In a female dominated industry, there are many vets and nurses returning to work after maternity or carers leave or even following a ‘burn out’ break.
For some, this time can be one of stress or anxiety or a time when ‘Imposter Syndrome’ rears its ugly head.
What are the best ways to manage this?
Firstly, it is important to understand that these feelings are completely normal and experienced by many. You are not alone. It is not a reason to turn away from a career and industry that you have educated yourself in, dedicated time and resources to and hopefully, that you have loved.
With any challenge, it is helpful to break things down into smaller parts. What are the tasks or areas that you feel confident with? For vets this might be consulting, further broken down into vaccinations and dermatology cases. Or you might be happier out the back desexing and doing lumpectomies. For nurses, reception might be your forte or managing hospital cases. Talk to your employer and frame specific duties as strengths and weaknesses. Suggest starting back, doing shifts whereby your tasks are mostly in your strength areas.
Surrounding yourself in a clinical environment will get the cogs moving in the right direction. It is amazing how much is absorbed just talking to colleagues, observing what is happening around you and asking questions when needed. Initially, it is vital not to throw yourself completely in the deep end and feel overwhelmed!
The areas, that you have framed as weaknesses are those tasks that you feel you need to refresh your knowledge and practice your skills. Make a list of these concepts and tasks and dedicate time to finding resources to improve your knowledge and opportunities where the skills can be practiced in a supported environment. Link a specific time frame, with the goals you want to achieve and over time measure how you are going. This will be helpful to monitor your progress and improve your confidence.
Returning to work as a veterinarian or a veterinary nurse can be stressful, but it can also be very rewarding when it is done in a supportive environment. Look for leaders and colleagues that are caring and inspiring. They will help you reach levels in your career beyond what even you thought, you were capable of. Take a leap and soar!