A Confidence Crisis can happen to anyone. Some days a travel nurse will experience a confidence crisis and even think maybe they shouldn't be in this profession. Experienced nurses have these issues as well, especially at the start of a new assignment. Being in a new environment, new job, new home, new place can all be very stressful for the healthcare traveler. Feelings of doubt can flood in after dealing with a particularly difficult situation on top of all the changes. It is very challenging dealing with a whole new group of co-workers too. The Travel Nurse should know that there is always a learning curve in a new environment. Different politics and personalities of each facility and the department you will be working in must be learned. Only time can help you get over these initial fears, regardless of the cause. There are a few things that may help you to build your confidence and reduce the doubtful feelings.

Don't Compare
There will always be someone who is better at something and of course things that you feel you can do better than others. Don't Compare! Don't be over-confident either, as this can lead to mistakes. Comparing yourself to a co-worker can be detrimental to your well-being. Let them instead be an inspiration to you to improve your own abilities or change your perception. There is always something you can learn from a situation, even it's just tolerance. And don't inflate your ego because you have skills that maybe some of your co-workers do not yet possess. Stay humble and do the best job you are capable of while learning everything you can and providing your patients with the quality care they deserve.

Ask
When you are not 100% sure about something, ASK questions. Questioning is the best way to avoid mistakes. In the life and death nursing world it is better to ask the question than to make a mistake. If you have a question about something, it has probably been asked by someone else in your position before. When you think that you know something, only to find out you were incorrect,  it can be a real confidence killer. Ask questions first. This is true no matter how many years of experience or advanced degrees you have. Avoid the trap of thinking you know it all. 

Keep Learning
Can't stress this enough. Knowledge is the key and the more educated you are, the more confidence you will have in yourself and your abilities. Continuing your education toward an advanced nursing degree gives you more training and insight into the practice of nursing and the theory behind it. Of course more education also opens up new opportunities for career advancement. If additional college is not practical for you there are many ways to expand your skillset with workshops and individual classes where you can earn CEU's. Knowledge is a confidence booster.

Communicating
Communication skills are vital as a Traveling Nurse. You must be able to communicate effectively to build relationships with your co-workers and your patients. Information must be presented in a way which is not condescending or confrontational and is respectful of the other person's feelings. When you are able to communicate effectively it will help you build strong relationships even when the circumstances are challenging. Effectively communicating will allow you to speak up and address the issues at hand. Being able to communicate effectively will give you more confidence.

Yoga and/or Meditation
Yoga and/or meditation can be a lifesaver. If you have time on your days off you can find classes in the area.  There are also plenty of classes and information online. I prefer to practice my yoga and meditation in the privacy of my own room each morning but some people like to attend classes. Either way a few minutes of meditation or a little yoga can go a long way in improving your confidence and well-being.

Even very experienced nurses encounter situations which shake their confidence. Maintain your own self-esteem, continue to improve yourself and stay focused on your ultimate goals and you will succeed as a Travel Nurse.

Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network