Self esteem in nursing

Libby1987 · Jan 2, 2015

I'm not a bit shy and I'm only inhibited in dancing but I've always had high expectations of myself and been my worst critic. I don't think its a bad trait unless it's crippling and/or you become so self deprecating or demonstrative in your self flagellation to the point of annoyance. I've had to recognize the self absorption/egotism and curb it. (That in itself would make me feel bad) Time and experience also helps.

j0yegan · Jan 3, 2015

I have confidence issues, too.

forgivenfaith119 · Jan 3, 2015

I've been a nurse for 7 years and I still have moments where I feel insecure. I have found I thrive in environments that are not as fast paced as a hospital. You sound like a devoted nurse.

I think time and experience helps. Have you thought about talking to a counselor?

brownbook · Jan 3, 2015

There is a really good, somewhat similar thread, under Nursing Issues Patient Safety under the heading anxiety about a mistake. It has some really good advice.

I don't know that your co-workers "are not phased." I have had many co-workers tell me "nothing bothers you". I am just very good (which isn't always a good trait to have) about hiding my feelings! I can be dying inside but "act" so cool and calm outside!

littlemissie · Jan 3, 2015

I just wanted to say that I am so proud of you. I also have extreme anxieties when it comes to being in pubic. I am also painfully shy, and I have reconsidered the possibility of going to nursing school because of that. So to read your post, and see that you have conquered your shyness in many ways, makes me happy and hopeful :)

PMHNP-1 · Jan 3, 2015

"I'm a little OCD in my practice and if one little thing goes wrong during a shift or everything isn't perfect.........Let's just say I'm very hard on myself. I go over it in my head over and over to think what I could have done better or different. Similar situations could happen to my coworkers and they don't even seem phased."

If the need for perfection is interfering with your ability to get the work done, causing you discomfort, taking up more time than you'd like (at work or outside of work), I'd suggest talking to a therapist. Short-term CBT has been helpful for many people, especially when they have a clear-cut objective, like you do. In many cases, just 3-4 sessions help build a tool-box of skills that you can use to get a handle on the performance anxiety and manage any intrusive thoughts after "non perfect" events.

The best thing is this: you recognize that you're not comfortable with these thoughts, and you want to do something about it. That means you're half-way there.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jan 3, 2015

Nursing itself NEEDs a hint of "doubt"; meaning, having a questioning attitude can be healthy when it comes to questioning plan of care, bouncing off ideas and collaborating with experts in your work milieu; however, it is healthy when there is a comfortable amount of confidence when having those doubts; meaning, you are confident in what you see and hear and have the confidence to question in order to get outcomes, especially in critical care.

These things will get sharper and better over time.

I will echo others who have suggested therapy or a counselor to help with any anxiety or self-doubt you may have; once you work through those challenges, you can be the best YOU in your practice.

Best wishes.

allnurses Guide · Jan 4, 2015

Yes, I can relate. The thing is we bring our personality with us into nursing. Integrating our strengths and weaknesses is always an ongoing process. I would say that in your case going from not being able to order a meal in a restaurant to working a year and a half in an intense environment like ICU tells me you probably have stronger coping resources than you realize.

Looking back on it, I'd say my tendency toward OCD has been softened out of necessity, but given my "druthers" I'd rather be that way than some of my colleagues who don't appear to engage in self-review at all.

Viictoriaann · Jan 5, 2015

Thank you so much for all of your replies. I'm glad I am not alone. The anxiety is not necessarily getting in the way of doing my job...but it kicks in after my shift is over and I'm going over the night in my head. My original post was prompted by an incident with a physician my assessment. (And as he later found out..My correct assessment) but his questioning immediately shut me down... Self doubt instantly creeping up on me. I am already insecure and I realize speaking up in my position is entirely necessary I still sometimes find it difficult to do... But I do it. I work on this every day. I may seek out counseling to help me with this.

Gooselady, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2015

My original post was prompted by an incident with a physician my assessment. (And as he later found out..My correct assessment) but his questioning immediately shut me down... Self doubt instantly creeping up on me.

I totally relate with that! This gets better over time -- and what helps it get better FASTER is to completely remove your 'self' from the proceedings. "You" are not how stupid or wrong you are, or how wonderful and right you are. It's just INFORMATION.

Your information and the doctor's information was in conflict. Nothing to do with your relative 'worth' as a nurse or a person. Everyone is wrong sometimes. It's the little thoughts that go along "I am wrong, therefore, I am stupid and worthless". No, you are just wrong. No biggie. It takes practice, those darn little voices are persistent!

If some disagrees with you, start with curiosity. "Oh, why do you think so?" instead of shame and shutting down. Even if it was said in a snotty tone, curiously pursue what was 'wrong' with professionalism and self respect. This is part of respecting everyone, no matter their 'lowly' duties, seeing all personell as having an important role to fulfill, including yourself.

I have a story: We had a heroin addict in for long term Vancomycin due to MRSA in her abscesses. She'd completed her course and was getting ready for discharge. The PICC nurse was running behind and no one on the floor was 'cleared' to DC a PICC line, so the patient was getting restless. Finally, she yanked her PICC out herself, threw it in the sink, and vaporized.

I found the bloody PICC in the sink, and notified the charge nurse. She asked in horror "Was the catheter intact?" I told her it was.

Five minutes later, the PICC line was at the nurse's station in a biohazard bag with three or four RNs standing around panicking because the catheter appeared to have 'torn' and was jagged looking. It was quite the drama rama. I looked at it again, feeling abashed and stupid for my mistake . . . and it still looked intact. The charge nurse eventually had the PICC RN come and examine it. It was intact.

People can get 'funny' when something either goes wrong or appears to. There can be a lot of drama, depending on the individuals involved. This is where you can't take it personally. Being 'right' all the time is overrated, and no one buys it anyway, no matter how hard you work to manage everyone's opinion of you

RKReina · Feb 19, 2015

I am going through that right now. It is really stressful and it feels like everybody is criticizing my work. I am taking a week off from work to cut the steak of my self-doubt. The thing helping me to survive the shift through is to keep telling myself that those emotions are not good for me and my patients. Those emotions clouds my head and do not help my patients to get my best care they deserve. At least that moment i could push those emotions out and make it all about the patients instead of focusing me trying to be perfect. I am hoping this off week I can find my balance and return to unit as a confident nurse.