Prevalence of Impostor Phenomenon Among Final-Semester Baccalaureate Nursing Students

Background Impostor phenomenon (IP) is characterized as an internal sense of intellectual fraudulence and the inability to internalize success. It was identified by Clance and Imes in 1978 in a study with high-achieving women and has since been found among other professionals. Studies regarding IP are limited in nursing and among nursing students. Purpose The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of IP among senior baccalaureate nursing (BSN) students at a public central Texas university immediately prior to graduation. Methods Senior BSN students were given an anonymous survey utilizing the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale. Results Of the 86 senior BSN students, 82.5% completed the anonymous survey. Among students, 45.1% experienced moderate IP, 46.5% experienced frequent IP, and 8.5% experienced intense IP. Conclusions The incidence of IP was higher than expected. This study has implications for the future of nursing, including academic retention and postgraduation performance.