Imposter Syndrome Is Real in Nursing—But These Tips Can Help You Crush It

No matter how skilled, experienced, or educated, many nurses carry a quiet but constant weight: insecurity. From second-guessing their clinical decisions to wondering if they’re “good enough,” these feelings often go hand in hand with imposter syndrome—a belief that, despite credentials and hard work, you don’t truly belong. It’s a deeply personal struggle that’s rarely talked about, yet incredibly common in nursing.

That experience is at the heart of a recent episode of Nurse Converse, where CRNA Wali Khan opens up about how insecurity can affect nurses at every stage of their career. With nearly 15 years in nursing, he shares a candid and relatable perspective on why imposter syndrome is so common in healthcare, how comparison culture gets in the way of growth, and what nurses can do to shift their mindset.

“Why Don’t I Feel Like I Belong?”

Even after years of training, thousands of clinical hours, and being accepted into a competitive CRNA program, Wali admits he still felt like a fraud.

It’s not just about clinical skills. Watching seasoned nurses navigate patient care with confidence can make even the most competent new grad question whether they measure up. But what’s often missed is the time and experience it took for those professionals to build that confidence.

What Nursing School Didn’t Prepare You For

Wali is clear about how unprepared he felt coming out of nursing school. Despite graduating, he had never started an IV, inserted a Foley, or placed an NG tube. Clinicals were inconsistent—sometimes you learned a lot, and sometimes you were just thrown onto a unit with little direction.

He says it wasn’t until much later, in real practice, that he developed both the technical skills and the deeper human side of care. Empathy, bedside manner, knowing how to be present with patients and families—these were things that came through time and repetition, not textbooks.

For nurses already struggling with imposter syndrome, this gap between education and expectation can make them feel like they’ve somehow failed before they’ve even started. But Khan emphasizes that this is part of the process—not a sign that you don’t belong.

The Real Roots of Nurse Insecurity

There are several common sources of insecurity in nursing, all of which can feed imposter syndrome.

First is comparison culture, especially in environments where newer nurses feel they should “keep up” with colleagues who’ve been on the job for years. Then there’s the pressure to be perfect—especially in high-acuity settings like the ICU—where mistakes feel unforgivable.

Imposter syndrome itself often comes from achieving something significant (like graduating or landing a competitive role) but still feeling unworthy. It creates a disconnect between your accomplishments and your internal narrative. Khan recalls that even while thriving in CRNA school, he questioned whether he truly deserved to be there.

Toxic clinical environments also play a role. Nurses with unsupportive preceptors—or those made to feel like a burden during training—often carry that shame forward. Add in personal life stressors, and it’s easy to see how quickly insecurity can take hold.

And sometimes, that negativity isn’t even yours to carry. Wali points out that harsh criticism from colleagues often reflects their own unresolved frustrations—not your shortcomings. “That is a projection of themselves onto you,” he explains. “You’re not the problem. They are.” Recognizing that distinction can be a powerful step toward reclaiming your confidence.

Finding “Humble Confidence”

To move through insecurity, Khan shares the concept of humble confidence—a mindset that embraces both growth and self-worth.

This is especially helpful for nurses navigating imposter syndrome. It reminds you that it’s possible to be uncertain and still capable, to be learning and still valuable. Humble confidence is quiet and steady. It shows up in curiosity, consistency, and care.

How to Fight Insecurity on the Floor

Khan offers straightforward, realistic advice for nurses working through self-doubt:

• Reframe your thoughts. Instead of saying, “I’m bad at this,” say, “I’m still building this skill.”
  
  
• Study smarter. Review real cases and clinical scenarios that challenged you. Ask for direct feedback—don’t wait for evaluations.
• Watch professionals with purpose. Observe how experienced nurses interact with patients and handle difficult situations.
  
  
• Journal when possible. Take five minutes to reflect: What challenged me today? Where did I show up with heart?
  
  
• Ask questions. Confidence isn’t about pretending to know—it’s about having the courage to say you don’t.
  
  
• Choose your circle. The nurses you surround yourself with can either lift you up or reinforce your doubts. Seek out those who support and challenge you in healthy ways.

“You Are Not Broken. You Are Becoming.”

Wali ends the conversation with a message every nurse needs to hear: You are not behind. You are not failing. You are simply becoming.

The professionals you admire didn’t arrive fully formed. They practiced, they reflected, they made mistakes—and they kept showing up. That’s what matters.

Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens through showing up, asking questions, and doing the work when no one’s watching. And one day, when someone turns to you and says, “I want to be like you,” you’ll know exactly how far you’ve come.

🤔Nurses, have you ever struggled with imposter syndrome? What helped you push through? Share your thoughts in the discussion forum below!