Imposter Syndrome in Nursing: How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Build Confidence

You’ve earned your degree, passed your exams, and landed a job in healthcare—but why do you still feel like you don’t belong? If you’ve ever worried that you’re not as competent as others think you are or that one mistake will expose you as a fraud, you’re not alone. These thoughts are classic signs of imposter syndrome, and they’re especially common in the nursing profession.

The type of imposter syndrome nursing professionals experience is the persistent belief that one’s success is due to luck rather than competence, despite clear evidence of skills and knowledge. This feeling is amplified in high-pressure environments where decisions can impact patient care and where nurses constantly compare themselves to more experienced colleagues.

The good news? You can overcome these doubts and step into your role with confidence. In this guide, we’ll break down the psychological impact of the nurse imposter phenomenon and provide actionable strategies to build lasting confidence in your career.

What is Imposter Syndrome in Nursing?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals feel undeserving of their achievements, even when their competence is evident.¹ For nurses, this can manifest as self-doubt, fear of making mistakes, and the feeling of not being “good enough” compared to peers.

Understanding the Signs of Imposter Syndrome

Nurses experience imposter syndrome often. Recognizing these thoughts is the first step toward overcoming the imposter syndrome that nursing professionals often struggle with.² Here are some of them:

• Feel like a fraud despite their accomplishments. You might doubt your skills, even after successfully completing difficult tasks.
• Fear being "exposed" as incompetent. You worry that any small mistake will reveal that you don’t belong in your job.
• Attribute success to luck rather than ability. Instead of recognizing your hard work, you might tell yourself that you “just got lucky” or “happened to be in the right place at the right time.”

Why Nurses Experience Imposter Syndrome

New nurses, nursing students, and those transitioning into advanced roles are particularly prone to the imposter phenomenon as they navigate unfamiliar challenges and higher expectations. In fact, nearly 62% of employees experience imposter syndrome, and even the most experienced nurses can feel like impostors. Here’s why:

• High-pressure work environments: The constant responsibility of making life-or-death decisions can intensify self-doubt and lead to a lack of confidence.³
• Comparisons to more experienced colleagues: Standing next to a nurse with years of experience can make you feel like you’re falling short—even though they were once in your shoes.
• Fear of making mistakes in patient care. The stakes are high in nursing, and even minor errors can feel like proof of inadequacy.

The Psychological and Professional Impact

If left unchecked, imposter syndrome can have a significant impact on both mental health and career progression.

• Increased stress and anxiety: The fear of failure can make every shift feel overwhelming.
• Lower job satisfaction and career burnout: Nurses with self-doubt may feel disengaged or question whether they belong in the profession at all.
• Hesitation to take on leadership roles: Even when qualified, nurses struggling with imposter syndrome may avoid opportunities that could advance their careers.

Studies show that addressing imposter syndrome through support, self-awareness, and professional development can improve confidence and job satisfaction.

How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Build Confidence

Overcoming nurse imposter syndrome requires intentional effort, self-reflection, and a shift in mindset. Here’s how to start reclaiming your confidence and reduce anxiety in nursing:

1. Recognizing and Challenging Negative Thoughts

The way you think about yourself directly impacts your confidence. Challenge negative thoughts by:

• Reframing self-doubt as part of growth. Instead of assuming you’re not good enough, remind yourself that every nurse learns through experience. You need to learn how to set professional boundaries in healthcare.
• Replacing perfectionism with progress-based thinking. Mistakes don’t define your competence—they help you grow.

When self-doubt creeps in, ask yourself: Would I judge a fellow nurse as harshly as I judge myself? If not, it’s time to adjust your self-talk.

2. Keeping a Professional Confidence Journal

A confidence journal is a powerful tool to build confidence over time. Try the following:

• Track your achievements. Write down daily wins—whether it’s mastering a new procedure, successfully calming a distressed patient, or receiving positive feedback from colleagues.
• Reflect on growth. Review past journal entries to see how much your skills and confidence levels have improved.

3. Seeking Support from Mentors and Peers

No nurse succeeds alone. Seeking support from colleagues, mentors, or professional groups can help normalize your struggles and reinforce your competence.

• Talk about your experiences. Many experienced nurses have felt the same way at some point in their careers—opening up can ease the burden of self-doubt.
• Find a mentor. A mentor can provide guidance, reassurance, and critical advice for navigating challenges in nursing.

Nurse Kelley Johnson shares:
“I have experienced Imposter Syndrome many times! This is totally normal. You don't know what you don't know and the fear is almost worse than the not knowing itself. I think many new nurses worry that they have no idea what they're doing. We all worry we are going to make a mistake. But we still have the job to do, so it feels like you're just getting ‘lucky’ throughout your shift when you do something right. The rest feels like guessing. This is totally normal! I think what helped me overcome this feeling was just constantly asking the experienced Nurses on my unit for help. I asked them a ton of questions, and I tried not to have an ego so I could learn from them. I felt way more confident knowing I had just learned from someone I recently SAW do it successfully. Highly recommend!”

4. Practicing Self-Compassion

Confidence in nursing isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about trusting that you’re always learning and growing. Be kind to yourself by:

• Accepting mistakes as learning experiences. Even the best nurses make errors. What matters is how you think about and respond to them.
• Focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. Shift your attention to what you’re good at instead of obsessing over what you don’t know yet.
• Using positive self-talk to reinforce resilience. Remind yourself that you are capable, strong, and equipped to handle whatever the day brings. Simple nurse affirmations like "I am making a difference" or "I am enough" can shift your mindset toward positivity and confidence.

5. Professional Development and Continued Learning

The more you invest in your education and training, the stronger your confidence becomes. Studies show that nurses who actively pursue learning opportunities feel more competent in their roles and experience less self-doubt.

• Seek hands-on training. Whether you’re a new nurse or a seasoned professional, hands-on experience builds trust in your skills. Take advantage of simulation labs, skill workshops, and mentorship programs.
• Find a mentor. A mentor can provide guidance, reassurance, and practical advice as you navigate your career. Learning from someone with more experience can help you understand that even experienced nurses once faced similar doubts.
• Join professional nursing organizations. Networking with other nurses helps you stay updated with medical advancements and creates a support system that reinforces your competence.

6. Setting Realistic Goals and Celebrating Achievements

One of the most effective ways to overcome nurse imposter syndrome is to set clear, achievable goals and acknowledge your progress. Confidence doesn’t come from waiting until you “feel ready”—it grows with every success, no matter how small.

• Break down larger goals into smaller steps. Instead of thinking, “I need to master everything,” focus on one skill at a time. For example, if you struggle with IV insertions, commit to improving one aspect per shift.
• Recognize small victories. Every successful patient interaction, every correct medication dosage, and every well-handled emergency is proof of your competence. Write these moments down in your confidence journal.
• Celebrate professional milestones. Completing an advanced training session, mentoring students, or receiving positive feedback from a patient are all reasons to recognize your hard work and progress.

Building a Confident Nursing Mindset

Confidence in nursing isn’t just about acquiring clinical knowledge—it’s about shifting how you think about your abilities, embracing challenges, and acknowledging your growth. Here’s how to develop a strong, self-assured mindset in nursing:

Embracing the Learning Curve of Nursing

Nursing is a lifelong learning process. No matter how experienced you become, there will always be new procedures, evolving protocols, and complex patient cases. Instead of seeing uncertainty as a weakness, think of it as part of the profession.

• Acknowledge that growth takes time. Every expert nurse was once a beginner who had doubts. Your experience will build with time.
• Seek ongoing education. Whether it’s through hands-on training, professional development courses, or learning from colleagues, continuous education reinforces competence and confidence.

Focusing on Patient Impact Rather Than Self-Doubt

When self-doubt creeps in, redirect your focus. Instead of obsessing over what you don’t know, think about the positive difference you make in your patients' lives.

• Remind yourself why you became a nurse. Your care and compassion matter more than perfection.
• Celebrate patient success stories. Every time you provide comfort, answer a question with clarity, or advocate for a patient, you prove your value in the healthcare field.

Creating a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Nurse burnout can intensify the imposter syndrome nursing professionals face. A healthy balance between work and self-care helps sustain long-term confidence.

• Prioritize rest. Sleep is the number one tip when it comes to self-care for nurses. Exhaustion fuels negative thoughts and increases anxiety. Sleep, hydration, and proper nutrition contribute to a clear mind and steady confidence levels.
• Engage in stress management. Practices like yoga, meditation, or spending time with family can ease emotional burdens and boost resilience.
• Ensure physical comfort at work. Confidence starts with how you feel in your own skin. Wearing high-quality scrubs, such as women’s scrubs or men’s scrubs, can improve focus and make long shifts more comfortable.

Stepping Into Your Role with Confidence

Imposter syndrome is a common struggle, but it doesn’t define your ability to be an outstanding nurse. The key to overcoming self-doubt lies in recognizing your success, seeking support, and continuously working on your mindset.

Believe in yourself. Trust in your experience and growth. You are a capable, valued professional, and your work in healthcare makes a difference every single day. And when you need a confidence boost, Healing Hands is here to provide comfort and support—because when you feel good, you think clearly and care better.

Sources:

¹ Soren Kaplan. The Problem of Imposter Syndrome for Leadership. https://www.sorenkaplan.com/imposter-syndrome-definition-leadership-development/. Accessed on February 21, 2025

² Asana. Unmasking impostor syndrome: 15 ways to overcome it at work. https://asana.com/resources/impostor-syndrome. Accessed on February 21, 2025

³ National Library of Medicine. Prevalence of imposter syndrome and its association with depression, stress, and anxiety among nursing students: a multi-center cross-sectional study. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11603883/. Accessed on February 21, 2025