Struggling with self-doubt at work?

Feel like you’re faking it - you are not alone

Do you experience feelings of doubt about your own knowledge and skills? And worry that your colleagues will “find out” you’re not as capable as they think, despite proof that you are? That’s impostor syndrome... and it’s completely common. It is your brain’s own personal confidence thief – whispering that you don’t belong, when in reality, you do.

You might feel like you’re not “good enough,” worry about being “found out,” or struggle to accept praise for your hard work. Imposter syndrome can make you feel like a fraud or that you don’t deserve your success or the any positive feedback you get.

The good news? With a little awareness and support, these feelings can become much easier to manage.

Remember that almost all of us experience self-doubt at some point. We all can feel anxious, strive for perfection, worry about failing, or fear not being good enough.

Signs You Might Be Feeling Like an Imposter

😔 Feeling alone – You avoid reaching out, worried others will see you’re not “cut out” for the job.

🤔 Second‑guessing yourself – You question your achievements or downplay them.

🛑 Holding back – You hesitate to take on new challenges because you fear failure.

⏳ Stuck in the same spot – You put off applying for roles, negotiating, or advocating for yourself.

💤 Skipping self-care – You push through exhaustion without celebrating your wins or giving yourself a break.

Gentle Ways to Overcome Imposter Feelings

📝 Name it – When self-doubt pops up, notice it. Saying it out loud or writing it down helps reduce its power.

💬 Talk it through – Chat with a trusted colleague, mentor, or friend. Most people feel this way at some point!

🏆 Celebrate your wins – Keep a list of achievements, compliments, and successes to remind yourself what you’re capable of.

🎯 Focus on your journey – Comparing yourself to others can be misleading. Concentrate on your own growth.

👏 Give yourself credit – Take a moment to feel proud when you accomplish something—don’t brush it off.

💖 Be kind to yourself – Mistakes don’t make you a failure; they’re part of learning and growing.

🔄 Reframe setbacks – See challenges as stepping stones rather than proof you’re “not enough.”

🤝 Reach out for support – If feelings persist, talking to a therapist, coach, or mentor can help you feel grounded and supported.

🌈 Remember…

Imposter syndrome is often linked to high expectations, perfectionism, or feeling like you don’t belong—especially in stressful workplaces or where representation is limited. It’s not a personal flaw.

Feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you aren’t capable—it just means you’re human. Confidence isn’t about never doubting yourself; it’s about moving forward even when you do.

You’re not alone, and you don’t have to do this by yourself. Every nurse and midwife experiences moments of doubt—what matters is how you care for yourself and keep going.

References

Chaieb, R., Kacem, I., Suissi, J., Sahli, J., Belgecem, I., & Rejeb, M. B. (2025). Imposter syndrome among nurses: Prevalence and associated factors. Biomedicine & Healthcare Research, 5(1), 10–14.

Ebberts, M., Stone, B., & Makic, M. B. F. (2024). Imposter syndrome. Critical Care Nurse, 44 (6), 64–68.

El-Ashry, A. M., Taha, S. M., Elhay, E. S. A., Hammad, H. A. H., Khedr, M. A., & El-Sayed, M. M. (2024). Prevalence of imposter syndrome and its association with depression, stress, and anxiety among nursing students: A multi-center cross-sectional study. BMC Nursing, 23(1), 862.

Greenwood, G. (2022). How imposter syndrome can help shape professional identity. Nursing Times, 118(11), 30–32.