Imposter syndrome

Defined as the feeling that your achievements are not real or that you do not deserve praise or success, imposter syndrome has persisted in many newly qualified paramedics (NQPs) I have spoken with, including myself.

In a fast-paced and high-stress environment, the added pressure of feeling you are not being heard can be mentally and emotionally tolling, leading many to question whether they belong in the career. Many in the ambulance service will equate years spent in practice to level of experience. While I do not disagree with this point, there is no doubt that because of it, many NQPs will believe that their suggestions or opinions are not valid. Not speaking up when witnessing outdated practice, thinking of but not suggesting different pathways in relation to a patient's treatment or not offering ideas for potential improvements are all examples of imposter syndrome.

Coming into the profession as a student paramedic at 18 years of age meant that I was regularly a victim of these thoughts of self-doubt. Many clinicians I spoke with either directly or indirectly stated that ‘Paramedics were too young these days’ with not enough ‘life experience’, without having given me a chance. When I started to speak out about key changes that can be made to the ambulance service, particularly in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion, those feelings persisted. I am lucky enough to have already experienced multiple milestones in my career, such as attending NHS roundtables to make key decisions about our practice and improvements, speaking at conferences and working with the College of Paramedics to implement changes—but despite these opportunities, imposter syndrome is prevalent.