Imposter Syndrome as a New Grad NICU Nurse

[JoyRN, LPN]

I am a grad nurse in the NICU. I struggle with being a fast learner and remembering skills (especially if only done once). I also struggle with confidence.

I find myself asking for the opinions of other nurses and using other nurses as resources. I get the impression from others around me that it's not acceptable to ask for help--that I should know what to do or navigate for resources on my own.

I not only lack so much confidence but I also completely overlook all the good things I have done thus far. I keep encountering challenges each shift, making me further despise myself and think maybe I am not a fit for this dream job of mine.

The other new grad nurses display so much confidence, intelligence, and competence. I can't help but admire them and wish I was that good. They pick things up so fast and don't need repeating to excel. They know exactly how to respond to critical situations while it takes me a moment to think about what I need to do. I want to be just like them. 

How did you guys overcome imposter syndrome?

How did you become a better NICU nurse with stronger critical thinking skills? 

Did you experience anything similar like me when you first started and decide to persist? Where are you now?

If you left the NICU, what led you to know or believe that the NICU may not be the place for you (for now)?

[Olivia W., BSN]

Hi there, I don’t have much advice because I am also new (2 months into my 3 month orientation) but I feel literally the same exact way. I had a horribly mean and condescending preceptor at first, requested a switch, and now have a lovely one. Even with her though, I can hear the frustration in her voice sometimes when I space out and can’t remember things, procedures, etc. The mental fatigue is so real. I don’t jump right into situations my brain is kind of like wait... what.... OK I forget... let me think! It’s really, really hard.  The sheer amount of information we have taken in over orientation is overwhelming and being able to apply all that information is another story! Keep us updated on how your confidence builds because I’d love to know! ?

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

19 hours ago, JoyRN said:

I find myself asking for the opinions of other nurses and using other nurses as resources.

If you are truly unsure about something, then ask. If you know what you need to do, but keep asking advice from someone to make sure (double sure/ triple sure) that you are doing something correctly, then stop and trust yourself.

19 hours ago, JoyRN said:

I get the impression from others around me that it's not acceptable to ask for help--that I should know what to do or navigate for resources on my own.

You should find the answer on your own (policies and procedures) instead of using them as your Google. Definitely ask for help when it comes to patient assessment issues and if you need immediate patient help.

It took me 18 months to start feeling comfortable enough to handle any crisis and develop the confidence to call the doctors about a change in status with a patient and anticipate what their orders are going to be.

[RuralMOSchoolRN, ADN, RN]

I was a new grad in the ER so I understand feeling overwhelmed!

Write things down!  I wrote down what I all need for a chest tube and what I needed to do for the doc during an LP, etc.  Or which values are considered critical for which size neonates. That way I could refer to my note on my way to the pyxis and be a little more confident.  

On skills or situations you haven't done much of--ask another nurse if you can watch while she does x for her neonate.  Even watching a few additional times helps cement the steps and process in your brain for when you need to do x on your own patient.  

Good luck! No matter where you start as a new nurse you will feel underwater for awhile.  Plus there is a big difference in practicing a skill on a dummy in nursing school and doing it on a real person!

 

[DevotedRN, BSN]

Hey ! I am contemplating accepting a NICU offer and I am struggling with my confidence already ? Being a new grad is such a unique experience that no one other than we who go through it know what it's like. I hoped you were able to find your footing in your NICU position and if you have I would love to know what you were able to do to help turn things around for you. All the best !