Stepping into your first shift in charge is a significant milestone in your nursing career.
Leading a shift comes with added responsibility, requiring you to manage the ward or clinic, co-ordinate staff, make critical decisions and ensure patient safety.
It can feel exciting, daunting and overwhelming all at once. But, you can be assured that all experienced nurses have gone through the same situation and know what you’re going through.
I felt out of my depth
“I will never forget my first shift in charge,” says Professor Emily McWhirter, Associate Director at the RCN Leadership Academy. “It happened quite unexpectedly due to a colleague being unwell. I was terrified. My first thought was ‘I don’t know what to do’. I felt out of my depth.”
Emily reflects on this experience as a defining moment, enabling her to begin her nursing career with confidence.
“Although I was unprepared that first time, it was a good learning experience. Early on, it taught me the skills I needed to be a good leader, such as remaining calm, taking advice from others and understanding that some things will just be out of your control,” says Emily.
Born or taught?
The old adage that some people are "born leaders" might be true, but Emily says leadership skills can be taught and there are techniques you can work on to help you become a better leader.
“Leadership skills can be learnt, the same as any skill,” she says. “You’re more of a leader than you realise. You’re probably already managing others, advising patients and colleagues and thinking about the best way to deal with issues and solve problems – these are just a few leadership skills you might already be using.”
Emily advises learning from role models and possibly finding a mentor or senior colleague to support you. “Most people will be really pleased if you notice how well they do their job,” she says.
Sometimes things happen that are out of your control
To be more prepared for your first shift, look at people in charge at your workplace. "Keep an eye out, listen to what they say and take on their advice,” she adds.
Importantly, Emily reassures that leading your first shift is a learning curve and something that will get easier over time, even if things don’t always run smoothly.
“You can plan, you can be prepared, you can feel confident, but in health care, sometimes things happen that are out of your control,” says Emily.
“Don’t blame yourself. Just do your best.”
Emily’s top tips for leading your first shift
- Why am I here? Remember, you’ve trained for this moment, you’re the specialist. Have confidence in your ability and tell yourself that.
- Make a list. Write down useful numbers on your notepad (porters, doctors, safeguarding team, IT), in case you need them in a hurry.
- Who’s with you? Talk to people working on the ward already, tell colleagues it’s your first shift in charge, they’ll understand and be supportive.
- If unsure, ask. It’s your first shift in charge, so it's ok to ask for help. Don’t feel embarrassed, your colleagues would rather you ask than feel overwhelmed and anxious.
- Look at role models. Think about those people around you who inspire you, whether that's a colleague or another leader at work. Ask them for tips and shadow them if you’re able.
- Don’t worry. Try not to worry about things that happen or things you cannot change. And remember – every nurse leader also did a first shift in charge.
Leading my first shift: Gabby's story
Gabby Nutley is a registered mental health nurse. She shares how she felt leading her first shift as a newly registered nurse.
I'd spent my student placement on a forensic unit with males who’ve experienced criminal justice issues and began working there after I'd qualified.
My first shift in charge was three weeks after getting my pin.
I was absolutely terrified.
University does prepare you in practical elements and theory, but being able to lead a shift is not something I felt prepared for.
Looking back, I don't know how I did it. You can plan in your head how your first shift in charge might go, but unexpected things happen.
I’m neurodivergent too, so being able to plan beforehand is important for me and I can struggle with sudden change.
Thinking back, I just wanted to do a good job.
Being in charge so early on in my career and taking on that responsibility definitely toughened me up and raised my resilience – useful skills I’ve kept and built upon.
The beauty of nursing is you never stop learning
Taking advice and learning from others is key to leading well.
I remind myself why I’m a nurse to help keep me focused and not get too overwhelmed if things on a shift aren’t going to plan. Peer support is really important, as is not being afraid to ask for help.
You can learn so much from those already in your workplace. Sometimes, they might not even be in the same area or specialty as you, but they will have knowledge that could prove useful.
No one can know everything, especially when starting out.
The beauty of nursing is you never stop learning.
Leading your first shift is part of that learning experience and as with anything, you will get better over time and more experienced at how to handle situations.
You just have to take that first step.
How the RCN can support you in leadership
The RCN Institute is here to support you. The Institute is made up of five academies designed to enable members to make the most of the learning and development opportunities available.
The Leadership academy has a suite of programs designed specifically for newly registered nurses including how to lead your first shift.
If you're just starting out in your nursing career, the RCN's Newly Registered Nurses Network is free to join and has support and guidance designed with you in mind.
