deal? Nurse turnover isn’t just about numbers; it’s about real people and the ripple effects felt across our healthcare organizations. Each time a nurse decides to leave due to a negative environment, it’s not just a loss of a staff member—it’s a loss of potential, invested training, and valuable team cohesion.

Curious about the stats? The 2024 NSI National Health Care Retention and RN Staffing Report shines a light on this with some compelling data. It shows the national RN vacancy rate remains troublingly high at 9.9%. Even more concerning is that 34% of RNs leave the organization within their first year of hire. These statistics remind us of the work we need to do to create a supportive work culture where every nurse can thrive.

Setting Intentions for Nurses Week

This month is the perfect time for all of us to set meaningful intentions. If you’re a new nurse, embrace this week as a new beginning; remember that every expert was once a beginner, and asking questions and seeking guidance is okay.

For the seasoned nurses, reflect on your journey and commit to being the mentor you once needed, fostering a supportive environment that encourages and uplifts.

Nurse leaders, this is your opportunity to reinforce a culture of learning and respect, ensuring that your teams feel valued and empowered. Here are some tips to work into your daily routine:

Growing into Your Role as a New Nurse

Navigating the transition into your nursing role involves more than just clinical skills; it’s about cultivating personal growth and resilience. Here’s how you can actively shape your professional journey:

• Embrace Self-Awareness: Recognize areas where you need improvement and don’t be afraid to acknowledge them—it shows strength and a commitment to growth.
• Ask for Help: Understand that asking questions is a critical component of your professional development and enhances the care you provide to patients.
• Invest in Your Growth: Dedicate time to educational resources and self-care to build your skills and maintain your well-being.

Resources for Continuous Development

Taking proactive steps in your professional education is key to a successful nursing career. For more ways to enrich your practice and ensure your well-being, check out our resource, 4 Ways to Gift Yourself During Nurses Week. This guide offers practical advice on self-care and learning opportunities that can help you thrive in your role and beyond.

Guidance for Experienced Nurses and Leaders

If you’re an experienced nurse or a leader in healthcare, here’s how you can adopt a mentoring role that truly supports and uplifts new nurses:

• Encourage Openly: Focus on creating an environment where new nurses can speak up without fear of criticism. Encouragement should be your tool, not censure.
• Support Proactively: Be proactive in your support. Don’t wait for new nurses to come to you. Check-in with them regularly, offer help, and share your insights and experiences.
• Foster Growth: Encourage continuous learning and development. Help new nurses set professional goals and support them in achieving these.

Successful Initiatives to Consider

Several initiatives can help promote effective mentorship within nursing teams. For example, structured mentorship programs, regular one-on-one check-ins, and creating mentorship roles within the nursing staff are great ways to formalize support. For more ideas and strategies, check out our resource, 9 Ways to Welcome and Protect New Nurses, which offers practical tips on creating a nurturing work culture for newcomers.

Get Involved & Make a Difference

Let’s talk about a couple of things you can do right now:

• Join Us for Nurses Week: We’ve got a ton of activities planned, and we’d love for you to be part of them. Make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay updated and jump into the conversation. Whether it’s sharing stories, participating in fun activities, or just sending a shout-out to fellow nurses, your engagement matters.
• Dive Deeper with our Graduate Nurse Anti-Bullying Curriculum (GN-ABC): Looking to give your new nurses a solid foundation plus something extra? GN-ABC is perfect for that. It’s designed to weave seamlessly into your existing graduate nurse residency program, equipping your new nurses with critical skills to handle bullying and incivility. With GN-ABC, you’re not just educating; you’re empowering your nurses to thrive in today’s challenging healthcare environment. Contact Cheryl Fletcher, Director of Education, today to discuss incorporating the GN-ABC into your current program. Click Cheryl’s calendar to schedule a time that works best for you.
• Contribute to a Culture Shift: This is your call to action, folks. Let’s work together to create a healthcare environment that prioritizes support and mentorship. Every little bit helps—mentoring a new nurse, sharing your knowledge, or being a positive presence. Your efforts can inspire significant change and make our workplaces better for everyone.

Ready to make a difference? Let’s do this! Together, we can ensure that our nursing teams are surviving and thriving.

Looking to give your new nurses a solid foundation plus something extra? GN-ABC is perfect for that. Contact Cheryl Fletcher, Director of Education, today to discuss incorporating the GN-ABC into your current program.