Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a New Nurse LeaderSubheading:

🩺 NurseCoaching Blog (June)

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a New Nurse Leader

What if the only thing standing between you and your desired role is your self-doubt?

🩺 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a New Nurse Leader

How to Own Your Expertise, Even When You Don’t Feel Ready

Stepping into a leadership role as a nurse can feel like trading in your scrubs for a suit of uncertainty. You’ve got the qualifications, the experience, and even the desire to lead. But still, that voice whispers: “What if I’m not good enough?”, “What if they find out I’m not actually a leader?”

Welcome to the club. That voice? That’s imposter syndrome – and it’s more common than you think.

🎭 What is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where people doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as a “fraud,” despite clear evidence of their success. For nurses moving from the bedside to leadership, it often shows up as:

• Feeling undeserving of your promotion

• Questioning your decisions more than before

• Comparing yourself to more experienced managers

• Avoiding opportunities because you’re afraid to fail publicly

Sound familiar?

🧠 Why Nurses Are Especially Vulnerable

Nursing culture values humility, hard work, and putting others first. So, when asked to speak up, take charge, or lead change, it can feel like stepping outside the safe zone. In addition, there is a lack of formal leadership training in many clinical roles, and it's no wondermany talented nurses question their capability.

But here’s the truth: Leadership isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about being willing to learn, connect, and grow publicly.

5 “nurse-specific” symptoms of imposter syndrome

Here are 5 nurse-specific symptoms of imposter syndrome that resonate deeply with bedside nurses transitioning into leadership:

🩺 1. Downplaying Clinical Expertise

“I’m just a Band 5... I wouldn’t know how to lead.”

Many nurses underestimate the transferable leadership skills they already use daily—like critical thinking, prioritisation, and patient advocacy—because they don’t see them as “managerial.” They talk themselves out of applying for promotions because they feel unqualified, even when they’re outperforming in their current role.

👩🏾‍⚕️ 2. Fear of ‘Not Knowing Enough’

“What if I get into the role and everyone realises I don’t know what I’m doing?”

Nurses with imposter syndrome often believe they must know everything before stepping into leadership. They confuse readiness with perfection, which leads to over-preparing, second-guessing themselves, or stalling on taking action.

💬 3. Avoiding Leadership Opportunities

“I’ll wait until I’m more confident before applying.”

They decline acting-up roles, stay silent in meetings, or avoid speaking up—even when they have valuable input. Imposter syndrome convinces them they need external permission to lead, when what they need is validation and visibility.

🧠 4. Equating Caring with Compliance

“If I question the system, I’m not being a team player. "Nurses often internalise the idea that being “good” means being agreeable. So, they hesitate to challenge poor practices or propose changes—even when they know better—because they fear being seen as disruptive.

🗂 5. Overcompensating with Perfectionism

“If I make one mistake, they’ll realise I’m not good enough. "They triple-check tasks, take on too much, or work overtime unpaid—all to avoid criticism. They confuse competence with overperformance, which fuels burnout and self-doubt.

💡 5 Practical Ways to Quiet the Imposter Voice

1. Keep a Leadership Journal

Start each week by writing three sentences:

• What leadership moment stood out?

• What did you learn?

• What are you proud of?

This habit, part of our From Bedside to Boardroom programme, trains your brain to notice growth instead of doubt.

2. Use the Evidence

Track your wins—big and small. Delivered feedback that went well? Managed a tricky rota? Supported a team member through conflict? These are leadership moments. Keep them. Reflect on them. Build your portfolio of proof.

3. Talk to Other Leaders

You are not alone. Every leader has had a shaky start. Shadow someone, ask them how they built confidence, or join our NurseCoach community to connect with peers who get it.

4. Reframe Fear as Feedback

Feeling nervous means you care. That surge of doubt? It’s a sign that you’re growing. Use it to pause, reflect, and prepare better, not to shrink back.

5. Craft Your Vision Statement

Leadership isn't just about titles. It’s about purpose. Define your why. In our coaching programme, we help nurses create a personal leadership vision to anchor them when uncertainty strikes.

🚀 Ready to Own Your Role?

Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not a leader. It means you're human—and growing. The nurses I coach who struggle the most with self-doubt are often most committed to doing a good job.

So if you're reading this and nodding, know that you’re exactly where you need to be.

Want structured support to step into leadership with confidence?

1. Why not check to see if you are ready to lead as a nurse with our 'Nurse Leadership Readiness Quiz'

2. 🗣 “If you’ve been holding back from applying to Band 6 or 7 because you’re not ‘ready’—I want to gift you my free Leadership CV Checklist. It’s helped over 100 nurses get shortlisted. Email: nenesterlingls@gmail.com for your copy

3. And if you’re ready to chat, book a free 20-minute clarity call with me.” Click to book.

4. Join our 6-Week Leadership Transition Programme for Band 5 nurses preparing to lead. We’ll help you build the mindset, skills, and habits to lead boldly and authentically.

👉 Join the Waitlist Now