By Janice, LPN — Night Shift Nurse & Mentor
Entering the nursing field is exciting, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming. Whether you’re fresh out of school, transitioning to night shift, or stepping into a new specialty, one thing is certain: real nursing wisdom comes from real experiences.
In this blog, I’m sharing challenges I’ve faced, wins I’ve earned, lessons I learned the hard way, and advice I wish every new nurse could receive on day one. Let’s dive in.
1. Challenges LPNs Face on the Job (and How to Overcome Them)
A. Time Management When Everyone Needs You at Once
One of the biggest early-career shocks is realizing you can have five call lights going off, meds due, and a disoriented patient trying to climb out of bed—all at the same time.
Example:
On one of my first night shifts, I had a resident with dementia repeatedly setting off bed alarms, another resident vomiting from a new medication, and a resident scheduled for a 6 AM blood sugar check who insisted it had to be done now. I felt pulled in every direction.
Lesson:
Prioritize using the “ABC + safety” mindset:
Airway/Breathing/Circulation first
Safety next (falls, agitation, wandering)
Comfort last
Once you master prioritization, your stress level drops dramatically.
B. Emotional Strain and Compassion Fatigue
LPNs often form close bonds with patients and families. That closeness can make loss or conflict harder.
Example:
I cared for an elderly resident for months—helped her with meals, tucked her in, listened to her stories. The morning she passed, I still had a full med pass, new admissions, and charting to complete. There’s barely time to process grief in the moment.
What helps:
Step away for a few breaths when needed
Talk to coworkers—never bottle everything up
Set boundaries (you’re caring, not superhuman)
C. Feeling Undervalued or Overlooked
Many LPNs struggle with feeling dismissed by higher-level providers or administrators.
Example:
A nurse practitioner once questioned my assessment—only to return later and say, “You were right. Thanks for catching that.”
Speak up for your patients. Your instincts matter. Experience builds confidence.
2. Success Stories & Lessons Learned
A. Small Wins Are Big Wins
Your “biggest success” might not be a life-saving emergency—it might be gaining a patient’s trust or calming a stressed family member.
Example:
I had a new diabetic patient who refused insulin because she thought it meant she had “failed.” I took 10 minutes to sit with her and explain what insulin does and why it wasn’t her fault. By the end of the shift, she agreed to treatment.
Lesson:
Never underestimate the power of education, patience, and kindness. Those little victories make enormous differences.
B. Advocacy Is Your Superpower
LPNs are often the first to notice subtle changes. Those observations save lives.
Example:
During a night shift, a normally chatty patient became unusually quiet and warm to the touch. Vitals showed a fever and elevated heart rate. I notified the provider immediately—turns out he was developing sepsis. Early treatment made all the difference.
Lesson:
If something feels “off,” trust yourself. Document well. Communicate clearly.
C. Growth Comes From the Hard Days
Every nurse has moments when they think, Am I cut out for this?
Example:
My first code blue rattled me so badly I questioned whether I belonged in nursing at all. But reviewing what happened, talking with experienced nurses, and staying open to learning helped me grow stronger and more prepared.
Lesson:
You don’t become a strong nurse by avoiding challenges—you become strong by moving through them.
3. Advice for New Nurses Entering the Field
A. Ask Questions—Lots of Them
No one expects you to know everything. Asking questions is a sign of professionalism, not weakness.
B. Master the Basics First
Focus on:
Safe med passes
Clear documentation
Recognizing early changes in patient condition
Communicating effectively with families and providers
Once you nail the basics, everything else becomes much easier.
C. Build Routines That Support You
Especially if you work nights:
Pre-pack your bag
Prepare meals ahead
Create a wind-down ritual after shift
Stay hydrated (coffee doesn’t count!)
D. Protect Your Mental Health
Burnout is real. Look for signs:
Irritability
Forgetfulness
Emotional numbness
Dreading your shift
When you notice these things, pause and reset. You matter, too.
4. The Importance of Mentorship in Nursing
Mentorship is the heart of nursing. A good mentor can cut years off your learning curve.
A. How Mentorship Changed My Career
When I was a new LPN, I had a senior nurse who taught me:
How to speak with confidence
What red flags to look for during assessments
How to de-escalate combative patients
When to trust my instincts
Without her guidance, I would have learned many lessons the hard way.
B. Why Every Nurse Needs a Mentor
Mentors help you:
Feel supported, not alone
Make safer clinical decisions
Learn unwritten unit culture
Become the nurse patients rely on
And eventually, you’ll become that mentor for someone else.
C. How to Find a Mentor
Look for someone experienced and patient
Notice nurses who teach rather than criticize
Ask directly: “Would you mind mentoring me as I grow in this role?”
Check in with your educator or charge nurse if unsure
Good mentors don’t have to be perfect—they just have to care.
Final Thoughts
The nursing journey is a marathon, not a sprint. As a night-shift LPN, I’ve learned that growth happens in the messy moments, success blooms from compassion, and support from mentors turns new nurses into confident caregivers.
Wherever you are in your nursing career, remember:
You are not alone, you are capable, and you are needed.