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Imposter syndrome: why nurses get stuck in self-doubt
Even experienced staff can get caught in the grip of imposter syndrome, and feel unsure in their occupation. But what if nurses could count on professional support?
Even experienced staff can get caught in the grip of imposter syndrome, and feel unsure in their occupation. But what if nurses could count on professional support?
During my return to practice course 20 years ago, I had a Victor Meldrew moment of disbelief – ‘Whaaat? I don’t believe it!’ – when we were informed clinical supervision was readily available to nurses, offering emotional and practical support.
Oh yes, I thought, and I’m Florence Nightingale. My cynicism was justified; that was the last we ever heard of it.
The self-doubt that plagues many nurses
We soon realised we were more likely to encounter the tooth fairy than an NHS mentor. This was a shame because if