confidence at work

confidence at work

by: ckpe - 06-01-13 15:20

I have been a qualified nursery nurse for 18 months but i feel less confident now than when i was a student. I find it really difficult to plan experiences and think on my feet. when singing, my mind goes blank, gym activities freak me out and i'm just nervous about going into work every day. has anyone got any advice on how to feel less incompetent? I feel like i want to leave my job, the girls and children are all nice so i know that its me and not the job. thanks 

by: Kandy Flip

I can imagine that the level of expectation of you is much greater now that you are a qualified nursery nurse rather than a student. And writing about things for assignments as a student is very different from fulfilling them on a day to day basis.

Just as you would begin a child's learning and development from the base of what a child knows and can securely do, I'd invite you to consider there is a base of skills and ability that you already have that you don't readily acknowledge. Maybe write a list of what's in your comfort zone, what you could do at a stretch (or with support), and what would be in your panic zone (i.e. things that would freak you out if asked to do).

And then consider, what would support you to bring something currently in your stretch zone into your comfort zone? e.g. learning some songs when you aren't at work. What would bring something from your panic zone into something you could do at a stretch? e.g. bringing in some books full of ideas that will support you with planning.

Anyway, I hope some of this helps. All I ask is that, just as you are kind to children that haven't got it all sussed out, be kind to yourself as well.

by: ckpe

yes thankyou for your reply. It makes a lot of sense and I will do what you have suggested. I know that often I'm too hard on myself but my previous team leader often undermined my practice and I think my insecurities have stemmed from there. I would be interested to find out if other practioners have experienced similar feelings and if/how they have overcome them. At the moment I feel like this is not the job for me but can't afford to leave. It's making me feel quite down and I'm in tears every night because I feel I can't face the day ahead.

by: Lucylui

I discuss this sort of thing with my team regulary as some staff members simply freaked at the thought of having to lead group times i.e. singing, dancing, reading books etc. and i have others who were amazing at it. We all buddied up and shadowed one another, at the times when insecurities were felt. So if a member of staff was feeling overwhelmed or was stuck for an idea they would look to their 'buddy' who would then help and step in. This worked both ways so that each group time was lead by 2 staff members. This kept the children interested and focused as they did not know who or what was coming next.

I also urge those who felt uncomfortable to plan. I would give a plan of activites and who i wanted to carry them out the week before. This allowed each member to go away and think about what they were going to offer. I still have one member of staff a year on who is brilliant but cant simply jump in and lead a group time. She needs to plan it and have it all written down.

Hope this helps a little, most people struggle with these activities. i'm sure your doing fine and worrying too much.

by: francesca giorgi

Hi,

It's definitely scary and hard to start to have a 1st REAL job ! But it's good darling ! How many people are doing what they want and like ? So 1st you need to realise this and enjoy it !
Obviously it's hard, new and you have a lot to learn and sometimes your workmates make it worst, trust me i know what i'm talking about ! But you also have to help yourself wich mean show them you feel confident, happy and you know what you are doing cause they won't abuse or take advantages of you ! Cause people do this when they see you are not sure, insecure and quite recetly degree ! So be strong !! and time will help you and never forget WE all had a 1st job ! Just sorry but it's true, some people are sometimes not really nice and instead of being nice and helpful they are just really nasty ! But you will be fine cause it will make you stronger and give you stronger experience !! never GIVE up :) By the way, if you need check this (Your24hCoach), they are coach who follow you anytime : it's a life coaching, they are really nice and helpful ;), sometimes you just need a little push :) so maybe that could be a solution for you ! 

WIsh you the best ! 

by: Tiggy D

You can plan for singing time and gym. Not the type of planning from college, write a 'set list'  before you do it. I used to have lots writen on file cards. Number songs, weather songs, traditional, favourites etc. You don't have to do what it says on the cards when singing unless you get stuck. They're a safety net. Same sort of thing for gym. Warm up game, animal movement, make conga line type catapillar, ring chasing game, wind down game, end. The more you do the job the better you'll be.

by: Kandy Flip

Just seen this thread featured in Nursery World magazine, but the quote wrongly attributed to me. Tsk!