Top 10 Tips for a New Nurse Practitioner 

Starting as a new nurse practitioner (NP) can be incredibly fulfilling, but the first few months, and even years, of practice, are often a balancing act. From transitioning from an RN to NP to staying organized, here are ten essential tips for all new nurse practitioners entering practice, to help you feel confident, successful, and prepared in your new role. 

1. Manage Your Time Wisely 

Time management is essential for success in any role, but especially one of an advanced practice provider. With a busy schedule and complex patient needs, staying organized can be tough, but with a little focus on time management, it is possible. Follow these tips when you’re getting started to help you succeed: 

• Tackle Complex Patients First: See the more complex cases early on in the day, saving simpler cases for later when you might have less energy. Booking annual physical exams for the morning can be a good way to make sure you have the energy to spend the appropriate time with each patient, without burning out.

• Divide and Conquer: Set aside blocks of time for patient care, documentation, and admin tasks. When starting a new job, be sure that admin time is worked into your day-no need to take work home with you!  

• Set Boundaries: Don’t take on too much too soon. Be honest about your capacity to avoid burnout. Starting slow, with ample time for patients, can be a great way to be sure you avoid burnout.  

2. Build Patient Relationships 

Good communication is at the heart of patient care, especially in a day and age when patients have access to everything, including their health information, at their fingertips. Here are a few ways to keep conversations clear and meaningful: 

• Listen and Reflect: Really listen and then repeat back what you heard to ensure both of you are on the same page. Ask pertinent questions to be sure you are understanding your patients.  

• Skip the Medical Lingo: Break down complex terms so patients understand their care plan. Use layman terms when possible and have handouts readily available to help patients understand their conditions and care.  

• Mind Your Body Language: Eye contact and open posture convey empathy and build trust. Try to only write down or type what you absolutely need to during patient visits so patients feel they have your full attention.  

3. Find a Mentor

A mentor can be a huge asset when starting out as a new nurse practitioner. Having someone who’s been there can help you gain success, confidence, and aid you making decisions.  

• Find an Experienced NP: Look for someone who shares your values and can offer both clinical and career advice. A great place to start is with your clinical instructors.  

• Join Professional Organizations: Organizations like the AANP and ANA offer mentorship, events, and resources for new nurse practitioners. There are also state-level nursing organizations that can be a great way to meet mentors in your area.  

• Connect with Peers: Fellow new NPs can be great support, offering camaraderie and advice as you navigate challenges together. Having peers who are in the same career stage as you are can be invaluable as you all grow together in your roles.  

4. Get Comfortable with Electronic Health Records (EHR) 

EHRs can seem daunting at first as you move to a provider role, but with a few tricks, they’ll soon feel more manageable. 

• Set Up Shortcuts and Custom Texts: Custom templates can save you a lot of time on routine notes. Have your IT team set this up for your as soon as you onboard so you are ready to go when you start seeing patients.  

• Document in Real Time: When possible, complete notes during or right after a patient visit to avoid a mountain of end-of-day work. This can also help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and burnt out.  

• Double-Check Entries: Small errors can have big consequences, so take a quick moment to review before sending medications or signing a visit. Always make sure documentation is truthful and objective.  

5. Keep Learning 

Healthcare changes constantly - it is called practicing medicine, after all. Staying current is important for providing the best care and being on top of changing trends in medicine. 

• Use CME Resources: Online courses, conferences, and workshops can help you stay updated. Most organizations allow for time, and money, to be used for CMEs, so definitely take advantage of those resources. Trusted sources like Archer Review offer weekly free webinars which can help you stay up to date.  

• Read Trusted Journals: Follow reputable sources in your field to keep your knowledge fresh. Many of these are free to NPs and can be sent right to your email for quick reference.  

• Network with Experts: Industry events are a great way to pick up new insights. Look for local conferences and symposiums to network and learn about the latest changes and insights to medical practice.  

6. Prescribe with Confidence 

Prescribing medications is one of the core responsibilities of NPs, and confidence comes with practice. Knowing the basics of medication prescribing is essential not only to practicing safe medicine, but also to protecting your license.  

• Master Common Medications: Familiarize yourself with the most frequently used medications to make prescribing faster and easier. Knowing contraindications and most common side effects can also help avoid medication errors.  

• Keep Reference Apps Handy: Apps like Epocrates or Lexicomp can help you access drug information on the spot. It is never wrong to tell a patient you need to research what medications are best for them.  

• Engage Patients in Decisions: Involving patients in the process builds trust and often improves adherence. Reviewing possible side effects and risks and benefits can help patients feel in control of their health and build a trusting relationship.

7. Manage Challenging Situations with Grace 

You’ll likely encounter challenging patients or situations, this is a normal part of healthcare. Handling them calmly helps everyone involved. 

• Set Clear Expectations: When a patient is stressed, explain what they can expect to reduce frustration. Reviewing the steps you are taking to help alleviate their stressors can help patients feel like they have someone on their side.  

• Use Calming Techniques: If a situation gets tense, stay calm, listen, and avoid defensive responses. Asking for another team member to attend visits that may be tense can also help diffuse situations.  

• Be Transparent: Being clear about what you can provide helps manage patient expectations. Be clear about what medications you can and can not prescribe, and the limits of your abilities. Oftentimes stress comes from unrealistic expectations from patients, so being extremely transparent can help avoid difficult situations.  

8. Take Care of Yourself 

Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s essential to staying energized and engaged. Setting boundaries and making time for self care is essential to avoiding burnout.  

• Set Work Hours: Resist checking emails or work messages outside of work hours unless absolutely necessary. Removing apps from your personal phone and devices can help enforce this boundary.  

• Prioritize Your Health: Eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep all contribute to managing stress and staying resilient. You can not pour from an empty cup; prioritizing your health is essential to providing good patient care.  

• Practice Mental Breaks: Even short breaks can recharge your focus. Consider meditation or breathing exercises for quick relief. Taking a quick walk at lunch can also be a great way to reset your mind for more patient care hours.

9. Collaborate with Your Healthcare Team 

As a nurse practitioner, you’ll work alongside a variety of healthcare professionals. Teamwork is key to patient care. Knowing you have a supportive team behind you can be helpful when it comes to making difficult decisions and providing optimal patient care.  

• Respect Each Role: Every team member has expertise to offer. Respect their contributions and appreciate their work. Understanding different points of view and different approaches to medicine is essential to collaboration.  

• Communicate Clearly: Make sure your communication is clear and respectful to avoid misunderstandings. Communicate your limitations as well so other more senior team members can help out where needed. Remember, everyone starts somewhere!  

• Seek Input: Don’t hesitate to ask colleagues for advice on tough cases. It often leads to better outcomes and better patient satisfaction, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

10. Define Your Professional Identity 

Developing your own style and setting boundaries as you transition from RN to NP will help you find satisfaction in your role as a new nurse practitioner. 

• Know Your Values: Find a care approach that aligns with your personal values, whether it’s preventive care, patient-centered care, or something else. Knowing what your personal values are can help you move through your career in a cohesive way.  

• Establish Professional Boundaries: Setting professional boundaries will protect your focus and help keep your interactions balanced. You have worked hard to be an NP, do not let others disregard your professional opinion and patient care.  

• Build Trust with Patients: Consistency, transparency, and empathy make patients more likely to follow through on treatment. Most patients want to be heard and helped, so letting them know you are there to do those things helps to build a strong patient-provider relationship.

Starting your journey as a new nurse practitioner is an incredible opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Following these tips can help you build confidence and find fulfillment in your career. Remember, it’s all about balance and growth—take it one day at a time, and enjoy the journey!