Embracing Your Potential :
Navigating Imposter Syndrome on the Road to Success as a Recent Graduate
By Mckenzi Cluff and Mary Gemma O ’ Donnell
We have all been there , thinking “ I am not good enough ” or “ What am I doing here ?” Feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness often start during nursing school and follow you after graduation ( Christensen et al ., 2016 ). This experience has been labeled as the “ imposter phenomenon ” and is experienced by up to 75 % of nurses ( Edwards-Maddox , 2023 , p . 660 ).
Today , many new graduate nurses are entering a field of healthcare that is short of nurses and is accompanied by increased workload demands . Starting a job as a new nurse brings new responsibilities , feelings of pressure to project confidence , and fear of judgment from others . This environment can cause new nurses to feel like “ imposters ” despite their success and credibility . Over-preparing and procrastinating can signify this ( Huecker et al ., 2023 ). If not dealt with , these feelings can become intense , leading to anxiety and depression ( Rivera et al ., 2021 ).
This article provides five ways to help get you started on overcoming imposter syndrome .
1 . Talk with Others
By sharing your feelings with others , like friends , family , and coworkers , you will soon learn that you are not alone ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 2023 ). Many people feel the same way and experience the same emotions . Opening conversations about how you feel can be daunting but can help you feel connected and supported by those around you . Connecting with others will improve not only your mental health but your physical health ( Holt-Lunstad , 2022 ).
Making new friends after college can be difficult , but it is not impossible . For example , places to meet people can be at work , a local book club , a fitness class , or a volunteer group . A genuine compliment , smile , and wave can be a sweet introduction to someone new . To connect with others , we must be vulnerable first . Try starting a conversation by giving others a peek at who you are . An example of this would be , “ I just found a new coffee shop that has the best chai . Do you like to drink coffee ?” Inviting others with a common interest or hobby to spend time with you can develop the relationship further and help to create trust . Eventually , sharing sadness and other negative emotions will foster a connection built on that trust . Having friends who support you and relate to the negative and positive emotions will leave you both feeling relieved and less alone .
2 . Engage in Self Care
A common saying in nursing is that you must take care of yourself before you can take care of others ; you cannot pour out of an empty cup . Caring for yourself is essential in preventing burnout and depression ( Ayala et al .,
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