Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: Did you know that first year nurses experience the highest turnover of any group?
That reality is staggering, but it also tells us something important.
You are not alone, and your growth matters.
Welcome to the All One Nurse Podcast, where we are bridging the gap between the stethoscope and the soul through real nursing stories and nursing conversations.
Here, our mission is simple. To get back to the human side of healthcare.
I'm your host, nurse Chanel Tompkins, and I'm also your mentor and nurse educator. And this space was created just for you to breathe, to learn, to grow, and most importantly, feel supported no matter where you are in your nursing journey.
So take a deep breath and let's step into your next breakthrough.
[00:01:02] Speaker B: Welcome Back to the All1Nurse podcast, the space where new nurses like yourself are seen supported and strengthened.
I'm your host, Chanel Tompkins, and before we dive in, I humbly want to share something with you in case you missed the bonus episode. All one nurse has been awarded the 2026 Best of Nursing award for Nurse podcast creator Princess, presented by Nurse.org and I'm just still in awe. I'm humble and I'm grateful because this is not just my win, but it is our win. And that shows me that our that this space matters and that you matter.
And honestly, it reminded me that I am on an assignment. So shame off me and pressure off me just keep showing up in the way that God has directed me to do so.
So just like I'm on an assignment, you're on an assignment in your nursing journey. So today we're going to talk about something that touches every new nurse, and honestly, anyone that's going into a new role, like myself, as an entrepreneur too. And that thing is self doubt. Self doubt. Now, if you're a new nurse within your first 18 months of nursing, you already know that the transition is.
I can't say that enough. The transition is real. The pressure is real. And that that voice that whispers to you, am I really cut out for this? Can speak even louder, especially after you graduate and you're going through your orientation. But here's the thing.
I just got back from the 2026 nurses making business Moves conference, and as novice entrepreneur, I felt that same voice.
So when I say this space, in this space, we are growing together, I had the same stretching, that same feeling of uncertainty, right? And one of the speakers at the conference said something that stopped me in my tracks.
That self doubt isn't a sign that you're unqualified.
It's a sign that you're growing.
And I felt that down deep, because whether you're a new nurse or a new business owner like myself, growth requires discomfort. And I've already made up my mind that, hey, I'm learning to be okay with discomfort because that means that I am continuing to grow into the next area, the next season that God has called me to.
And every time you're uncomfortable.
So be okay with being uncomfortable. That's the thing I'm trying to say. But in that it requires and builds your courage, if that makes sense. Because it requires you to decide and not hope that you will become better or you will continue to succeed in what it is that you have or you have made up your mind to do or or that you feel like God has led you to do so in today's episode, we're going to quickly dive into four topics. Number one, why self doubt shows up. Number two, my conference takeaways for the both of us. And number three, my message to you, along with my faith intermission note, as always. And number four, some practical ways to push through self doubt. Now, if you're here for the first time, be sure to go ahead and click that subscribe button so that you don't miss out on another new episode of the All One Earth podcast and some of the awesome interviews that I do with other guests that you get to learn about their stories as well as not only subscribe, but share this Share this podcast with others. Leave a five star review on the podcast from wherever you're tuning in from so that others reach will know that this space exists as well. And stay tuned to the very end of the episode to learn about all the nurse updates as well as some good news. So jumping right in.
Number one why Self Doubt shows Up Nursing school prepares you academically, but the bad side tests your identity. Like, let's just be honest. For me, entrepreneurship is doing the same thing. And both roles put us in situations where we're responsible for real people, real outcomes, and real impact. And that weight can shake even the strongest person. But hear me clearly, Self doubt doesn't mean you're failing.
It means that you care, that you are paying attention and that you are human. And it means that you are being stretched into something stronger and greater than yourself. Always say, this is bigger than me. This podcast is bigger than me. And I had a gender tell me once before, I think he was part of John Maxwell leadership and he was like who loses when you don't say yes? Or who wins because of your yes?
So I just want you to think of who is waiting on your yes. And one thing I've read is what's the difference between Oprah's mindset and somebody else's mindset?
There's not a difference other than she made up her mind to still do what she set forth to do and she did not let self doubt overcome her actions. And I thought that was really good because we are all human. We're all going to have these negative thoughts.
But it's a matter of what do we do and how do we build discipline to get around those negative thoughts and to get out of our heads and to still say this is a non negotiable. I cannot stay where I'm at now. I must move forward in spite of.
In spite of. So jumping right into my next topic, what I learned at the conference. So first and foremost, when we talk about self doubt, I was invited to the conference and invited to sign up like last year in 2025.
But I decided to go at the last minute during the month of February, the beginning of February. And the conference was at the first weekend of March of 2026. And so I decided, hey, I'm just going to go, let's just go be in the room.
The opportunity is only as great as the time of opportunity.
And you have to go create the moment. You create the opportunity. You can't wait for opportunities to land in your lap. The conference wasn't coming to Memphis, Tennessee. I'm just being honest.
So here are some of my takeaways from the 2026 nurses making business moves. First and foremost, it stretched me in ways that I was not even expected.
The speakers poured into us from a place of, like, generosity.
And I couldn't help but think about you, the new nurse. The new nurse who's learning, growing, and trying to find your footing as well. So here are the takeaways that hit home for me and for you because I couldn't help but to think about you as well during this time. Because that's my whole assignment, right, to help you. So I'm going to list a total of seven things.
Number one, your emotions are signals and they're not stop signs. And what I mean by that is the first presenter, Ms. Veronica, cannot pronounce her last name. So I'm not going to butcher it here on the episode. I'll list my full article in the show notes below. But she explained this framework that helps you pause, breathe and actually reset instead of spiraling or creating this narrow perspective. And she started with like, the signal, which is an event that Sparks this emotion. And instead of, okay, this made me feel less than or anxious or angry.
And then I produced a story around that emotion, and now I've narrowed my perspective. You ask that emotion, what do you want from me? What are you asking of me? And once you sit there with that emotion that came from whatever the event was, the signal, then you begin to reset and reflect, because now you've addressed the emotion without narrowing your perspective and creating a story around that emotion.
So now you have a more broader perspective and you're able to ask the right questions or see things from a better viewpoint, from a. From a more well rounded viewpoint. Right. So now you could say instead of, I don't have enough, I forgot I also have this over here. Or I could do this this way instead of this way. Instead of feeling like I'm less than, I'll never be able to overcome this. But you start to think in a way that is more broad and not narrow based off that emotion. Okay. Hope that makes sense. So you, as a new nurse, you feel pressure. I feel pressure as an entrepreneur, as a podcaster, and wanting to show up in spaces because I know I don't want to be famous. I just want to do the Lord's work. That's how I'm just like, I don't. I didn't even want to show my face. So to be here doing this is just a God thing, to be honest.
But just know that pressure doesn't mean that you are not capable. It just means that you are being stretched. And in the stretching, it builds that resilience right now, number two, clarity builds confidence.
Dr. Farah, she reminded us that clarity is the foundation of everything. And as a new nurse, clarity about your values, boundaries, and your voice will anchor you when the unit feels overwhelming.
Be clear on why it is that you do what you do. Why did you choose nursing in the first place? And I believe that will give you clarity on everything else. Now, number three, identity shifts.
Identity shifts require mindset shifts. And one of the speakers, Ms. Chappelle, Shaquana Chappelle, if I'm saying her name right, said, fail fast so you can keep moving forward. I love it. Fail fast so that you can keep moving forward. And that's nursing. That's entrepreneurship for me. You learn by doing, not by being perfect. So. So just keep doing. Don't.
One thing I've learned is I learned. I have learned how to perfect preparation. I can. I can prepare. Oh, God, it looks great.
But I have to work on execution. And so that has been my goal for 2026 is to actually execute and not try to perfect the preparation part of things. Now, number four, communication shapes your confidence.
Dr. Kimberly Madison, she showed us how to communicate clearly and consistently, even with AI, because AI isn't going anywhere, right?
And you may even see AI more in your working role as a nurse at the bedside with electronic charting. And the goal is, what I've heard is that AI is meant to make processes better and more simple because a lot of what you do is redundant.
So how do we make your workflow better?
I think AI is a great tool when it's used appropriately.
So more to come with that. Now, for you, when it comes to confidence, that may mean speaking up, asking questions, and using your voice with intention. You may have heard me say it before. There is power in hello. That alone will decrease anxiety and set the tone and let people know that, hey, you're inviting, and you're inviting yourself. You are letting them know that you belong because you do.
You do. You apply for the job, you're showing up on time just like them, right? You belong there. And that's why humble beginnings is so important, even for the nurse that's been on that unit or been in that role for 20, 30 years, guess what? They had to start just like you did. Brand new number five. Leadership is human first.
The nurse leader. So I say I call it the Nurse Leader Panel, because there were some awesome nurse leaders. Like the founder of the DMPS of color was there, Dr. Kwan, who's big on women's health, she was there. Like, they were sitting on this panel and they reminded me that leadership isn't about titles. Even though some of them had titles, their credentials were as long as the alphabets.
They were human first.
They were present, they were warm, and they were in alignment with what we were there for as attendees. And that's what I loved. Like, they were very open with their responses and they were approachable. Not that I approached them, you know, no more than saying hello and nice to meet them. Because once you see people on LinkedIn, it's like, I know you, but I'm like, wait a minute, where I know you from? It's LinkedIn. They don't know me like that. So you have to be mindful walking up on people, right?
But just know that, yes, as new nurses, you are leaders too.
On from day one, you are a leader, too. We lead in our own right. Nobody has to give you a title to be a leader, period.
You lead yourself, you lead your family, you lead your home.
Right?
So nobody has to tell you you are a leader. A leader is more of an action. And as a leader, whether you're carrying the title or not, eventually, what type of leader are you? For me, their discussion reminded me that I want to be a servant leader or that I am a servant leader and it's okay to be a servant leader, to serve others as a form of leadership.
[00:15:56] Speaker A: Right.
[00:15:56] Speaker B: And being an example and being the change that you want to see. Okay. Number six, face the storm, don't run from it.
Our speaker, Ms. Rebecca. No, correction, Jennifer. She's the founder of RecMed. And if you see her last name, I don't want to butcher it as well, but she used a storm analogy that was unforgettable, which spoke on. Running from challenges prolongs them, but facing them builds strength.
And her analogy involved a cow and a bull says that. She said that a cow in the storm. When a cow knows a storm is coming, it runs from it. When a bull senses that a storm is coming, it stands firm in it because it understands that if it can stand firm in the storm, the storm will pass quickly.
[00:16:55] Speaker A: Right?
[00:16:57] Speaker B: So face your storms.
Face your storms, don't run from them. And learn the lesson in it when we're talking about it, you know, from a personal standpoint.
Diving right into our faith filled nursing note. Before we continue, I want to pause for a moment of faith. A moment to breathe, to reset, and to remember who walks with us.
There's a verse at Mark 9:24 that has carried me through so many seasons of uncertainty. A father cries out to Jesus, lord, I believe, help my unbelief.
It's honest, vulnerable and real.
Because faith isn't. The absence of doubt is choosing to trust God in the middle of it.
Maybe you're listening today and you're stepping into a new role or a new unit, a new season or a new version of yourself. Maybe you're doing things you've never done before. Maybe you're carrying responsibilities that you. That. That just feel bigger than you.
And maybe just, just like that, Father, you believe, but there's a part of you that feels unsure.
Here's the good news.
God honors faith.
He meets you in the gap who are you?
And well, he meets you in the gap of. He meets you in the gap between who you are and who you are becoming.
He strengthens the places you feel shaky. He feels the spaces where you feel small.
And faith doesn't require perfection. It requires intention to surrender. Just saying, God, I trust you even when I don't trust myself.
And it requires remembering that the one who called you is the one who equips you.
And I have to tell myself this daily.
So if you're wrestling with self doubt or doubt today, breathe in. Breathe this in.
God is not so. If you're wrestling self doubt today, breathe this in.
God is not intimidated by your uncertainty.
He is not disappointed by your questions. He is not surprised by your hesitation.
He is simply inviting you to lean in a little deeper. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.
Let that be your prayer, your anchor, your reminder that faith is not about having it all together.
It's about trusting the one who holds it all together.
All right, let's get back into the episode.
Number 7 confidence is a non negotiable precious. Williams, who is a killer pitch master, means that she says pitches and she was on Shark Tank and she actually performed her Shark Tank pitch at the conference, which was like it woke up every ounce of confidence in my body. Right? She reminded us that confidence opens doors. And as a new nurse, confidence grows every time you show up. Even when you're scared in that classroom graduation for boards. Even if you have to retake boards.
Just remember in that interview, just remember, be confident in what you do know.
It may even be going back to even one of the presentations about Command in the Room by Shaquana Chappelle. Again, I'll drop the link to the article with my full takeaways in the description below.
But even Ms. Chappelle, she reminded us that a lot of times our confidence starts in the way that we command the room, meaning how we show up and how we're dressing. How do you show up for an interview? I just saw a post about what do I wear to a nursing I guess an entry level interview for a nursing program.
An interview is an interview. Always wear business attire attire to an interview. And as I've learned from the conference, everyone wants to wear black and navy blue. But blue is very inviting. It's a really good color. But do a different color blue, not teal. I mean, don't come in there with no colors on. But maybe a soft blue outfit, a soft blue blouse, something that helps you stand out.
Now just going back to my takeaways from from Tampa, Florida, the conference and what this means for us. I left Tampa feeling equipped, encouraged, recommitted to the All One Nurse podcast, my All One Nurse business.
And here's the connection. I want you to hear that just like I'm growing as an entrepreneur.
Entrepreneurial.
That's hard to say. You're Growing as a new nurse, as a novice nurse. A novice nurse nurse. So I'm a novice and you're a novice.
Just like I'm trusting. Just like I'm learning to trust my voice, you're learning to trust your clinical judgment.
And just like I've decided that growth is a non negotiable, you get to decide that too. Point blank, period.
Growth doesn't happen by accident. It happens because you made up your mind. I made up my mind to become better personally and professionally and spiritually. And if you're not in that, if you're not your spirituality, you're not there yet. But you're like, Chanel, I like you, but I'm not really feeling this Christian thing. Guess what?
Chew the meat, spit out the bones. The Holy Spirit will do the rest.
I just need you to get what you need in this space to help you move life forward as a new nurse, as a individual who has decided to take care of others so that we can all get back to the human side together.
Now that's why this space is so special to me, because we're growing together.
And if you've been replaying mistakes, comparing yourselves to nurses with decades of experience, hear me, you're becoming, you're learning and you're building your own resilience.
You're not behind and you are not a failure.
And on the moments that you do fail fast so you can move forward, keep going. Okay? And just know that God doesn't, doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called. And that is a lot of pressure and shame off of us.
He already accounted for our learning curves.
I'm learning some things in this podcast space. You're learning some things in that nursing role of yours. And so heading right into the last but not least topic, which is practical ways to push through self doubt. Some things I want you to remember is ask the questions early and often.
Ask questions early and often.
Celebrate small wins, Find community. And you're welcome to join the All1Nurse private Facebook community. And upon being accepted, I do a Monday devotional based off Monday motivation posts that I put on social media, which you can follow me there as well across all social media platforms. But I like to do a full devotional because that is my first love, which is the love of God and you. And I may not have shared this with you, but I actually have a Christian blog that I initially started called Love Good Morning Coffee. And that is actually my first love reading the word of God and sharing it in a way that it resonates with others because I've witnessed God's goodness in my own life.
Now reading scripture, God's word is alive and active and that is one practical way to get through and push through self doubt.
Like the man said in Mark, Lord, I believe help my unbelief. Like scripture shows you and it speaks to you and it allows you to see you and to see that they were, they were not perfect in scripture, but God was still God. God was still Lord of Lord and kings of kings. And there is nothing that we could do to minimize who God is. So may we get to know God for who he is and not for who we want him to be.
Now I'll keep going there, but that is one that should be the first practical way to push through self doubt is to read God's word because it will not return back void, but it will do what he has said that it will do. Okay, so when we read the promises of God, when he tells us who we are, that we are chosen, we are beautiful, that we are peculiar, I hope I said that right. A peculiar people, then we have to believe that and we have to counteract those negative thoughts with the word of God.
Now I'm not gonna start preaching, but as I wrap up this episode, I do want you to know that I'm excited for this win for the Nurse Podcast award presented by nurse.org so I just wanna say thank you again for your support.
This is just confirmation that we belong here. And I am excited about the fact that I have created a free free starter kit, a free all one day starter kit just for you. It has a welcome message and some hand picked podcast episodes for you to listen to especially as you're transitioning from school to career.
And I put in some hand picked blogs that I've written and what else did I put in there? I also put some free resources like if you go to the link tree, all one, there's link tree, then there's those free tools. Well guess what? Inside the free starter kit I gave you a home for like everything. Instead of being like oh let me see what this is, let me see what this is. It's all in one spot.
I put a couple of those free tools in there for you. So those are yours and I hope that they assist you and help you. So check those out and subscribe to the newsletter via the website so that you'll know whenever all winners does something great or I just want to share something to help build you important to you. Especially as around the time when I'm ready to do this mentorship program. I was going to start it at the end of January, but I needed a full reset to just refocus on. Okay, God, what is it that you're calling me to do? And then I was like, let's just do a wait list. So I do have a wait list on the website that you can sign up for the mentorship wait list, mentorship program wait list. And it's a 10 week program and it is a, you know, learning about things that you'll do in nursing as well as the faith part of it. And so I'm excited because it is awesome. So thank you again for helping all one nurse become an award winning podcast.
And if this episode encouraged you, again, share it with another new nurse who needs it. Be sure to follow like and subscribe to the podcast from wherever you're tuning in from. Be sure to tune in because I have some more awesome nurses who are going to share their nursing stories, advice, expertise and patient perspective just for you.
Okay? Until next time, let your light shine.
