The Best Career Advice I Ever Received Had Nothing to Do With Nursing

When you're a new nurse, everyone gives you advice.

Learn time management.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Find a good preceptor.

Take care of your mental health.

All of that matters.

But one of the most valuable lessons I ever learned had nothing to do with IVs, ventilators, or physiology.

It came from my dad.

Before I ever received my first paycheck as a new graduate NICU nurse, he told me something I'll never forget:

"Set up your retirement immediately. And if your employer matches your contributions, make sure you contribute enough to get the full match."

At the time, I was only 21 years old.

Retirement felt so far away that it was hard to imagine ever needing it. I had plenty of things I was excited to spend my paycheck on. But I trusted his advice.

So I set my retirement contribution before I even got used to seeing my paycheck.

And because I started from day one, I never felt like I was "losing" that money. I simply learned to live on the amount that was deposited into my bank account.

Looking back, it was one of the best financial decisions I've ever made.

Why starting early matters

One of the most powerful forces in investing is time.

Every dollar you invest has the opportunity to earn returns. Those returns can then earn returns of their own. Over years and decades, that growth compounds.

You don't have to invest huge amounts to benefit from compound growth.

The biggest advantage isn't picking the perfect investment.

It's giving your money time.

That's why starting in your twenties (even with relatively small contributions) can make a remarkable difference by the time you retire.

Don't leave free money on the table

Many hospitals offer retirement plans, such as a 401(k) or 403(b), and many will match a portion of what you contribute.

Think of an employer match as part of your compensation package.

If your employer matches 5% and you choose not to contribute enough to receive that match, you're essentially declining part of your paycheck.

Every employer's retirement plan is different, so take time during your orientation to understand your benefits and ask questions if something isn't clear.

At a minimum, contribute enough to receive your full employer match. Otherwise you're declining free money!

There may be tax advantages too

Depending on the type of retirement account you choose, contributing may reduce your taxable income today or provide tax advantages later in retirement.

The rules can vary based on the account type and your personal situation, so it's worth reviewing your options or speaking with a qualified financial professional if you're unsure which choice is best for you.

It doesn't have to be a lot...

Maybe you're reading this thinking, "Amanda, I'm just trying to pay rent."

I get it.

Everyone's financial situation is different.

The goal isn't to compare yourself to anyone else.

The goal is simply to start.

Maybe that's enough to receive your employer's match.

Maybe it's 3%.

Maybe it's 5%.

Maybe, over time, you increase it by 1% every year as your income grows.

Small, consistent steps often matter far more than waiting until you feel like you can afford to save a large amount.

Caring for yourself is part of being a great nurse

As nurses, we spend our careers caring for other people.

We advocate for our patients.

We educate families.

We think about the future of the babies in our care every single day.

But we also deserve to think about our own future.

No one graduates nursing school knowing everything, not about physiology, not about communication, and certainly not about personal finance!

It's okay to learn as you go.

If you're just starting your nursing career, here's my "big sister" advice: Learn everything you can about taking excellent care of your patients. And don't forget to take care of your future self, too.

One day, decades from now, you'll be grateful that you did.