DiversityNursing Blog

Performance anxiety and low confidence can be common among new Nurses as the field can feel intimidating. For your new journey, here are helpful tips to boost your confidence and help you to become the strong and resilient Nurse we know you can be. 

Find a Mentor

Mentors can be beneficial as they offer advice, guidance and support. They ease the transition to practice for new graduate Nurses, re-entry Nurses, and Nurses new to a specialty area.

Andrea Tran, an RN and lactation consultant cautions new Nurses to choose experienced Mentors who also have a knack for teaching. "They will tell you to let them know if you have any questions and ask you if you want to watch or participate in something you haven't done before or haven't yet mastered. They will make you feel good about your progress."

Knowledge is Power

Consistently learning and growing your knowledge will make you feel more confident in your decisions. Always ask questions if you're unsure about something. There are numerous training courses and opportunities for improving your skills. 

Don't Compare Yourself To Others

It's normal to feel the need to compare yourself to others but it's important to remember every Nurses' path is different, every shift is different, and every experience is different. Your team members are exactly that, your team, not your competitors. Learn from them but also be proud of the skills you have and the work you do. 

Stand Up For Yourself

Unfortunately, we know bullying exists in the Nursing profession, but you don’t have to succumb to it. Being bullied can affect your self-esteem big time. Bullies feed off of low self-confidence and a passive communication style. Hold your head high, make eye contact, and stand up for yourself by speaking with a strong sense of self. Believing in yourself is a powerful tool! 

Spread Positivity 

Positivity is contagious and it feels good to lift others up. When you spread positivity, you’re creating a warm and inviting environment. Not only will people gravitate to you they will in turn feel better and spread that positivity further, boosting morale and confidence for all. 

Don't Seek Validation From Others

Sometimes Nursing can feel like a thankless job. Remember why you're here - to care for others. If you're looking for a 'job well done' as approval for your hard work, you might be let down. It is important to recognize and appreciate yourself internally for your contributions and all that you do for others. 

It’s imperative Management recognizes staff for the incredible work Nurses do. But recognition is different from approval. Validation should come from within and not from others. 

Self Care

Being a Nurse can have physical and emotional affects from stressful working conditions. Self-care and healthy lifestyles are crucial. Nurses should seek out help from their mentor, a therapist, or other trusted colleagues if they are feeling distressed. It is essential to be mindful about eating healthy, getting enough sleep  and maintaining routines. Positive affirmations and healthy rewards for your hard work are needed. 

In your Nursing career, have you experienced self-esteem issues? What helped you overcome those difficult times? Please share with us in the comment section below.

Nursing can be a tough profession. There may be days that stress you out and make you feel bad about yourself. You might question if this is the right job for you or if you're good enough to be a Nurse. Here are a few tips to improving your confidence and staying positive during difficult times.

Fake it till you make it?

An American Sentinel University article discusses the popular mantra and says, "Clearly, as a Nurse you cannot ethically fake skills or knowledge you don’t have. What you can do is to convey confidence that you don’t necessarily feel, by flipping the script. For example, when you don’t know what to do for a patient in distress, don’t focus on your knowledge gap- instead, try to feel confident about your ability to leverage whatever resources you need to figure out the next steps."

Never Stop Learning

No one knows everything but constantly learning and growing your knowledge will make you feel more confident. Always ask questions if you're unsure about something. Try taking workshops or individual classes in areas that you’re not familiar with or want to expand your skillset. Knowledge is power!

Don't Compare Yourself

Sometimes our insecurities can come from watching someone do a great job and wonder if you're doing good enough. Instead of comparing how you work and what you have to others, be proud of the skills you do have and tell yourself you are doing a great job and you are doing the best you can. 

Stand Up to Bullies

Unfortunately, we know bullying exists in the Nursing profession, but you don’t have to succumb to it. Being bullied can effect your self-esteem big time. Bullies feed off of low self-confidence and a passive communication style. Try to hold your head high, make eye contact, and stand up for yourself by speaking with a strong sense of self.

Don't Seek Gratitude

An article by Transition Nursing states, "Unfortunately, as Nurses we are often the last to be “thanked”. You know this to be true and you’ve most likely experienced it. You work hard for your patients, but not every patient will express gratitude. They may be dealing with a new and traumatic diagnosis and because of it, they are not themselves. Remember why you got in to this profession. Be firm in your belief that you have contributed, helped, and cared.

Perfection isn't Real

You are human and no one is perfect. It’s best to admit your flaws and when you've made a mistake. Confident people are able to admit when they are wrong. You cannot convey or build confidence by covering up or denying your role in a mistake, or by reacting defensively. Learn from it and move on.

In your Nursing career, have you experienced self-esteem issues? What helped you overcome those difficult times? Please share with us.