In this episode Kati, Susan, and I talk about the role of confidence and self doubt in nursing. This is a career field FULL of talented individuals and that can make us question ourselves. In this episode we talk about ways to find additional confidence in your career.
I still remember it vividly.
The first day of nursing school . . . all of us brand new nursing students were brought into a room.
I looked around at the other students.
At that moment one thought took control of my mind . . . “how did I get into this program?”
Before starting school I had been told (like everyone) that nursing school is harder than any other type of schooling. I was told that you are lucky to just get into a program. Yet here I was . . .
I could help but think that somehow I was the lucky one. Somehow my application slipped through the stack of more qualified students. I just knew I was going to have to work harder and longer just to barely pass than anyone else.
You’re Not Lucky
This is a fallacy in human thinking. We always assume that others around us are smarter, more prepared, better looking . . . just better than us.
We judge ourselves as “lesser”, “dumber”, “luckier” . . . than everyone else.
I want you to understand something: You’re Not Lucky!
If you are just starting nursing school, a new job, a new role, or made an A in a difficult class.
It’s not because you’re lucky. You deserve it!
As far as getting into nursing school. Think about it this way, it’s not YOUR job to determine if you are qualified to attend a nursing program. It’s the admissions departments. If they have determined you prepared and ready to attend their school . . . that’s enough.
You can now let go of your self doubt and attack nursing school with a vengeance. . . you belong here.
How to Believe in Yourself
Here are a couple ways that you can control your self doubt and gain more confidence:
- Take your thoughts captive.
- Realize that the decision to accept you was already made by those qualified to make it.
- Accept that failing doesn’t make YOU a failure.
- Even if no one else believes in you . . .WE DO!
- Work your ass off!
