Feeling Uncertain About Your Nursing Skills? You’re Not Alone – Here’s How to Overcome It
As a nurse, you’ve worked hard to gain your qualifications, but when faced with real-world clinical situations, you might still feel uncertain or question your abilities. Whether you’re a newly graduated registered nurse (RN), an internationally qualified nurse (IQN) transitioning into the Australian workforce, or even an experienced nurse stepping into a new role, self-doubt can creep in.
The good news? You’re not alone! Every nurse—at some stage—has felt this way. The key is recognising that uncertainty is part of growth, and rather than letting it hold you back, you can use it as a stepping stone to develop confidence and competence.
Why do nurses feel uncertain?
Uncertainty in nursing is completely normal. Here’s why it happens:
🔹 Transition Shock – Whether you're a new grad or an IQN adjusting to the Australian healthcare system, the shift from study to practice can feel overwhelming.
🔹 Fear of Making Mistakes – Patient care is a huge responsibility, and the fear of errors can lead to self-doubt.
🔹 High Expectations – Many nurses set unrealistic expectations for themselves, believing they should know everything immediately.
🔹 New Work Environments – Adapting to a different hospital, clinical setting, or team dynamic can be intimidating.
🔹 Imposter Syndrome – That nagging feeling that you don’t truly belong or are not as competent as others believe.
Turning Uncertainty into Strength
Instead of seeing uncertainty as a weakness, use it as a motivator to improve. Here’s how:
✅ Acknowledge and accept It
Feeling uncertain doesn’t mean you’re incompetent — it means you care. Acknowledging that learning is a lifelong process, and even the most experienced nurses still learn new things every day.
✅ Ask questions
Your colleagues, nurse educators, and mentors expect you to ask questions. Seeking guidance is a sign of professionalism, not incompetence.
✅ Equip yourself skills with CPD courses
Structured learning, like online CPD courses and face-to-face training/workshops, helps bridge knowledge gaps and builds confidence in clinical decision-making.
✅ Use reflection as a learning tool
After each shift, take a few minutes to reflect:
👉 What did I do well?
👉 What could I have done differently?
👉 What can I learn from this experience?
✅ Build a support network
Connect with peers who are going through the same challenges. Join nursing support groups, engage with professional networks, or enrol in support programs that provide structured guidance.
✅ Celebrate your progress
You won’t become a confident nurse overnight, but every day, you’re gaining experience. Acknowledge your wins—big or small—because they all add up.
You’re Not Alone—We are here to support
If you’re struggling with self-doubt or feeling lost in your nursing journey, at NurseSucceed, we provide CPD courses, nationally recognised courses, CPR and first-aid training, career development programs, and support program for transition to clinical practice for all nurses!
Take the next step towards confidence in your nursing career.
Explore our courses and join a community that helps you grow!
📢 Share this with a fellow nurse who needs encouragement! 💙