Embracing the Superpower of Knowing What You Don’t Know as a Nurse Practitioner
As healthcare providers, especially as nurses, we are often expected to have a deep well of compassion. However, it’s important to remember that we don’t have to have all the answers. In fact, exploring our own struggles and uncertainties can be key to being a great nurse practitioner, particularly for new graduates.
A psychiatrist once told me that some of the best providers are those who know what they don’t know and aren’t afraid to ask questions and learn more. Conversely, the scariest providers are those who pretend to have all the answers and project unwavering confidence in their prescribing practices.
What makes nurse practitioners so great, and perhaps our greatest superpower, is that we’re acutely aware of the limits of our knowledge. This may differ from our physician colleagues, who, through their training, may feel an expectation to know all the things and have all the answers. Due to this cultural pressure, they may be more hesitant to ask for help, instead opting to feign confidence, which can potentially lead to patient harm.
Conclusion
Our superpower, on the other hand, is that we know what we don’t know. We tread lightly, ask more questions, and listen to our patients more closely. We’re sensitive to the gaps in our knowledge and are willing to learn more, rather than rushing to action. This allows us to provide safer, more thoughtful care.
So, carry this superpower with confidence. Use it to be an exceptional nurse practitioner, one who is not afraid to admit what they don’t know and is constantly striving to expand their knowledge and skills. This humility, combined with your deep well of compassion, will make you a truly remarkable healthcare provider.
