Several years ago, I received my very own office for the first time. I had a desk, a computer, a big comfy swiveling chair, and privacy—a real office with a door. It felt surreal. This was my first job as a new nurse practitioner.
A New Chapter Begins
The first few weeks as a new nurse practitioner were a whirlwind. I was filled with anxious excitement, but also complete fear. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had somehow tricked my employers into hiring me. On paper, I was qualified. However, deep down, I wasn’t sure I should even be seeing patients.
Everything was new. Each hour felt like a guessing game of what I was supposed to be doing. Nothing felt predictable or routine. As a result, I constantly questioned myself.
The Internal Chaos of Imposter Syndrome
Inside my head, it was chaos. I wondered if I adjusted the medication properly. Did I miss a drug interaction? Was the diagnosis accurate—Major Depressive Disorder, Persistent Depressive Disorder, or a depressive episode of Bipolar Disorder?
These distinctions mattered. They informed different treatment plans, and the uncertainty terrified me. On the outside, I tried to appear confident. In contrast, on the inside, I was just trying not to get “caught.”
Bridging the Confidence Gap Through Learning
To close the gap between what I felt I knew and what I wanted to know, I invested heavily in learning. For example, I sought out a psychiatrist for private individual supervision and created a structured, consistent learning plan. I also listened to AudioDigest in my car on my drives to work. Over time, my confidence began to grow.
Eventually, the fear of being an imposter started to lessen. And I realized something important—this transition phase is exactly why it’s called “practice.”
As a new NP, you grow through practice. We’re always learning. But that initial jump into the role? That’s the hardest part.
Growth Takes Grace and Support
Give yourself grace. Every new nurse practitioner feels uncertain in the beginning. You’re not alone.
Fortunately, support, structured learning, and community can help you build the confidence you’re missing. Self-doubt is common, even years into the role. But with time, you’ll become an invaluable provider who helps more people than you’ll ever know.
Patients Often Notice More Than You Think
After a few years, I transitioned to a different job. I wasn’t expecting the patient reactions. To my surprise, some were saddened I was leaving and told me how much I had helped them.
Oddly enough, a few of those were patients I didn’t think I had helped at all. Nevertheless, their appreciation reminded me that even when we doubt ourselves, our impact is real.
You don’t always get to see the outcomes of your care. However, your presence, compassion, and efforts matter—often more than you realize.
Action Step for New NPs
Make a list of your accomplishments—during NP school, in practice, and in your personal life. In addition, include any compliments you’ve received or challenges you’ve overcome. Keep it somewhere visible and read it often.
This will help you remember you’ve made progress in the past, and will continue to, even when it doesn’t always feel like it.
Further Learning
If this resonated with you, check out 6 Lessons From 6 Years in Practice as a Psych NP. It covers what I wish I had known starting out.
For more on imposter syndrome in healthcare professionals, see this helpful post from the American Psychological Association.