Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon where one feels like a fraud or a fake in their profession. This can especially be felt by students, graduates and early career nurses and midwives.

“I was a new graduate in my first week catching the lift up to my new ward next to some relatives and it struck me that I was a registered nurse. I felt like a complete fraud standing there in my brand-new uniform. I’d done three years at university, I was truly excited, but I didn’t feel like a real nurse,” says Queensland RN Abby.

Imposter Syndrome is an insidious and unproductive feeling of phoniness and unworthiness and can be even experienced by highly motivated people. While nurses and midwives at all stages of their careers can be affected by impostor syndrome, studies show that it is higher among students and graduates.

Symptoms of imposter syndrome in nursing and midwifery can include feeling inadequate, self-doubt, uncertainty, fear of being exposed, fear of failure, negative self-talk, and difficulty acknowledging one’s accomplishments. Emotions associated with IP can affect not only personal mental health but also impact on patient care.

It’s best to try and manage imposter syndrome as it can hinder you from pursuing new opportunities, including mentoring students, involvement in union activities and career progression.

Here’s five top tips to deal with imposter syndrome:

1 Acknowledge and share your feelings. Often those experiencing imposter syndrome do it alone. Talking about your feelings with a trusted colleague or mentor can give you a more objective perspective and provide you with some support.

2 Change your mindset. Practice awareness of your thoughts. Replace self-doubts with positive affirmations, like “I can do this”. Try to interrupt negative thoughts from the outset before they spiral. This becomes easier with practice.

3 Take action. Do some more learning or ask a colleague to walk with you through a procedure you want to be more confident in. Action puts you in the driver’s seat and empowers you towards a positive mindset.

4 Reality check. Ask other people for honest feedback. Colleagues can give feedback about all aspects of your practice. They’re likely to be more objective than yourself. Reflect on the positive first, rather than any negative comments. Consider the areas you can improve, and then move on.

5 Do a professional stocktake. Focus on your achievements and strengths. What have you achieved in the past three months? Did a patient’s family thank you; did a patient have a good outcome that you helped them achieve? Are you becoming more competent at a skill you once found challenging? Often, we forget our achievements when we feel inadequate. Congratulate yourself for what you have achieved.

Every winner was once a beginner – you do not bake your best cake on your first try, you don’t become an experienced driver while on your ‘L’ plates. It’s harsh to think you’re going to be confident and fully competent while you’re a graduate and it’s unfair for others to expect this of you either.

If you’re thinking expectations placed on you are too high, talk to someone or seek out some more formal support.

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of Imposter Syndrome and could do with some professional support, reach out to Nurse and Midwife Health Program Australia 1800 001 060 for a confidential one-to-one peer support.