In This Article
- The prevalence of imposter syndrome among healthcare professionals
- Recognising the signs of imposter syndrome
- Embracing self-doubt as your career’s greatest asset
- Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome in your healthcare role
- Strengthen your confidence through postgraduate study
- Explore flexible online healthcare courses to advance your career
Imposter syndrome is more than just a fleeting moment of self-doubt. It can be a persistent internal dialogue that impacts even the most accomplished people. For healthcare professionals, this experience is common and even relatively normal. However, left unaddressed, imposter syndrome can impact your mental health, how you contribute meaningfully to your team and the quality of care you provide your patients or clients.
If you've found yourself questioning, "Do I belong here?” or “Am I the right person for the job?” you’re in good company. It turns out many healthcare professionals have similar thoughts. This article will shed light on the prevalence of imposter syndrome in healthcare, who is more susceptible to it and some actionable steps to overcome feelings of imposterism to build confidence in your role.
The prevalence of imposter syndrome among healthcare professionals
Healthcare is one of the most respected and challenging industries. Yet, the weight of responsibility and high expectation inherent in different roles can lead many professionals to doubt their own abilities. You may second-guess your skills for fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite clear evidence of your accomplishments. This phenomenon may also cause you to feel undeserving, inferior and incompetent, especially when comparing yourself to your peers. These feelings contribute to poor self-worth, lower job satisfaction, increased risk of burnout and may ultimately hinder you from achieving your potential.
Luke Lawrence from Explore Psychology in Geelong, shared his personal experience of imposter syndrome as an early-career psychologist while developing his clinical experience in private practice. He explains, “It sometimes feels like I’ve got so much to learn that I thinking I don’t know what I’m doing.” He also agrees that a likely long-term consequence of imposter syndrome is burnout and having a generalised feeling that you’re not making a difference may lead to anxiousness, unfulfilment and potentially actual career failure.
However, Luke emphasised how important it is for people to recognise that they bring their own unique skills and expertise to their profession. “The reality is everyone has a different level of knowledge or a different approach”. People often underestimate their knowledge or skill set when entering a new field or new role. Luke adds “you’ve already got so much skill without realising it.”
Imposter syndrome amongst healthcare students and recent graduates
A recent article published in the academic journal Medicine reviewed the prevalence of imposter syndrome among students and graduates of medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy and psychology. The study showed that 30 per cent of participants reported feelings indicative of imposter syndrome concerning their healthcare professions, highlighting the early onset of inadequacy amongst many of these professionals.
The experience of imposter syndrome may also impact healthcare delivery and negatively affect patient care. You may be grappling with insecurity and hesitate to voice your opinions. You might also distrust your own decisions or delay critical interventions, fearing you might make mistakes or appear unqualified. Such hesitations can compromise the timeliness and efficacy of patient care.
Imposter syndrome within healthcare teams
On a broader scale, when imposter syndrome infiltrates healthcare teams, it can hinder collaborative efforts and disrupt the team’s dynamics. Teams composed of multiple professionals dealing with such feelings may downplay their contributions, avoid taking leadership roles or fail to challenge alternative decisions from colleagues. Moreover, a pervasive atmosphere of self-doubt could create emotional strain within the team, which affects morale in the overall team environment.
This may be amplified in high-stress environments with potential life-or-death consequences. The pressure to get things right is enormous for healthcare providers and self-doubt can become paralysing. These conditions might perpetuate a culture of hesitancy, as individuals reinforce one another’s doubts through unspoken anxiety or the reluctance to engage. Without active intervention through supportive leadership and open discussions, imposter syndrome can stall cohesive decision-making, impair professional growth and impact patient care.
Recognising the signs of imposter syndrome
So, what is imposter syndrome and how do you recognise the signs of imposter syndrome as a healthcare professional?
There are some cardinal signs of imposter syndrome to look out for, including:
- a pervasive fear of being exposed as incompetent or as a fraud
- constant feelings of self-doubt and lack of confidence
- attributing success to external factors such as luck as opposed to true abilities
- inability to ‘internalise’ success, difficulty accepting praise and failure to recognise professional achievements
- avoidance of new challenges and opportunities due to fear of failure
- unrealistic self-expectations and idealised perfectionism
- tendency to ruminate over past mistakes
- disappointment with current achievements
- over-preparedness or procrastination about starting and completing tasks
- frequent comparisons to peers with the belief they are more competent
What’s your likelihood of experiencing imposter syndrome?
Certain settings and personality types can enhance the likelihood of health professionals encountering imposter syndrome.
Senior, novel and high-pressure settings
Imposter syndrome is prevalent during transitional periods of professional growth. This may include taking on senior leadership roles or joining a new team, where the expectations are high and may initially feel overwhelming. For example, imposter syndrome in nursing is common among new graduates and is equally common among newly promoted nurses in managerial positions. A recently promoted nurse to a senior position may question their leadership abilities with the newfound responsibilities of their role. Similarly, a junior doctor in a busy emergency department might fear making mistakes when under immense time pressure. Healthcare scenarios with high stakes and greater responsibilities that require people to stretch their expertise and adapt to new situations are potentially fertile ground for the emergence of imposter syndrome.
Personality traits linked to imposter syndrome
There are many intellectually demanding roles in the healthcare industry, which often attract intelligent people who are highly capable with an aptitude for learning. It typically takes years of rigorous education and peer competition to secure a place at a prestigious institution and attain a highly sought-after job once qualified. The complex problem-solving, constant pursuit of knowledge and responsibility associated with some clinical and non-clinical healthcare roles are commonly suited to high-achieving people.
However, this same intelligence can make some people more vulnerable to internal perceptions of inadequacy. People with tendencies toward neuroticism and perfectionism are more prone to experiencing imposter syndrome as they are more likely to dwell on mistakes, have a negative bias or perceive themselves as incompetent, even when academic and workplace evidence suggests otherwise. Similarly, perfectionists who are deeply invested in their responsibilities might set unrealistically high standards for themselves. They may believe their efforts could always be improved upon and are, therefore, seldom satisfied with their accomplishments and abilities.
Luke agrees that perfectionist types may be more susceptible to imposter syndrome. He believes that the phenomenon of imposter syndrome is likely a “psychological mechanism or coping strategy” that people use to quieten an ‘inner critic’ internal dialogue, which causes people to strive and elevate their performance.
Recognising these patterns in yourself is vital because it allows you to identify areas where you may be struggling or experiencing undue stress. Once you recognise the signs and acknowledge whether you have a greater tendency based on your personality, you can begin to develop strategies to build resilience and improve your mental and emotional wellbeing in your role.
Embracing self-doubt as your career’s greatest asset
As discussed, imposter syndrome is felt by even (and especially) the most competent, high-achieving and devoted people in the healthcare profession. There may be a permeating feeling of concern that perhaps you could be doing things better, more effectively and with greater skill.
Embracing the notion that almost all health professionals struggle with imposter syndrome should give you the needed reassurance to understand that feeling this way is normal. It’s valuable to engage in self-reflective practices about your work and the care you provide to recognise what’s going well, refine your skills if necessary and move forward. Having a bit of self-doubt is actually a useful tool that can catalyse growth, both personally and professionally.
Perhaps reframing imposter syndrome as a positive driver for change and career growth is a more productive way to view this phenomenon amongst healthcare workers. These feelings serve as a sign of your motivation to improve, not an indication of your unworthiness or incompetence. It shows that you aren’t complacent or overconfident; instead, you’re someone who values excellence and wants to do the right thing for yourself, your colleagues and your patients.
Furthermore, you recognise that being a healthcare provider is complex and nuanced. You understand that this means you need to remain open to learning and growing, continually pushing yourself toward your potential. The fact that you’re questioning yourself proves that you care deeply about what you do, a quality that will sustain you in your career.
Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome in your healthcare role
Overcoming imposter syndrome in your healthcare role is possible with some helpful strategies. Here are five actionable steps to help you do your job well, enhance your skills and build self-confidence at work.
-
Acknowledge its presence
The first step to tackling imposter syndrome is recognising it. Acknowledge your feelings of uncertainty and understand that they do not reflect your actual abilities or achievements. Naming it allows you to see it for what it is and will help you find a comfortable way to share your experience with others. Awareness creates a foundation for constructively addressing your situation and helps reframe your mindset.
Mindfulness practices can be incredibly valuable in combating imposter syndrome at work and may help people address runaway negative thought patterns. As Luke echoes, “Mindfulness-based therapy would be helpful for people to start to bear witness, without judgement, to their thoughts and feelings.”
Luke says that this helps people notice their inner critical voice that shows up during times of stress and rather than believing it, they can simply notice it. From here, people can separate their thoughts or perceptions from their true reality. “Don’t let your thoughts carry you away”, he adds, “see things for how they really are.”
Activities such as meditation, journaling or short moments of reflection throughout the day help focus your thoughts and calm negative self-talk. When you focus on the present moment, mindfulness allows you to interrupt unhelpful thought patterns and gives space for a more balanced perspective rooted in reality. -
Celebrate your successes
As a healthcare professional, it’s important to celebrate the positive impact you make every day, even in the smallest ways. Keep a record of your achievements, whether helping a patient or client reach a positive outcome, receiving praise from colleagues or being considered for a promotion. Given the demands of the healthcare industry, it’s easy to focus on challenges and overlook your incredible academic and professional accomplishments. Celebrating your successes reminds you that you deserve your role and should be proud of your work in helping others.
-
Seek mentorship and support
Connecting with experienced professionals and peers who can guide you through insecure moments can help reset your perspective.
Mentors remind you that everyone faces challenges throughout their careers and they help you see the impact you have in your work. They can offer practical advice, share their own experiences and offer reassurance when you need it. Having that trusted guide by your side can empower you to grow, overcome obstacles and continue making meaningful contributions to the healthcare field.
Engaging in peer discussion groups or developing your professional networks where you can seek insights and encouragement from colleagues is highly beneficial. Connecting with peers who understand the pressures of the profession can make a world of difference. This will help remind you that you are not alone in your struggles, easing feelings of imposter syndrome as you share stories and strategies with like-minded peers. Leaning on a community of colleagues can inspire confidence at work, resilience and a renewed sense of purpose in your healthcare role.
-
Request constructive feedback
Seeking clarification on your role and actively requesting feedback from managers and supervisors can be instrumental in overcoming imposter syndrome. Receiving constructive criticism can pinpoint your strengths and areas to improve in ways that build your capability. Whether it's improving communication with patients, refining your technical expertise or troubleshooting with your supervisor, feedback offers fresh perspectives that can enhance your confidence. Over time, you’ll discover how to build confidence by incorporating feedback into your work, which helps reduce stress, minimise burnout risk and promotes better work-life balance in your role.
-
Pursue postgraduate education
Sometimes, imposter syndrome may arise due to a skills gap related to your current role. You may want to explore an area of healthcare more comprehensively to build your confidence and deliver advanced care to your patients. Gaining knowledge in a specialised area of health may help bridge the gap between your perceived and actual competence. Postgraduate study can improve your expertise, broaden your career opportunities and connect you with a network of peers who share similar experiences of imposterism and are eager to grow their careers with further education.
Strengthen your confidence through postgraduate study
Postgraduate education is an ideal way to lessen uncertainty in your healthcare role. Graduate certificates and graduate diplomas build on your undergraduate education or previous career experience to enhance your knowledge in a given study area.
Master’s degrees give you additional skills and a framework of expertise to help you progress in your healthcare career with confidence. There are also alternative pathways to a master’s degree to consider if you have relevant work experience or are pivoting from a field outside of healthcare.
Nursing postgraduate courses
Graduate Certificate in Critical Care - University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Online
- Gain valuable skills to effectively manage and care for people in critical conditions and with complex health presentations
- You will develop a strong foundation in critical care concepts, including advanced therapeutic interventions and strategies for evaluating complex patient data
- This course is ideal for health professionals and nurses looking to provide specialised care to critically ill patients and who want to progress into advanced practice roles
Graduate Diploma of Nursing Majoring in Education - James Cook University (JCU) Online
- Gain advanced healthcare education knowledge, including skills in clinical coaching, governance and evidence-based practice
- Learn to utilise informatics tools and data management techniques to enhance healthcare education and practice
- This course is ideal for nurses looking to transition into educational roles in clinical or non-clinical settings, such as a nurse educator role or a clinical nurse consultant
Master of Nursing (Leadership) - Victoria University (VU) Online
- Acquire advanced skills to take on leadership roles in managing and coordinating complex care for clients
- Understand and use digital healthcare systems to improve nursing practices and optimise patient care
- This course is ideal for those aiming to advance into senior leadership and management roles in nursing
Psychology and mental health postgraduate courses
Graduate Certificate of Psychology - Edith Cowan University (ECU) Online
- Gain a strong understanding of psychological principles, including human behaviour, wellbeing and neuroscience
- Develop essential skills to promote psychological health and cultural awareness in various professional contexts
- This course is ideal for professionals in various fields seeking to enhance their psychological literacy, apply psychology in their careers or begin the pathway to becoming a registered psychologist
Graduate Diploma of Mental Health - Southern Cross University (SCU) Online
- Build the skills and knowledge to provide well-rounded mental health interventions across various healthcare settings
- Gain a deep understanding of emerging trends and evidence-based practices in mental health care
- This course is ideal for health professionals with a psychology or social science background looking to enhance their mental health care expertise.
Master of Child and Adolescent Mental Health - Victoria University (VU) Online
- Develop advanced skills in assessing and treating mental health issues in children, adolescents and young people using evidence-based approaches
- Learn effective strategies for trauma-informed care and mental health practices targeted towards optimal recovery in settings such as schools, families and agencies
- This course is ideal for professionals with a background in health science, social work, psychology, medicine, counselling, youth work or education who wish to specialise in child and adolescent mental health in various environments
Public health and management postgraduate courses
Graduate Certificate in Health Research - University of Canberra (UC) Online
- Learn to design and apply qualitative and quantitative research methods, including statistical analysis and research planning
- Develop important skills to critically evaluate literature, identify knowledge gaps and apply ethical considerations in clinical research
- This course is ideal for those with experience in the health sector who want to pursue careers in clinical research, health policy development or further academic study in health research
Graduate Certificate in Public Health - Victoria University (VU) Online
- Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the biological, social, cultural, economic and political aspects of health
- Develop valuable skills to implement population-based interventions and policies in diverse public health settings
- This course is ideal for individuals pursuing careers in public health practice, health promotion, disease prevention or public health research
Master of Business Administration (Health Services Management) - Southern Cross University (SCU) Online
- Gain comprehensive business management skills in core business areas such as finance, marketing, organisational behaviour and project management tailored to health services
- Learn to lead effectively with a focus on ethical and sustainable management practices in healthcare settings while acquiring advanced skills in governance and accountability specific to the healthcare industry
- This course is ideal for professionals looking to advance their careers in health services management and those seeking leadership roles in healthcare organisations
Explore flexible online healthcare courses to advance your career
Imposter syndrome may feel isolating. However, it’s a shared experience amongst many healthcare professionals. Once you recognise the signs, you can begin to celebrate your milestones, reach out for support and give yourself grace as you continue to grow and expand in your healthcare career.
Investing in your education is an investment in yourself and a powerful way to help transform uncertainty into confidence.
If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, explore GlobalHealth Education’s range of online courses from our partner universities. Discover flexible courses in social work, public health, counselling, sonography, nursing, psychology, leadership and mental health. Choose a course and speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor today to find the best course to suit your study needs and career goals.
