How to Become a Confident Nurse

If you are anything like me, and let’s face it (like every nurse who has ever been in this health care field) you are starting your nursing career wondering how long it will take before you feel as confident as the nurse who is precepting you. Don’t worry. This is a totally normal and expected feeling when you become a new nurse and frankly, when you do anything new.

The feeling of wanting to be confident and competent at what you do is an essential component of growing and tapping into your best potential. However, I have heard it said before and I will say it here as well – Never compare your Year 1 to someone’s Year 5. Becoming a confident nurse takes time and experience, but here are some strategies that can help you develop confidence in your nursing practice:

1. Knowledge and Education

Invest in your education and continually expand your knowledge base. Stay updated with current evidence-based practices, attend professional development workshops, and seek opportunities for further learning. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in your abilities. Reach out to your leaders and inquire about any professional development opportunities and classes your organization might be offering. You never know if you never ask!

2. Clinical experience

Gain as much clinical experience as possible. I cannot stress this tip enough! This hands-on practice allows you to apply your theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills. Don’t shy away or let fear stop you from experiencing challenging cases or tasks, as they provide learning opportunities. This leads me into our next tip.

3. Take Initiative

Be proactive in seeking out new learning experiences or challenging assignments. Volunteer for opportunities to expand your skills or work in different clinical settings. The more you challenge yourself, the more you will grow and gain confidence. I know it is scary but know that growth is at the end of our comfort zone and the beginning steps to become a confident nurse.

4. Seek Mentorship

Find experienced nurses who can serve as mentors or role models. They can provide guidance, support, and share their experiences. Be curious! Observing and learning from seasoned professionals can boost your confidence and help you navigate challenging situations. Many of these seasoned nurses are actually excited to teach and help you become a confident nurse. Let them know you would like to learn from them and value their knowledge and expertise. This also will build and strengthen relationships and team work in the workplace (which we will get more into later).

5. Reflect and Learn from Mistakes

Mistakes are a part of the learning process. It is a part of becoming a confident nurse. When you encounter setbacks or make errors, reflect on them, identify areas for improvement, and learn from them. Adopt a growth mindset and use each experience as a chance to develop and enhance your skills. If you know you have room for growth in a certain skill or specific cases, take time to study them or practice them so you feel more prepared the next time you are exposed. This will also help avoid any anxiety or panic that may come with fear of the unknown or nerves.

6. Practice Effective Communication

Strong communication skills are crucial for nursing practice. Focus on developing both verbal and non-verbal communication skills to effectively interact with patients, their families, and the healthcare team. Good communication can instill confidence in others and help build trust and will no doubt help you become a more confident nurse.

7. Self-Care

Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. We tend to forget self-care is part of the process to become a confident nurse. It is this simple – if you cannot take care of yourself, you cannot adequately take care of anyone else. Prioritize self-care to prevent burnout and maintain your well-being. When you feel good physically and mentally, it positively impacts your confidence and ability to provide excellent patient care.

8. Embrace Teamwork

Nursing is a collaborative profession. Embrace teamwork and build positive relationships with your colleagues. Collaborating with others can help you learn from their expertise, receive support when needed, and enhance your overall confidence in your abilities. Lack of teamwork is a huge component of a toxic work environment. Make sure you embrace and promote it as much as possible so you feel supported and contribute to a healthy workplace.

9. Celebrate Achievements

Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Recognize your growth, skills, and successes along your nursing journey. No accomplishment is too small. This positive reinforcement can boost your confidence and motivate you to strive for more.

Remember, confidence grows over time, and it’s okay to have moments of self-doubt. Stay committed to your professional development, embrace challenges, and believe in your abilities. With experience, ongoing learning, and a positive mindset, you can and will become a confident nurse.

’till later,

The RN Educator