Plan your first 90 days in a new role.

Name the role and your worry to get each month’s steps and a message asking for support.

Where are you now? (optional)

Before I startIn orientationAfter orientation

Plan details

RN · step-down to ICU nights

Example

Before day one
Make the first week smaller
Choose the exact words you'll use when you need help, and the first two people you'll ask.
Days 1 to 28
Build on your experience in this new setting
Keep one running list: people, routines, and questions to revisit.
Days 29 to 56
Start naming what you need
Ask for one specific strength and one specific thing to work on.
Days 57 to 90
Keep the support that helps you
Confirm who is available for help on your shifts, including when your usual contact is away.

How do I plan my first 90 days as a nurse?

Give each month one job: learn the unit's routines first, then ask how your assignment will grow, then review what is working with your manager and set the next check-in.

The first-year nursing path

First 90 days questions nurses ask.

What should I confirm before my first shift?

Your first shift and start time, who precepts you, who to call if you are running late, and where to badge in and park.

Does it work for LPNs, NPs and nurses changing units?

Yes. Say RN, LPN/LVN or NP and what is new. An LPN plan asks about the supervising RN, and an NP plan about the collaborating physician and patient load.

Can I save the plan and add check-ins to my calendar?

Yes. Save it to reopen from Saved work with your checked steps, download it as a PDF, or add the check-ins to your calendar once you set a start date.

Next steps

Not sure what orientation includesOrientation reviewTurn what you were told into questions to ask before you start.Look past the first yearNew nurse guideSee what usually comes after your first 90 days.

3 minutesInterview question builderTurn your job details and biggest concerns into questions worth asking.

GuideYour Preceptor Problem Might Be Fixable. Here's How to Find Out.So you've asked yourself the question from part one: If I had a respectful team, good training, and enough confidence to do the job well, would I actually want to do this work?

More starting a new role See what other nurses say about this

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How do I plan my first 90 days as a nurse?

First 90 days questions nurses ask.

Next steps

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