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Setting you up for success

As you start out in your new role, it’s good to:

  • think about your aspirations and goals
  • discuss your professional needs and areas for development
  • plan your professional development
  • check and review your progress regularly
  • use an online portfolio to evidence your achievements and prepare for your first revalidation
  • visit: rcni.com/portfolio.

Use this checklist as a guide to support your progress in your first year.

The checklist is not exhaustive, but may guide your initial planning.

   

✓
 The night   before
  • Relax and get a good night’s sleep
  • Prepare your lunch
  • Have your RCN crib cards handy
  • Set your alarm (and back up alarm?)
  • Lay out your uniform (if you have one)
  • Plan your route and travel arrangements. Check times, as needed.
  
 The first day
  • Give yourself plenty of time for your journey.
  
 The first   week
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
  • Meet your named preceptor (an experienced nurse who will mentor and train you to develop your clinical skills and knowledge).
  
 3 weeks
  • Agree plans for preceptorship, including monthly updates and achievement of tasks.
  • Discuss your own personal development needs.
  • Identify competencies and areas of development needed for your role.
  • Create an e-portfolio to collate and record your learning.
  • Meet team members.
                    
 End of first   complete   month
  • Check your payslip.
  • Are all your details correct?
  • Is your personal tax code correct?
  • Have you paid into a pension?
  • Have you received your shift allowance? (You may not receive this until your second month.)
  
 2-3 months
  • Check if your preceptorship plans are on track.
  • Record your progress on competencies.
  • Plan and book annual leave, as per your employer’s guidelines and allowances.
  • Review RCN networks and forums. Identify and engage with any of interest to you.
  • Contact local RCN activists, such as representatives and your local branch. rcn.org.uk/get-involved
  
 6-12 months
  • Check if your preceptorship plans are on track.
  • Record your progress on competencies.
  • Identify outstanding areas for development or further skills needed for your role.
  • Understand the role of practice supervisor and discuss with your preceptor.
  • Put plans in place to develop practice supervisor skills, where needed.
  • Prepare for first appraisal: review preceptorship plan, e-portfolio, and achievements.
  • Complete first reflection for NMC revalidation.
  • Engage with RCN networks and forums of choice.
  • Consider how these networks inform and support your role and ongoing professional development and career progression
  • Consider more engagement with RCN activities and branch.
  • Identify goals for the next year of your practice and your continuing professional development (CPD).
  • Start thinking about and planning your career pathway. Is there any specific learning and development needed to support your career progression?