Why Do I Feel Like I'm the Dumbest Person in My Nursing Class?

Why Do I Feel Like I'm the Dumbest Person in My Nursing Class?

Author: Jon Haws RN: Nursing Podcast Host, Critical Care Nurse, Nursing School Men March 24, 2025 Duration: 21:41

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In this deeply personal episode, Jon Haws, RN and founder of NURSING.com, opens up about the universal yet rarely discussed feeling of inadequacy that plagues nursing students everywhere. Drawing from his own journey from self-doubting student to ICU charge nurse, Jon reveals the startling truth: 92% of nursing students feel like "the dumbest person in class" at some point, with 42% experiencing these feelings daily.

This isn't just commiseration—it's a thoughtful exploration of imposter syndrome in nursing education, backed by recent research showing how this psychological phenomenon specifically impacts healthcare students. Jon breaks down why nursing school creates the perfect storm for self-doubt and offers seven evidence-based strategies that helped him move from feeling like a fraud to embracing authentic practice.

Whether you're questioning your place in nursing school, struggling with clinical anxiety, or simply wondering if you're the only one who feels lost in pathophysiology, this episode offers both validation and a practical pathway forward. Jon's vulnerable confessions and compassionate insights remind us that sometimes what feels like incompetence is actually the beginning of wisdom—and that your fears about harming patients might just be evidence that you're exactly the kind of nurse patients need.

#NursingStudent #ImposterSyndrome #NursingEducation #NCLEX #NursingSchool #SelfDoubt #ProfessionalGrowth #MentalHealth


Hosted by Jon Haws, a critical care nurse who remembers exactly what it was like to be in your shoes, the Nursing Podcast by NURSING.com (NRSNG) is a direct line to the guidance you need. This isn't about dry lectures; it's a conversation from someone who's been through the trenches of nursing school and now thrives at the bedside. Jon brings that real-world perspective to every episode, released several times a week, to keep you motivated and moving forward. You'll hear honest discussions about the common struggles and pressing questions that every nursing student faces, cutting through the overwhelm with practical advice. The episodes delve into actionable tips for academic success and navigating the unique realities of nurse life once you graduate. Occasionally, the format opens up to interviews with other experienced nurses and educators, providing a wider lens on the profession. At its heart, this podcast is a dedicated resource for NCLEX® preparation and overall student success, building confidence for both the exam and the career that follows. It’s a supportive companion for the challenging journey, offering clarity and reassurance when you need it most. Tune in and find the practical insights and genuine encouragement to help you succeed in nursing school and beyond.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

NURSING.com Podcast — NCLEX Prep for Nursing Students
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