The Hidden Battle: Examining Impostor Phenomenon in Saudi's Newly Graduated Nurses

Newly graduated nurses entering the workforce often encounter impostor phenomenon (IP), which produces feelings of intellectual phoniness and inadequacy despite personal achievements. We aimed to examine the extent of IP among newly graduated nurses entering the workforce in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted via a self-administered questionnaire in three hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The collected data, including sociodemographic characteristics and the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale, were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, analysis of variance, and multiple regression. Among 101 participants, 16.8%, 52.5%, and 30.7% exhibited few IP characteristics, moderate IP, and frequent IP, respectively. Nurses who had less than one year of experience and those working in the obstetrics and gynecology department seemed more susceptible to IP. The emotional and professional impact of IP on early-career nurses emphasizes the importance of structured support systems, psychological interventions, and mentorship to build a more resilient and confident nursing workforce and improve patient care. Addressing IP among new nurses is essential for their retention and mental well-being, as well as for patient safety. Educators, administrators, and policymakers are encouraged to implement resilience training, peer support, and mentorship programs to help nurses navigate professional challenges with confidence, consequently enhancing individual well-being and improving the broader field of nursing.