In the ‘Grad Firsts’ NurseClick Column, Stage Two Emerging Nurse Leader Emma Wright MACN provides personal and honest reflections on her recent experiences as a graduate nurse. The articles, which can be viewed in full here, are a great resource for those at the early stages of their journey through the nursing profession.
As I write this, I am hurtling toward the end of my graduate program. This was highlighted as I attended a preceptorship training day and realised that soon I will move into this next stage of my career.
I am still very new but am now raising up the next group of nursing graduates. I have also been mentoring an international student as she prepares her applications for her own graduate program and chatting with students about the options they have.
My graduate year was atypical. I started mid-year during a pandemic and, in many ways, I feel as though I have been a nurse much longer than I have. The reality is, however, that it is time for me to leave the wonderful support and safety of the graduate program and think about what my next steps will be.
I had a pretty clear vision of my career trajectory as I started my graduate year, and that was supported by my selection as an Emerging Nurse Leader. At this stage I am in the midst of perfecting my cover letter and resume and preparing for my first online interview! While my goals are still clear, I have come to realise that there are so many pathways and opportunities for me. Working for an agency, hospital pool, contact tracing, immunising… are just some of the possibilities that are before me.
I write all this to encourage you that there are many paths to take, not just one. The paths I have had the honour to travel down in the past year have introduced me to some amazing colleagues and opportunities. I am not sure if I will take the path to the left or the right but living and working in Melbourne for the past year has given me a perspective and resilience I was lacking.
No matter which way I go I know that I will be making a difference.
