 This video is for all the graduates out there. Happy Nursing School graduation fall of 2022. I was asked by my latest students at San Diego City College to give the keynote speech at the graduation, but unfortunately I couldn't be there in person. So I thought I would make this video for them and for all the other graduates out there and give my keynote speech right here on Nursing School Explained. You've worked hard for the last few years, not only in Nursing School, but also during the prerequisites. You've been through COVID, you've been through modified clinicals, modified classroom, online learning, and all of this might make you feel a little bit insecure about your nursing career. Have I received all the training that I can possibly get to be there for Nursing School? And there's a quote that I found that really exemplifies nursing to me. It says, the character of a nurse is as important as the knowledge they possess. This is by Carolyn Javis. And I think it's very true because nursing is a lifelong learning job. So your knowledge is very important, but also it's defined by your character. So as you go out into the world after you pass your NCLEX exam and you find your first job, maybe it's your dream job, maybe it's a good first job. But remember, nursing, there is a lot of jobs out there and a lot of different ways to do nursing. So even if you don't get your dream job first, keep looking and keep getting out there and keep persevering because you have persevered through these last few years in Nursing School and you made it. You are here today. There's always lots of options and lots of demand for nurses, new graduates as well as experienced nurses. And when you go out into your new job, be confident that you have the skills and what it takes to be a nurse because you have succeeded being through this rigorous nursing program. But at the same time, don't be overconfident. Don't exude that overconfidence and be a know-it-all because nobody really likes anybody who's a know-it-all. So it is okay to ask questions. Nobody's gonna know all the answers. Every experienced nurse always learns something new. So don't be afraid to ask questions whether it's to your preceptor, your coworker, a fellow nursing school friend who might work at the same unit with you or maybe they're not even working with you but always ask questions. That's how you learn and how you become better at this job. And also accept and offer help. We know that nursing is a team sport. Nobody works alone. It all depends on the quality and the ability of your teamwork. So ask for help if you don't know it but also offer help if you got done with certain tasks already. Don't be afraid to do that and also show appreciation for your fellow teammates whether those are other nurses or nursing assistants, transporters, physical therapists, physicians, nurse practitioners, it's a whole team effort. So get out there and be a very, very good team player. It's gonna serve you well. As you'll get out there and get your first job you need to learn how to prioritize and also communicate efficiently. So that SBAR report that you've heard of for so many years now it's gonna come very hand in very handy. So the communication be very succinct. Make sure you have all the information that you wanna communicate and communicate very clearly and calmly. The prioritization is going to become more comfortable as you continue in your nursing career and as you become more confident in the department that you're working with and in this new role. And then one of the beautiful things about nursing is that we have the ability to participate in lifelong learning. So learning is going to be a continued process. Initially it might be through a new grad program on the job training, certain specialized classes, maybe ACLS and PALS and trauma nurse or whatever it is that you decide to work in. But then there's also the ability to get an advanced degree if that is what you want to do. So be open to this lifelong learning. Maybe if it's not an advanced degree but still look at those continuing education units and those classes that are offered to you because there's always something new to be learning patient care and that's one of the beauties of our profession. Then make sure you take breaks. If you decide you're gonna work at a hospital, you might work 12 hour shifts and those are heavy shifts. They can be very tasky and taxing on your body, on your mind, you're running around before you know it. It's two o'clock in the afternoon. Make sure you take some time and take some breaks, not only to take care of your physical body and those needs such as drinking water and eating a snack but also to take that breather and step away for a few minutes from that patient care and make sure that you refresh your brain as you're continuing through the shift maybe in the afternoon. Take care of yourself. And that includes taking care of your physical, your mental, your emotional wellbeing. And it starts with the very simple things that we tend to teach our patients a lot and that includes making sure that you eat well, a well-balanced diet, that you move your body in whatever capacity suits you and that you get enough rest and sleep and also get out into nature whenever you can to balance those demands that the nursing profession brings with itself. Cause really if we don't take care of ourselves we're not really able to take care of others. And last but not least, be kind. Be kind to your patients, to your coworkers, to your loved ones at home that are also now starting or adjusting to this new role that you are in. And be kind to yourself. Again, the character of a nurse is as important as the knowledge they possess. So go out there, share your knowledge, share your characters with the world. Good luck, you've got this. Congratulations class of 2022. Go City College.