Imposter syndrome?

MiladyMalarkey, ASN, BSN · Mar 5, 2019

Normal. Come May I graduate and fully expect to be going into my new grad program with a steep learning curve ahead of me. One RN friend told me my first year as a RN will be my real "final year of nursing school". I know more than I knew in first semester--that is about the only thing I can say with confidence.

James W. · Mar 5, 2019

Yeah, for newly minted RN's some 'limitation anxiety' is likely a good thing.

I completed a 'hospital based nurse-training program' back in the day, & even though you were included as being 'part of the team' within the organisation, each student also had to successfully complete 'Hospital Finals' - which did include a realistic practical exam - prior to going forward to sit 'State Finals', for the actual RN registration.

On top of that, the 'Training Hospital' would undertake to further employ you for a 'Staffing Year' whereby you'd be actively supported to consolidate your skills as an RN.

I realise some organisations nowadays do offer 'New Graduate RN Programs' to likewise enable a fresh RN to transition smoothly from student into fully professional clinician.

Having also experienced being a student nurse recipient of 'academic education in health science-nursing', I will note they show a relative lack of the comforting 'in house' cohesion available to the 'old-school' nursing 'trainee'.

bananorama, LPN · Mar 5, 2019

11 hours ago, Horseshoe said:
I agree that those who come out thinking they know it all (and we've all seen them-they refuse to listen to their preceptors, have zero respect for the knowledge that years of experience brings, etc.) are dangerous. But someone who comes out saying that they've learned nothing-what in the world did they do for four years of their life?????? What kind of program offers four years of classes and clinical time but teaches its students absolutely nothing beyond the ability to pass NCLEX? People should get the word out about schools like that.

What about the experienced nurses who mistreat students? I used to think nurses were all compassionate until I became one myself. some nurses were so wonderful and encouraging but I remember many times crying in the bathroom after being talked down to, used or by or made fun of by staff nurses. I had to grow very thick skin to even get through the program. As a nurse now I always make sure I am helpful, supportive and encouraging when I train someone and I treat patients and family members with the same consideration. It's amazing the way others will respond to you when you have a positive attitude. Otherwise why would I be a nurse?? Sure, burn out happens, you need to be tough to be a nurse, but why mistreat others? It's not what nursing should be about.

Tenebrae, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2019

On 3/3/2019 at 7:53 AM, Sara-no-H said:
Does anyone else feel like they have no idea what they're doing in school? I am halfway through my first semester of a 4-semester ABSN program. If you look solely at my grades, it looks like I am doing well, but I feel like I don't know anything! Is this normal?

Honestly I have no idea what I'm doing at times seven years out. And then I will deal with a clinical situation and afterwards realise I actually know much more than I thought I did.

I'd much rather a student is honest about what they dont know, than trying to fudge their way through something stuffing it up and potentially harming the patient.

FutureNP357932, MSN, RN · Mar 5, 2019

Imposter syndrome is real! I'll get to that later, but I graduated with my ASN in 2015. I made good grades, graduated on time and passed the NCLEX first try, but I felt so nervous about starting my first job because I felt like I didn't learn enough. But the thing is, you learn so much more when you start your first nursing job. Think about it, how in the world can you learn everything you're supposed to in just a 2-year associates degree? My instructors told us many times "We are not here to teach you HOW to be a nurse. We are here to teach you how to THINK like a nurse" and it's so true! They teach you what you need to know to pass the NCLEX, but your skills and real training come with the job.

Back to imposter syndrome, it is real and after 3 years of being an RN with a masters degree, I still didn't feel smart enough. That is until I learned about imposter syndrome a few months back. I think the feeling is pretty normal in such a leadership position such as an RN. You feel like you have to be an "expert" in your field of practice when in all reality, even Doctors don't know everything. I feel so much more confident now after having learned about imposter syndrome. Just know that you're not alone and your feelings are completely normal! Good luck to you

Nerdy RN · Mar 5, 2019

I thought nursing was going to be easy because I aced all my exams in school. I had a high GPA so I thought that equaled great nursing skills.

Then, when I hit the floor, I felt like I never even went to nursing school. You will be asked one hundred questions a day by patients and families and ancillary staff, and none of the answers are stuff you learned in school. You just slowly get a little better and a little smarter, but you will never have the answers to everything!

kldepp08 · Mar 8, 2019

I felt like an imposter at least a year into working as an RN. School gives you the foundation, you learn more about being a nurse on the job. Completely normal. Never allow yourself to be “comfortable” either once you are a nurse, this is where mistakes happen. Don’t be prideful and know you will never know everything, always keep learning and asking questions! That’ll make you a better nurse!!

Good luck!!