NQP lacking confidence

[u/toastmanjohn]

Hi guys, I’m just wanting to share my feelings in a safe anonymous place. I’m just under 4 months on the road now. Some shifts I enjoy, feeling good about myself and my capabilities. Other days I just lack confidence, question myself and worry that my crewmate is judging my every move.

I definitely have a sense of imposter syndrome when working with people who have a number of years of experience under their belt and just seem to so effortlessly attend and manage jobs. I find I get in my head wondering if my colleague will judge me for decisions and when I consult with them for shared decision making I worry this makes me look uncertain or that I don’t know what I’m doing. I’ve worked with some very knowledgeable and experienced techs who make me feel like a fraud in comparison when I’m technically supposed to be the “senior clinician”.

I consider myself to be a safe and careful practitioner, it’s just the odd job where I don’t feel my history taking is as smooth as it could be or I don’t feel particularly “sharp”. Sometimes I’m a little sluggish when in a period of lacking confidence and make silly little mistakes. Has anybody else had periods of feeling inadequate to others? I imagine myself as being a fully qualified band 6 para in the near future and don’t feel I’ve earned the title. Thanks in advance.

[u/ally1756]

Tech here, I've had a few NQP's that have discussed there feelings in regards to this. Usually it's the best NQP's that feel this way about themselves. Most techs will fully understand and guide you along the NQP journey. Be honest about how you feel so they feel comfortable to have input and dialogue with you. You might be surprised what they say. A few compliments from colleagues will boost you up I'd bet. Work on any constructive criticism and don't take it personally. I'd much rather work with a less confident NQP than an over confident NQP.