2 YEAR FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER UPDATE | Imposter Syndrome 

You're a lovely human. Sometimes we need real, not uplifting. This is the real world, and you're rocking it. Carry on sister.

Imposter shmoster! I don’t even know how to explain how much you’ve lead me and helped me. I found you when I was searching for videos on the TEAS test over a year ago. I watch ALL of your videos and am so so grateful for you! You make me feel like I can do it and my emotions are valid and it’ll be ok. You have taught me so much and I love your family. So for real you are doing the thing right and please keep doing what you’re doing because you are my favorite creator and thank you so much ❤️

I work as a CNA and am going to nursing school as well. I completely agree Imposter Syndrome is real. It affects us all and if it does't every happen most people will tell you "you're over confident." My favorite quote that really helped me realize it's okay to feel scared is " If your dreams don't scare you they aren't big enough." I realized that if I feel like an imposter or like I'm not good enough its because I'm scared and have a big dream.

I've been an RN for 7 years, halfway through my FNP now. I can completely relate to this! I still have days when I feel like an imposter- even with things that I know inside and out- things that I am certified in for crying out loud! In my opinion, I sort of feel like this feeling of self doubt is healthy to a degree. To me it means that you genuinely care about the care that you provide and your patients, caring is active and not something that can be automated. To me the self doubting is a way in which I can double check my knowledge base- or make sure I know what I think I know! At any rate, even if you feel that others are "more qualified"- as I often do (having brilliant friends is sometimes hard!) you have different things to offer that sometimes speak better to patients or us out here in RU-vid land. Thanks for being candid- that will always be helpful!

This video was more helpful to me than you can realize. as someone who is a new grad NP, you SPOKE to me!!! Thank you for being so vulnerable and speaking about imposter syndrome. it is so real and you said everything I have been thinking. Thank you so much, Liz

There is no one better than you Nurse Liz you are the best Nurse practitioner! Stop beating yourself up because every Nurse practitioner and new Dr. Has felt like this NP's are not required to do 2 or 3 or 4 yrs of residency training so of course your not gonna know alot of things plus your not in a specialty like other people who see patients with similar symptoms and diseases every day you teach us so much here on youtube we love you!!!! Xoxo

Your tip on explaining the time frame and asking the patient about their primary objective at the start of the visit is awesome! And you have been a huge support for me as I pursue my FNP....thank you!!!

It’s to okay to feel what you’re feeling, because I’ve just learned it’s part of the process as we learn and grow. Sometimes those feelings go away and sometimes they don’t. There are plenty of days where I wonder “What am I doing here?” “Why am I am doing this?” “Why the hell do I put myself through this?” And sometimes I figure out the answers and other times it takes me a little while. Honestly, what I’ve learned is that sometimes I just have be with okay with where I’m at because there times when I don’t know the answer. I think part of the process is learning to accept that sometimes we don’t know and that’s okay because we’re still learning. I also believe part of the process is accepting that yes we did go to school and yes we did learn what we’re supposed to learn. Although, another part of the process is learning to accept while we did learn the basics, we still have have a lot more to learn. And it’s going to take a lifetime do it. Every person, every situation, every instance you encounter in your career is going to teach you something. And every time that happens, you can add that to your arsenal. It’s only truly through experience that we learn and it’s only with experience that we grow.

I love your videos and your np binder!! I’m about to graduate NP school and definitely feel this even in clinicals with a preceptor there. Your absolutely right. My mind is racing with a million things don’t want to miss and it’s hard to relax and show that confidence. Also you seem so confident. Please don’t stop sharing your videos and knowledge. Your doing such a great job and helping people more than you know!

Hi Liz!! I am a new graduate nurse practitioner (graduated in May 2020) and I have watched your videos for the last couple of years. I thoroughly enjoy your content and I appreciate your honesty talking about imposter syndrome. I have had moments where I've felt like an imposter as well, particularly because I did not work as an RN for very long before going to NP school and because my RN experiences weren't very diverse. During those moments, I turn to God and realize that becoming an NP is his will for my life, irregardless of my past professional experiences. I would encourage you to seek God during this time as well and look to him as your source of strength and comfort. I will be praying for you!! Also, please continue uploading videos to RU-vid! The nursing community needs your wisdom and guidance. Any content and/or advice you give will be greatly appreciated!! Have a blessed day!!

I’m in my last year of FNP school and I’m feeling it. It makes me second guess my decision. It doesn’t help that world seems to be falling apart at the same time.

Your advice and personality and videos were my saving grace through my anxiety and uncertainty with boards and starting this new NP role. At least for myself, I know I will feel the things you’re feeling now with time into my NP role as well. I see you as this big sister who’s going through the trenches first to let me know I’m not alone in feeling the negative parts of being new in this role, and that is so helpful, if not more helpful, than NP advice channels that feel 100% confident and know exactly what they’re doing. I love your channel and you! I just can feel that you’ll be okay, and in a way, that makes me feel like I’ll be okay, too.

I have been watching your videos even before I started nursing school. I've watched just about every single one, and I've even watched some multiple times because I truly felt that they were so helpful and I would find myself needing to watch them for motivation, or to remember a tip or something like that. Specifically, I remember the night before my first pediatric clinical I searched up one of your videos and it literally calmed my anxiety so much! I felt like I had no idea how to talk to peds patients or do procedures on them but all of your tips really did help! I have to be honest I haven't even graduated and I definitely feel a sense of imposter syndrome already. Of course, I'm only working towards my BSN right now but I sometimes lay awake not able to sleep because I just think about like one day I'm going to be responsible for someones life and well-being and I'm just like really? people are going to trust me? I definitely feel inadequate at times but I just have to think back to all the positive things you have said and it really helps me! In a nutshell, I feel imposter syndrome all the time too and I think it's just something that gets better with time.

Thanks Liz! You make not knowing okay. Better to look it up than to give bad information. If I can have half your confidence I think I'll be good. Love and light!

Thank you for posting this! I’m an FNP in family practice and I’m 6 months in. It is reassuring to hear others going through the same thing. I can really relate to the burn out of looking things up constantly, I would really torture myself with the hours I’d put in outside of work. I’m struggling to find work-life balance and not think about work constantly. I try to think of all of the things I used to have to ask one of the providers I work with about, but now can handle on my own. This helps me combat all the negative thoughts of all the things I don’t know. 😂 I am lucky to work with great providers that reassure me experience is everything and I will get there slowly. I appreciate your content and how realistic you are. There are a lot of people in the medical field on social media who don’t share how scary working in medicine is and paint a picture that they learned absolutely everything they needed to know in school which is not the case in the real world! It is refreshing to hear I’m not alone. Having support from family and friends is great, but it can be hard for them to understand exactly because they aren’t in the role. Keep doing what you are doing, you are making a big difference!

Liz I am starting an accelerated direct entry RN-FNP program next month, and you have been such an important part of inspiring me to pursue this career! I am terrified but constantly inspired by you. You are so beyond qualified, and I have no doubts that you will get through this! We love you!!! Thank you for being in healthcare!

There is a reason why people from all over the world watch your videos and want to listen to you Liz. For me, it’s because I’m studying to be a nurse. And your sense of humour. Can’t forget that! ☺️ 😂 For others it may be that your a working mum or various other reasons. Even though you will never meet or even hear from a lot of people you see your videos, know you are a role model and your advice, tips and tricks are always greatly appreciated. Thank you for putting yourself out there.

Resident physicians in family medicine spent 3 years rotating through numerous specialties while studying after 60-80 work weeks and taking in-service exams, and that is after 4 years of intensive full-time medical school. So I think it is understandable for you to feel this way and will likely continue to feel more confident as you accumulate more clinical hours and didactic knowledge! Enjoyed the video, thanks for sharing!

Thank you for being open. I appreciate your honesty and I can relate to you so well. You feel like a friend to me.

Currently 2 years into my nursing career. Went from rehab nursing to now cardiac stepdown. Started orientation in April. Despite all of the great feedback I’ve been getting from preceptors, fellow staff and managers, I still feel inadequate. I feel like I don’t know enough. Afraid I’ll miss something. And literally afraid to even do nursing. Like anxiety through the roof. I’m off orientation this coming weekend and I’ve just come to terms with accepting all of the positive feedback I’ve gotten and reassuring myself that I AM a great nurse and kind of letting that sink in. I have also started journaling. Just know, you have helped me deal with my anxiety in nursing. Your tip on writing down things I’ve learned in my shift and alphabetizing it has been amazing! So thank you! And accept that you ARE an amazing provider. Even if you have to tell yourself in the mirror.

Hello Liz! I came across this video because I actually was searching for imposter syndrome which I didn't even know existed until now. I'm doing my clinical hours for my medical assistant program and all of a sudden since the first day I started I just felt like I didn't belong or deserve it. I started searching why do I feel dumb after almost completing my MA program and to my surprise imposter syndrome kept on showing up. You're right, it feels weird talking about it; but if you dared to tell us I just wanted you to know that I appreciate it so very much. I'm still feeling like this, but somehow you helped me feel better! I'm not alone. Good luck to everyone out there, if you've gotten this far, you'll get farther!

Thank you so much for this. I am a second year nursing student and I haven't touched a (non-Sim) patient since March, so I feel the imposter syndrome already even as a student. I'm constantly worried about how effective of a nurse I will be with training under the current circumstances. Thank you for continuing to educate us (especially via your Instagram stories) about patient care and for always staying humble and authentic.

It's so cool to see how far you have come. I remember when you didn't feel as confident when going to work and its so cool to see where you are now. I know you're probably doing amazing!

This is so refreshing! I'm just now starting to dip my toe into the medical field and I feel it already. I also love your content, it's real and genuine and is really inspiring. I started watching your channel from a cloth diaper video and then kept watching more videos which have inspired me along the way to look into this practice. Everyone has something to offer in their own way. Your videos are definitely helpful and amazing! I'm glad we are not alone in this!

Lizzzzz, I’ve been watching you for the last few years since I really started working towards nursing school and I FINALLLLY got in! Just wanted to share my good news and watching your videos have definitely inspired me so don’t feel like you shouldn’t post, everrrr! 💙

I've been a nurse for a year now and I'm comfortable with the job im doing at this point. Anytime something new comes up, however, I immediately get that imposter syndrome feeling again because it's my first time approaching a situation and I feel out of place even trying. I'm sure that will continue to happen in my career as I change to different specialties and eventually become an NP. Better just get used to it haha. Thanks for the video!

I think it is perfectly OK to feel this way Liz. You’re fresh in your NP career but keep in mind you’re already essentially making VERY independent moves ex: as sole provider in the clinic . Flow with it mama. Nothing worth “value” is ever easy . Remember that ! Your channel/videos empower me as I “begin” my NP journey - searching now ! Love ya girly . 👩🏻‍⚕️❤️. YES to templates !!

I have felt imposter syndrome. I have just completed CNA school, and since the schools shut down due to COVID-19, I began to feel as though the last 2 years in school were meaningless. I felt as though, during those 3 months, that I wouldn’t be able to pass the state test because I had so much time outside of school doing literally nothing. So I definitely know how you feel. What helped me was knowledge based, since school opened briefly for me to finish my lab component, I was able to see how much I truly remembered from the program. I have watched your growth for a long time, and I believe that every healthcare professional has a period of imposter syndrome. You were one of the reasons in which I fell in love with nursing, and are going to get my bachelors, which means you are guiding others into the healthcare field. That, in of itself, shows that you are making your own mark in nursing. I think that the best way to “conquer” this is to look into yourself. And find the reason why you fell in love with being a NP, after that the imposter syndrome will just wash away. Much love from Arkansas ❤️

Liz. Your videos are amazing! And you have so much knowledge to share with us. I’m starting my FNP clinicals tomorrow and I so appreciate your videos because they have given me more confidence. God bless you

Keep it up Liz! You are right it will get better over time!

Yes, templates sound great. Also, as a nurse who is also a chronically ill person, I appreciate your approach of giving the patient the choices and letting them decide what works best in their lives.

I am only 8 months into my career as an FNP in urgent care. I’m no longer afraid to go to work, lol. However, some days I feel like am rocking it and other days I have difficult things and it makes me feel like I know nothing all day. I love your content. I love how lighthearted the conversations are and that you admit that you don’t know it all. We will never know it all which is why we have amazing resources at our fingertips. Please continue your content as is. I love seeing about your life at home and work. ❤️

I've been an NP for just over a year now, and I know exactly how hard the imposter syndrome is. I've been lucky to have a good friend who has been a primary care physician for 16 years. I'm going to share what she said to me when I talked to her about this, because for some reason, it made me feel better. She said "I think it's normal to feel that way sometimes. Ive been doing this for 16 years, and I still have days where I feel like a f'ing dummy". Lol For me, it's just a feeling that I accept that I have to walk with sometimes. It definitely helps to know I'm not alone.

Hey! I'm a new NP and your videos have helped me gain a little more comfort for when I start working. Thank you for any and all advice you give!

So I’ve just recently learned what imposter syndrome is and realized oh… that? I’ve had that MY WHOLE LIFE! No, really. In pretty much every aspect of my life. These videos of merely sharing how you’re feeling so we know we aren’t alone in itself is a HUGE help!! I love the honest, open, realness.. please post more videos like these! Love how it is unedited and feels so REAL. Love it and thank you. PLEASE VIDEO ON TEMPLATES!!!!! Xoxo 💋

I enjoy your content, and I feel like we are a lot alike. After 2 years in primary care, I am feeling ready to move into a specialty. I like to feel like an expert in something, and that is just IMPOSSIBLE in primary care. I love that you have an available and supportive supervising physician. As far as your RU-vid videos, you are followed by healthcare people at all levels, and I remember as a nurse tech and an RN, nurse practitioners seemed like rock stars!

YOU yes YOU are one of my internet role models. keep shining on and doing what your doing sis! You got this.

Liz, I really feel you. I went to a top-5 nationally ranked direct-entry MSN program and have been in practice in high-volume community health centers as an FNP for 8.5 years now. The problem is that (as a commenter states below) NP schools inadequately prepare you for practice as, essentially, a physician. In this way, I fear it is more than imposter 'syndrome.' Family practice physicians have a 4-yr intensive education followed by an 3-yr, 60-80+ wk residency in varied settings, with exams throughout. This level of preparation cannot be humanly attained in a 2-yr master's program -- even by someone as lovely, bright, self-aware, committed, and resourceful as you clearly are. It does get better. I am far more confident in knowing "what I don't know" (and saying it) than I was in the beginning. My cumulative experience makes me continually more adept at having a sense for things and confidence with how to proceed. I enjoy the work, and am always growing- continuing your own education helps enormously. But, honestly, it will always be a struggle. I really encourage anyone contemplating NP school (esp for primary care) to instead consider medical school, or to at least look into PA programs, which provide some of the didactic foundation of medical school and rotations through varied environments. NP school follows a different and frankly, inferior pedagogical model; and you only do master's clinicals in the settings in which you intend to practice, which limits your understanding of the medical system as a whole - particularly if you don't have experience elsewhere as an RN (as Liz, it looks like you do.) If you are already in NP school, try and get an RN gig! I worked at a psych hospital and it was enormously helpful in learning about systems and meds. Thank you for the video Liz! Hang in there! You have the right approach, and your obvious passion for helping patients will help you to continually hone your practice.

You know what? Sure, there may be people on this platform that have more knowledge about a specific aspect of something than you do. HOWEVER they don't even come freaking close to being YOU. We watch you because we love you! Your content is fun and knowledgeable and informative yes, but we're ultimately here because you deliver it with your genuine personality and that's why we keep coming back, because we love that personality! You are a wonderful nurse, I'm sure, and you have so much knowledge to bring! But just always keep in mind that data, statistics and experience isn't always what people need. Sometimes a warm personality, kindness and a bit of whacky humour is exactly what someone needs to make their day a little bit brighter xxx

You are doing great! You bring positivity and realism. We don't want to see a perfect human, we want to see an honest one. You are inspirational.

New sub here! I've been binge watching your videos for the past few days and I just want to thank you for everything. Keep on Nurse Liz!

I love your videos... so helpful and relatable! You totally know what your doing, being successful and authentic is a mammoth task, if anyone can get there its you :)

I'm so glad you kept up with RU-vid! Genuinely look forward to your vlogs every week! (The only vlog I watch btw because you're freaking great!) I'm about to enter into a new career field and I'm really experiencing the imposter syndrome so this is amazingly well timed. Just have to focus on where I came from and what I know now. Fake it until you make it right? Let's hope!

Quality Assurance medical/disability social worker. Definitely feel the imposter syndrome! Seems like most quality assurance folks start out doing the work that they then move into doing QA for. My experience was different in that I was hired from outside to do this role. My learning curve was huge! The social workers I review have the opportunity to dispute any findings I make, and I have to be ready to either defend my finding with a regulation interpretation, or agree with their dispute. It's been SO nerve-wracking! A year in and I am just now getting comfortable with it!

Thanks for this video Liz. Besides dealing with imposter syndrome, I can definitely feel the bigger responsibility and higher risk knowing our names as providers are out there since we can now diagnose, treat and prescribe. I am definitely having a hard time transitioning from an RN to an NP role. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

We don’t watch because you are an expert. We watch to see your experiences as a woman balancing family life and the NP life. Listening to others’ experiences help us. Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s great that you are sharing.

Thank you for naming what I feel at times and had no idea it had a name, Heard of imposter syndrome before but used to dismiss it as a fancy term 😂. Having good group of friends you go outings with who are generous with highlighting each other’s strengths helps. Sending you positive vibes from MN. You are the best!!!

Thank you for making this video. I’m twenty years old, a CNA, going into nursing school. I have always had imposter syndrome and it affects me socially in relationships with friends, coworkers, and while I’m on the unit. No matter where I am I fear I’m either not doing enough or I’m not smart enough to carry on. I can resonate with everything you said. I have good days where I’m on my A game and others where I’m crying in the clean and utility because I feel like a loner who can’t just calm the fuck down and casually talk with coworkers and I’m frantically trying to get stuff done. My dream is to go further beyond nursing school. I have a lot of things I want to accomplish and know that I need to do. But I can’t get over feeling like a tourist in my own damn brain. I wish I knew how to own myself and trust that I am capable. It’s also very exhausting to go back and forth between having good days where ur making strides and then somehow everything just resets, and I’m back at square one with this imposter feeling. I hope we can all get through this and have more good days than bad days.

I agree that imposter syndrome is something that is not talked about enough! I was just talking about this in a group I'm in. I allowed imposter syndrome to keep me from giving applying to grad school my best effort. I thought who am I to apply to accelerated programs as a non nurse? So in turn I half assed some parts of the process. When I didn't get in, I had to have an honest conversation with myself and realize I wasn't ready nor was I acting like I deserved it and I didn't. Now I'm meeting myself where I'm at. I realized that feeling may never completely go away and I had to make peace with that. Ultimately, it makes you more relatable to your patients and to your subscribers that you're discussing this. I think it helps to strip away some of that authority complex that keeps patients from building a genuine relationship with their providers.

Can you tell us more about your pediatrics experience? And I like that you are real and try to show that it isn’t easy. It makes me wanna keep trying when it’s hard.

I am retired now and even though I never worked in health care, I sure can relate to the imposter syndrome. Those thoughts waxed and waned my whole professional career. I think it's just part of the human condition, thinking too much, and struggling with uncertainty. We get stuck in our own heads with narratives we pretty much make up based on our insecurities. IMO, your strategy of pushing the thoughts away and soldiering on are exactly right. Knowing you're not alone helps alot. I also think this pandemic is doing a number on all of us mental-health wise. You, being in health care, likely feel it even deeper. Take care!

I like the fact you don’t appear to know everything! Because in my opinion that’s an honest insight into how most of us feel at one time or another. Or daily 😂😂😂 Either way! I’m with ya!

Hey Liz, we love you whether you are helpful or not! We like you for who you are. You are such a sweet and funny person. No matter how you're feeling right now, you will get through it. :)

Thank you! Your videos are very helpful and full of information! I can’t wait to start my ADN but I’m also nervous to

Ive been dealing with this as well. I am applying to NP school and i question who I think I am applying for this sort of program. You explained it well.

I am a nurse I went through this same feeling when I worked in the emergency room, which was weird because I was a medic prior. After some time I found out that it was not because I was an imposter it was because I was burnt out. So I went to ICU and ever sense then I do not feel it anymore, if anything I feel more confident because the environment matches my personality I’m more in control and no one talks to me ( I get drained of energy if I talk to a lot of ppl like I was doing on the ER ) Idk if this will help shine some light on your situation at all but I know it helped me. Perhaps there is another calling for you as a FNP.

Totally hear ya chica! I have been a PNP for almost 16 years. My first PNP job was in a specialty and I as there for 15 years. I have been at my current job in primary care for 7 months. I have SUCH imposter syndrome. I have learned a ton but I feel like I still have such a knowledge deficit compared to my work colleagues. Soooo hard after being an expert in a specialty. I totally feel like I have fooled my coworkers into thinking I am competent. With that being said, I work with amazing NP and MD colleagues and they all say I am doing well (and they all let me pepper them with questions all day). One of my colleagues told me, “we can do hard things! You’ve got this!” One thing I am learning is to BELIEVE when your colleagues tell you that you are doing well. DON’T say in your head “yeah right” when they tell you that you are doing well. Absorb the positive. We’ve got this! 👊

oh boy sounds like something ill feel. I think like most things it will pass. Focus on your family and practice self care. Thanks for sharing.

You are great Liz. I definitely feel the same. I am almost done with me first year of FNP school and feel like I am never going to make it. Liz you make me wanna share my experience but scared to put my self out there.

Hi Liz. Thank you for this. This really hit home for me.

I have been a software engineer for 3 years and I have found that my knowledge base isn’t the source of my imposter syndrome. I still deal with it regularly but reminding myself that I am capable on a daily basis. Ps I think your content is incredible and I am going back to school to get my bsn.

I can't imagine how hard it is an NP, starting in a small practice where you just have the main owner to learn from instead of a department where you might have others and a preceptor- or multiple ones- and other seasoned nurses on the shift to at least ask questions to. It's basically like you've literally become basically a business owner but the business is medicine and peoples' lives! I think it's really hard to remember most people would feel this way starting out in a scenario like that. I imagine it's also easy to fee that way when you have a lot of older patients who may be used to seeing older providers. But I think the biggest thing is remembering no matter how new you are or how young, what people want the most when the see their family practice is someone who is willing to listen to them, help them understand, and someone who is going to be honest with them. It's amazing that you've gotten to the point where you feel comfortable letting patients have options- I remember the first time I ever saw a provider- after YEARS of being a patient with chronic issues- and they were like well we can do this or this, here are the pros and cons, or we can even just watch and wait. And I remember being like uh wait what, I get a say? And that was the first time I realized I had power over my health care and could ask for options, second opinions, ask for explanations. I think it's important to focus on most of all how far you have come to help remember where you can potentially be 2 years from now, 20 years from now, 30 years into your career. Sometimes I honestly think it's helpful to just admit where you are and accept that you're learning, you're always going to be growing in this career, and you might not have all the answers and knowledge people have 15 years into their career. Watching your channel has felt like going on this journey with you, not that we expect you to know everything about nursing ;) And I have adored your channel! You have been SO informative- even just with the amount of experience you have- and have given me so much to think about- even if it's bad experiences for very real life situations, or sharing your doubts and fears. You've given me so much to consider when I think about, do I really want to get into this? And it also makes me feel better knowing others feel this way- I am only in my second semester of pre-reqs and I'm already like I've worked in an office or retail for my career so far, what do I think I'm doing?? It's refreshing from channels that mainly do sponsored videos, or it's all over-produced and people just show what looks perfect, or people do only routine type videos.

🙋🏻‍♀️ exact feelings! The first year was a blur and I truly don’t know how I survived day by day (first day I saw 10 patients with NO providers in the office). My second year was a lot of, wow... I have A LOT to still understand and learn. I’m officially in my third year- STARTING to feel more confident (depends on the week). I would love to see some Documentation and physics exam PEARLS!

Thank you for all of your videos! I'm a mom of four and about to go to nursing school. I have gone through imposter syndrome in my own life through different seasons and I noticed that it coincides with a major problem in just one area but bleeds into the others. For me, when my marriage gets hard, I start doubting my capabilities with everything else. It will get better but maybe try to think of what other area might be overflowing into this? I hope that helps!! Thank you for the vast amount of valuable info you have given me!

Also - YES to TEMPLATES!!! I would wholeheartedly watch that video!!!

I feel the same way in my job. I recently got a job as a CNA to start my career, and I feel the imposter syndrome GREATLY. I’m still in that new CNA phase, but now that I’m getting my own groove I just feel like someone will be like “what are you doling?!?” even though I feel as though I educated on my job, and I know that I don’t know everything, but I am always learning and willing to learn. The same with me going into nursing school, I feel like I’m getting some sort of “Pre-imposter syndrome” phase. It’s weird but I really want to go into nursing and my teachers, coworkers, and family tell me that it’s a good career for me and all that, but I just don’t know. I really want to be a nurse, but I’m just scared I’m not going to be able to fill the role of a nurse. Im a pretty confident person, so these feelings are not normal for me. I’ve been tucking those feelings away, but I hope along the way of nursing school I get some more confidence and see I really can fit the role of a nurse. (You’re definitely a big help in gaining confidence with your amazing videos!!!)

I have felt this way most of my nursing career. I didn't know it had a name and I didn't know so many other people felt the same way!

I never heard the concept before. But at times I do feel woefully incompetent walking into the rooms. However, the years of experience do take over and sometimes just listening...the hardest part for me is "reading people" who don't talk.

I’m in nursing school. I’ve learned a lot but I was telling my friend that I do really well on my grades, but could I really recognize this in real life?! I get sooo nervous around pt’s and feel like I go brain dead. My confidence is next to nothing. It makes me feel like a fraud. I’m so glad to see this because I thought it was just me.

Thank you for talking about this. I thought I was the only person that felt this way. I am studying for my RN boards and sometimes I feel like I don't know enough to do my job once I start working in the field.

I think people who think they know everything and don’t feel the need to ask questions is way scarier!!

I am coming up on 3 years of being a primary care NP. I am burning out and losing my love of learning. For a while I was looking up new information every day, but especially in primary care, the more we learn, the more we realize we don't know. I feel the same way and am struggling to re-spark my passion for primary care.

Imposer syndrome (AKA inferiority complex): I feel this. Deeply. But not as an FNP, because I'm not even an RN yet. HOWEVER... I feel it, in my parenting, in my marriage, in my daily life, in going back to school... I try to push it down, try to tell myself that I am smart and I throw my everything into my endevors to overcome this "feeling". I give 110% to everything... (I am currently pulling a 98.7% on my accelerated A&P course that I signed up for to keep my knowledge "current" over the summer before launching into the RN related courses in the fall for example). But at the end of the day, that 98% doesn't feel good enough. I still feel like someone is going to come in and tell me "This isn't good enough, TRY HARDER! You are INFERIOR!!!" And, I feel this in literally everything. The only thing I do NOT feel this in, is prayer & faith. I feel that God is the one existential being which will not tell me I'm inferior, or not good enough... however I do feel this when thinking perhaps I am wrong to trust in God, in the small tiny little moment before I count down all the reasons why his existence is supported, and all the ways the bible has been proven true. Anyway I'm rabbit trailing... I'm sorry I don't mean to get off on a religion rant... Liz, you are one of my favorite people on youtube. You are honest, funny, insanely intelligent, and so so very relatable!! You & I think & talk very similarly at times, but you would not know this of course... so perhaps that's why I relate to you so well, but I really do believe that you are one of the best out there, and that while you are FEELING this way, that it is your brain lying to you. I have found, that when I feel inferior, if I count up all the ways (literally writing them down in my case) that I have NOT FAILED that day... or that week... or that month... it helps me see all the good rather than the bad I believe I've caused. Maybe this will help you too??

Your not alone .your a FNP and having tons of people throwing so many questions at you that are so random. I think the key is to know when to refer out. And are you kidding girl?!?! I work cardiology and ANYTHING else cardiology I say “ honestly I’m sorry I don’t know. I will have to have you ask your PCP.” LOL hang in there!!

I think what’s hard about the medical field is people expect nurses, NPs, PAs, and doctors to know EVERYTHING. So it’s difficult to be comfortable looking a patient in the eye and confidently saying “I’m not sure, let me check blah blah blah”. But we can’t know everything, that’s why there’s specialists. Even surgeons can’t do everything. Both cardiovascular and ortho surgeons are important, but they can’t just trade places. And please do a video about templates! ☺️

Liz, I admire your honesty. I’m a mom of two littles and a third on the way. I quit my dream job to pursue my DNP-FNP and I somedays I feel like what was I thinking? I am enjoying everything but I don’t know exactly what I want to do with it. I have always avoided overly confident nurses because it’s impractical to know everything. I don’t think anyone expects that because we are human and education will be lifelong. Edit: I don’t know if you made a video about your FNP clinicals? What would you change or do you recommend?

I’ve been a nurse for 2 years and I am feeling this way. I feel like some days where I’m doing so well and other days I feel so stupid and start overthinking 😭 I hate it. But I love love love learning more and I wanna continue to further my education. It’s like I’m struggling but I wanna do more, if that makes sense.

This reminds me of a tweet I saved: "None of the right people have imposter syndrome." I honestly just lean right into uncomfortable feelings because I'd rather face it and feel it than pretend it isn't happening (not knocking people who do-sometimes we just don't have the bandwidth or time to give ourselves over to the feels). I am terrified to be a nurse (I am going into my second year of nursing school now) but I also know that feeling of fear-especially now-and feeling like I don't know enough is just never going to go away because I will always be afraid I'm gonna kill a patient, which is rational because every nursing intervention has the potential to kill patients. There will always be something to learn because-despite the fact that we all get a meat machine to live in-we still don't actually know a ton about the human body, and info we do feel like we know gets updated every single day. Liz you'll never feel like you know it all or will always have a solution for patients and it's not because you aren't smart or aren't a good professional. You aren't failing as a mother or a wife or an NP or a RU-vidr. We'll just never know it all, and even if we did find a way to do that, what we'd know would just change in five minutes, anyway. The good news is you have company for all of the roles you play in society because we're really all just winging it, even those people you see on social media who *seem* to have it all together so seamlessly. They're winging it, too. You're gonna be fine. Remember when you first became a nurse and the experienced nurse told you to "just give it six months"? You felt overwhelmed then but you made it past the six months. You'll hit your stride as an NP, too, and you should know that because you've proven to yourself time and again that you can overcome these feelings.

Love you Liz!

Awe makes me feel sad you are so hard on yourself! Can be a good thing in some areas but also be unhealthy..I can’t relate to this in a career aspect but just being an adult trying to raise two decent human beings im like uh... help. Lol am I qualified? 😂 I hope this gets easier for you! Never stop sharing your advice/knowledge on RU-vid it’s greatly helped me and lots of others!

Thank you for your vulnerability. I start my first NP job in about a month (crossing fingers on state licensure). I’m definitely scared especially as I’ll be practicing professionally for the FIRST TIME as an NP. I’m thankful that I have support at the location I’m at, but it’s definitely very scary and I’m scared AF (excuse the language)

I think imposter syndrome is more prevalent in positions where you tackle a lot of broad issues (such as primary care). Because you are constantly reminded that there are so many things out there we don't know. You have to look at the WHOLE pie, not just a specialized slice of the pie.

As someone who went from working in one role within a field to a more decision making role (library assistant to librarian), I think it can sometimes be hard because I used to feel hyper competent and now I am struggling though new skills and responsibilities.

I always appreciate your realness and honesty. I watch you not only because you're super smart but because I love your personality as well. You're actually the only NP I follow, it takes a lot for me to hit that subscribe button :). So please never not make videos. Hokay?! :p

Thank you so much for making this video! I have used the podcast Unf*ck Your Brain to help me a lot with thoughts in this area. She has a specific episode on Imposter Syndrome back in 2017 that I found particularly helpful.

I’m almost 3 years out and the more I see and learn the less qualified I feel 😂 I think it’s normal no matter how long you’ve been practicing. I think it’s a safe humbling feeling so that we never forget that no matter the training or years of experience we can never know or come across everything For me, continuously reading and learning outside of work helps ease my anxiety but I think it’s important to do what works for you. COVID is not helping

I honestly would suggest considering therapy. Therapy has helped me so much with learning how to process my emotions and tackle imposter syndrome.

I still feel that way as an APN and I have been doing this for 3 years -_- I feel like it comes to me in waves.

Do you think FNP should do a residency? I'm also scared of feeling like I know nothing. So I wonder if I did residency or an externship under a preceptor the transition will be nicer. Did you have a "training" period after graduating and starting a new job?

I've had imposter syndrome ever since I started clinicals. I thought finishing FNP school would relieve some of that but now I keep stressing over the things not really covered in school: 12 lead EKGs (which I bought a book on and am working through on my own while looking for my forst job) and radiology! I did read a book on CXR but haven't done much with looking at ortho related xrays. I was thinking of doing urgent care to start, but these are 2 skills I really need work on :(

I’m starting FNP school with Kentucky Christian U. Do you know of anyone who’s attended this school thank you! Great video

I am there 100%. When did you crawl in my brain? I didn't know imposter syndrome was a thing. I'm googling the phrase...This was a helpful and educational article I found www.themuse.com/advice/5-different-types-of-imposter-syndrome-and-5-ways-to-battle-each-one I didn't know there were templates in the EHR. I'll definitely look that up. I'm going to rewatch this one and take notes. I remember hitting the imposter syndrome as a brand new nurse, I've just intentionally blocked that hell year out. This revisit in my advanced degree process is just as paralyzing! Thank you for talking about the white elephant in the room.

What kind of settings can FNP work in? I know many work in private offices but can FNP work in urgent care or the ER? Can FNP specialize in pediatrics or mother and baby?

No offense but you may need to speak to someone.... professional..talk your thoughts out.... you are an amazing person you got this...

Me too girl...me too❤️

Who am I, a student nurse to offer you any insight but here goes: 2 year mark. In reality, your imposter feelings have been there for a while. But during year one, you were learning so much, and just getting into your stride. Now at this point, you have hit your stride so now you have time and energy for those uncomfortable feelings to come creeping in. Also, we're in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. Healthcare providers are facing burnout left and right. Everyone is struggling. I don't think your challenges are intellectual. You're not going to "learn" your way out of this. It's probably more of an emotional challenge. And with it being an emotional issue, maybe you should see a therapist (if you don't have one already), or join/start an online support group for healthcare workers and providers that are facing burnout or imposter syndrome? Or even become an adjunct nursing instructor to train new nursing students to help pass on your knowledge but also see yourself in them and realize how far you've come and how much you know now. I've been a huge fan of your nursing content for a quite a while and I have watched your videos over and over again as I start my own nursing journey. You are so awesome! Your fan, StudentNurseDean

I think in any career, you’ll feel like an imposter from time to time. That means you’re human.

Alsoooooo stop comparing yourself!

i don't know if this helps but just cuz u feel something doesn't make it real ya know what i mean?

It's because NP's are imposters. At least you get paid alot to give bad advice to patients.