🗣️ Finding Your Voice: What No One Tells You About Speaking Up as a New Nurse
A nurse, finding her voice and speaking up.
The Hardest Part About Being New Isn’t the Tasks—It’s the Talking
You can learn your meds. You can master your charting.
But nothing quite prepares you for that first moment when you need to speak up—and your voice catches in your throat.
Maybe you notice a subtle change in a patient.
Maybe something about an order doesn’t feel right.
Maybe you just have a gut feeling that something’s off…
…and yet, the words come out slow, hesitant, unsure.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Every new nurse has that moment where using their voice feels like the hardest skill of all.
But here’s the truth:
Using your voice isn’t disrespectful—it’s responsible.
And the more you practice, the stronger it becomes.
Let’s dive in!
💬 Why Speaking Up Feels So Hard (and So Important)
It’s a mental tug-of-war:
You don’t want to overstep.
You don’t want to sound like you don’t know what you’re doing.
You definitely don’t want to make things awkward.
But silence doesn’t equal professionalism—communication does.
Nursing culture often tells new grads to “just observe,” but your voice is one of your most important safety tools. Every question you ask, every concern you voice, is a layer of protection for your patients.
“silence doesn’t equal professionalism—communication does”
⚖️ Finding the Balance Between Learning and Leading
You can be new and still confident.
You can ask for help without apologizing for needing it.
Try using phrases like:
“Can we double-check this together?”
“Something doesn’t feel right—can you help me think it through?”
“I might be overthinking this, but I’d rather ask.”
These words don’t challenge authority—they invite collaboration.
And remember: curiosity is professionalism. It shows you care enough to make sure it’s right, not just done.
A nursing student speaking up.
🩺 When Speaking Up Feels Awkward (Because It Will)
The first few times you speak up—especially about something that feels “off”—it will feel awkward and disjointed.
That’s normal.
It feels that way for everyone, even outside of nursing.
Take your time.
Use your nursing judgment.
And tell the story of what’s happening with your patient.
Instead of trying to sound polished or perfect, focus on painting the picture:
What’s changed?
What’s concerning you?
What do you see, hear, or feel that’s different?
When you stick to the story, you remove the pressure to sound “right.” You’re just communicating facts—and your clinical awareness grows with every conversation.
🌱 Building Everyday Confidence in Communication
Think of your voice like a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets.
Try this:
1️⃣ Start small: Ask one clarifying question each shift.
2️⃣ Rehearse out loud: Practice how you’d phrase a concern.
3️⃣ Anchor in gratitude: “I’m thankful nursing taught me to speak up, not stay silent.”
This isn’t about becoming loud—it’s about becoming clear.
Your calm persistence matters. It shows professionalism and protects your patients.
💡 When It Feels Like No One’s Listening
Sometimes, even when you do everything right, your voice might not land the way you hoped.
That doesn’t mean you were wrong to speak—it means you’re still learning the how and who of communication.
If you’re brushed off, don’t retreat.
Rephrase if needed.
Document what you observed.
Debrief with a trusted nurse afterward.
Your calm persistence matters. It shows professionalism and protects your patients.
🫀 Your Voice Is a Vital Sign
Your voice tells the story of your patient when they can’t.
It carries your compassion, your judgment, and your growing confidence.
It may shake at first.
It may stumble.
But every time you use it, you’re becoming the kind of nurse who keeps patients safe—and who stands in her power with grace.
Take a breath, trust what you see, and tell the story.
That’s how your voice becomes your strength.
🎁 🎧 Freebie: The Speak-Up Reflection Audio Guide
Speaking up as a new nurse doesn’t start on the floor—it starts in reflection.
This 5-minute audio guide helps you unwind after a shift, notice where your voice showed up (or didn’t), and set an intention for tomorrow.
🎧 Listen after a shift, on your commute home, or before bed.
🕯 It’s quiet. Grounding. Real. And it helps you find your voice again, one shift at a time.
Listen to “Finding Your Voice: The 5-Minute Shift Reflection for New Nurses”
➡️ [Grab your free audio guide here] / Passcode: #fM3kS8@
You CAN do this!
Get your conversation cards here to help with your voice at work
💬 Join the Conversation:
Comment below!
Share your stories in the comments or reach out—I’d love to hear from you.
When have you spoken up while nursing?
Any NCLEX tips or stories you'd like to share with your fellow new nurses?
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Want Mentorship?
Nurse Mentor
If you’re a new nurse (or an experienced one) who wants help building communication skills, I’m here to support you.
Let’s imagine a nursing culture where we handle conflict with courage, professionalism, and care—not fear or silence.
Let’s build that together.
