#144: How to Build Confidence Without Years of Experience as an NP — Part 2
After an unexpected eight-month pause, I’m back behind the microphone—and there couldn’t be a more fitting episode to return with than one about confidence . In Part 2 of How to Build Confidence Without Years of Experience as an NP , we’re talking about what confidence actually looks like when you’re still learning, still questioning yourself, and sometimes getting things wrong. But this conversation goes deeper than clinical confidence. Over the last eight months, my own confidence has been challenged through health struggles, career changes, the closing of a business, and the realization that we have far less control over the journey than we sometimes think. So what happens when things don't go according to plan? You keep learning. In this episode, we talk about: Why new NPs can strategically borrow confidence while gaining experience Using mentors, evidence-based resources, checklists, and clinical systems Why saying “I don’t know—let me look that up” can actually demonstrate confidence Turning mistakes into data instead of identity Why confidence comes from action, support, reflection, and repetition—not perfection Building systems that support you when your confidence feels shaky Why your NP career is part of your life—but it is not your entire life Learning to redefine success when life doesn't follow your plan The difference between controlling the journey and trusting yourself to take the next step Why sometimes getting back up is success A question for you: What does success look like to you right now? Not what it was supposed to look like. Not what social media says it should look like. Not what someone else chose. What does it look like for you in this season of your life? Because your answer is allowed to change. Mine did. Doctor Nurse Clinical Resources Looking for practical support during your NP clinical journey? The Doctor Nurse Clinical Resources were created to help NP students feel more prepared and supported as they move from the classroom into clinical practice. And through our Buy One, Give Back mission, 10% of booklet proceeds are dedicated to NP scholarships and educational opportunities. When you invest in your own learning, you're helping another future NP continue theirs. Stay Connected Subscribe to the Doctor Nurse Podcast so you don't miss upcoming conversations about clinical practice, career growth, entrepreneurship, and all the different directions your nursing and NP career can take you. Because you don't need to have the entire journey figured out. You just need to keep taking the next step. Follow Doctor Nurse Sandra on Instagram: @doctornursesandra Keep learning. Keep asking questions. Keep becoming. And, as my kids would say... “Never stop learning, Mom!”
