3 Things New Nursing Graduates Should Know

In her May LinkedIn article, “To the May Nursing Graduates: 3 Things I Wish I Knew 30+ Years Ago”, BCEN CEO Janie Schumaker offers valuable advice for new grads and tenured RNs alike.

Her top three lessons learned over 30+ years in the profession are simple yet powerful reminders that, “at the heart of it all, nursing isn’t just about what we do—it’s about how we show up.” 

Janie had this to say:

May is a milestone month—graduations, fresh starts, and the beginning of something incredibly meaningful. If you’re a new nurse, you’re stepping into a role that will challenge you, shape you, and stay with you forever.

If you’ve been in nursing awhile, you know that growth never really stops. After more than 30 years in this profession, there are a few things I wish someone had told me at the very beginning—lessons that still hold true today, no matter where you are in your career. Here are my top three.