Confidence is gained through overcoming challenges. Confidence can be found in the elation and pride we feel after any small or major challenge. Whether it's being kind to a difficult patient or finding data to support your research thesis, we are assured of our potential through these challenges.
The beginning of my confidence building began with the challenge of studying abroad in Rome, Italy. This was the first major challenge to my world view, and my first exposure to other countries and cultures. As I first stepped off the bus on a busy street in the center of Rome, I was very uncomfortable-a good indicator I was being challenged. As I returned home after 3 months from Austria-by myself-I was loving and thriving in my independence. The entirety of the transformation that occurred in Rome was not apparent until I returned. I entered classes and campus involvement with acute awareness of my strengths, weaknesses, passions, and excitement. This confidence carried over to success in my core nursing classes and clinicals, and inspired diligence and enthusiasm for nursing.
Last semester, my confidence faded in clincals. My clinical evaluations were great, except I needed to work on confidence. Some may say this is typical of a nursing student, but there is a distinct difference between nervousness and doubting your abilities. Many aspects of nursing in the hospital setting contributed to my uncertainty. However, being out of the hospital setting in my public health clinical has helped restore my confidence. Facing public health issues in specific community aggregates and engaging clients expanded my view of nursing, and renewed my interest and passion for nursing. My lacking confidence in clincials last semester interfered with my ability to reach my full potential, and it made me value the challenges and experiences that contributed to my confidence.
Confidence affects the practice of nursing students and nurses everywhere. Nursing is a highly technical and skilled profession, but it is often undermined and not fully appreciated [by the public, patients, physicians]. Along with many other factors, this can impact nurses' confidence, and consequently affecting their practice. Confidence is an important part of nursing excellence that is not specifically addressed often. Understanding the effects of confidence can be very informative and helpful. "Confidence in Critical Care Nursing" published (2010) in Nursing Science Quarterly, found "preserving a sense of security despite barriers and accommodating to diverse challenges" (1) as themes in the confidence in their study. A business blog-Blogging Innovation-states "You’ll find confident leaders have broader spheres of influence, attract better talent, engender more confidence, and earn more loyalty and respect..."
Building confidence requires self-awareness and competence. Both of these come from challenges and experiences of any kind. Value your unique experiences, and continuously reflect on them to learn more about yourself. Be attentive to the effect of confidence on your practice. Engage your reality, and embrace challenges. A confident nurse is the best kind of nurse.
1. Evans, J., Bell, J., Sweeney, A., Morgan, J., & Kelly, H. (2010). Confidence in Critical Care Nursing. Nursing Science Quarterly, 23(4), 334-340. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
