Making a Good Impression Without Burning Out: A Guide for New Nurses and Carers

​You want to make a good impression – we get it!

Starting a new role in healthcare is exciting. Whether you're a newly qualified nurse, a carer entering the field for the first time, or simply stepping into a new setting, you naturally want to make a strong, positive impression. You want to be helpful. You want to be seen as reliable. And you want to show your commitment to delivering high-quality care.

At Nursing and Caring Direct, we understand that drive. It’s one of the reasons so many people are drawn to this profession in the first place, because they care. But here’s the reality, trying to do too much, too soon, can backfire. Taking on more than can lead to early burnout, stress, and even compromise the quality of care you provide.

So, how can you maintain healthy boundaries at work while still being a team player? How do you say no, respectfully, and without guilt? Let’s take a look.

​

1. Know Your Limits – And Respect Them

In any caring profession, there’s often an unspoken pressure to "go the extra mile"—to pick up extra shifts, say yes to every request, and put others' needs before your own. While there’s nothing wrong with going above and beyond occasionally, consistently pushing past your limits can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion!

Tip: Be honest with yourself about how much you can take on. If your shift is over and you’re exhausted, it’s okay to say, “I’m not in the best state to do this safely right now.”

​

2. Understand the Power of Boundaries

Boundaries are not about saying no to helping people, they’re about protecting your ability to help sustainably. When you maintain clear boundaries, you're more present, focused, and effective in your role.

Tip: Set expectations early on. If you’re asked to do something outside of your role or capacity, you might say, “I’d love to help, but I want to make sure I can give my full attention to my current responsibilities.”

​

3. Practice Assertive Communication

Saying no doesn’t have to mean being rude or dismissive. There’s a big difference between being assertive and being aggressive. Assertiveness is about clearly and calmly stating your needs, without apology or defensiveness.

Example phrases:

• “I don’t have capacity for that right now, but I can help later.”

• “I’m still getting settled in, so I’m focusing on learning my core responsibilities first.”

• “I’d like to help, but I need to check with my supervisor to make sure I’m prioritising correctly.”

4. Talk to Your Manager or Supervisor

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how much is too much, speak up. A good manager will appreciate your honesty and will want to support your development without putting your wellbeing at risk.

Tip: Frame it positively. For example, “I really want to do well in this role, and I’d appreciate your guidance on how to balance helping the team while managing my workload.”

​

5. Focus on Learning – Not Just Doing

As a new starter, your main job is to learn. That means taking the time to understand procedures, policies, and patient care standards—not just rushing to tick tasks off a list.

Tip: Prioritise shadowing experienced staff, asking questions, and reviewing care plans. These are just as valuable as any physical task you take on.

​

6. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

You might see more experienced colleagues handling multiple tasks with ease and feel pressure to match their pace. But they’ve built up that capability over time. You’re still on your journey, and that’s perfectly okay.

Remember: Your value isn’t just in how much you do, but how well you do it.

​

7. Take Breaks – Properly

Skipping breaks to “help out” or stay on top of things might feel noble, but it’s not sustainable. You need time to rest, eat, hydrate, and reset. Even short breaks can make a big difference in your energy and performance.

Tip: Make it a habit to take your allocated break and encourage your peers to do the same.

​

10. Final Thoughts: You’re Allowed to Pace Yourself

In a field where compassion is your greatest strength, it's easy to feel guilty about setting boundaries. But remember: saying no to one more task doesn’t make you any less caring or committed. It makes you responsible—for yourself, your team, and those in your care.

At Nursing and Caring Direct, we encourage all our staff—new and experienced—to look after their wellbeing as part of delivering high-quality care. You don’t have to prove your worth by running yourself into the ground. You prove it by showing up consistently, learning steadily, and caring sustainably.

​

Need support as you settle into your new role?

We’re here to help. Get in touch us for advice on 028 9260599 or email: Info@nursingandcaringdirect.com

​