Today, we’re turning the spotlight on Colette De La Torre, BSN, RN. Based in San Francisco, CA, this hospice nurse is discussing the lack of opportunities for new nurses in California. She’s also offering mental health tips for new nurses! Read on for some gems.

Q: TRUE or FALSE: “Nurses eat their young?”  

A: False.

Q: Any self care or mental health tips for new nurses? 

A: Before you can take care of anyone else, you must take care of yourself. This includes eating healthy, exercise and taking time out for yourself to relax. You are learning many things at once. Cut yourself some slack and realized that it's gonna take time and if it's taking up too much time ask for help. Always ask for help, don't ever just go rogue. Good luck.

Q: Is there anything you'd like to talk about that we didn't include in our questions?

A: I would like to discuss the lack of opportunity for new nurses especially in California in acute care. Typically when you're putting out your feelers for jobs and medical surgery, telemetry, labor and delivery or pediatrics. How was the new nurse supposed to learn what it's like in the field until they're actually working in the field?