Growth as a nurse isn’t just about learning new skills. It’s also about unlearning habits that no longer serve your patients, your team, or your own well-being.

Over the years, I’ve realized something important. Sometimes, the most powerful improvements in our practice come not from adding more, but from letting go. Here are three things I stopped doing that helped me become a more grounded, effective, and compassionate nurse.

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1. I Stopped Rushing Through Care

Early in my career, I prided myself on being efficient. I moved quickly from one task to the next and “get the job done.” But over time, I noticed that rushing made room for mistakes, missed cues, and missed connections.

🟨 Now, I focus on presence over pace.
I take an extra moment to explain a medication. I truly listen during a routine observation. I’ve learned that slow is smooth, and smooth is safe.

Efficiency doesn’t mean rushing; it means doing things right, the first time, with intention.

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2. I Stopped Comparing Myself to Other Nurses

I used to measure my worth against others. How fast they charted, how many compliments they got, how confident they seemed. It was exhausting.

But comparison can quietly erode your confidence, and over time, it pulls your focus away from your own growth.

🟨 I started asking: Am I better than I was yesterday?

I now seek inspiration, not intimidation.
I learn from others, but I no longer measure myself by them. My journey is my own—and so is yours.

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3. I Stopped Minimizing My Voice

There were times I stayed silent. I should’ve spoken up in those moments. Whether it was advocating for a patient, questioning an unclear order, or sharing an idea in a team meeting. Why? Because I didn’t want to be seen as “difficult” or “too new.”

🟨 But silence can be costly—in both patient safety and professional growth.

Now, I speak with clarity, respect, and courage.
Your voice is a tool for advocacy, education, and leadership. Use it—not for ego, but for excellence.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

Being a better nurse doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes, it’s about releasing what weighs you down, distracts you, or dims your light.

So, ask yourself: What do I need to stop doing to become the nurse I was meant to be?

Your best practice is just one unlearning away.

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