Dear Nikki:

First off—congratulations on being just four months away from graduation! That’s an incredible accomplishment, and even though nerves might be creeping in, it’s clear that you care deeply about your future career, which is a strength in itself.

Feeling uncertain before stepping into a new role is completely natural, especially in a field like X-ray technology, where precision and confidence are key. The good news? Confidence does build with time and experience, but there are absolutely ways to start cultivating it now so that your first day on the job feels less overwhelming.

Here are a few strategies that might help:

Visualize Success – Spend a few minutes each day imagining yourself handling procedures smoothly, calmly, and confidently.

Simulated Practice – If possible, try rehearsing key procedures mentally or with classmates. Walking through the steps out loud—without the pressure of a real patient—can make them feel more automatic and familiar.

Anchor Yourself in Breathing – When anxiety spikes, your breathing can become shallow. Practicing slow, deep breaths before entering a stressful situation signals safety to your nervous system, helping you stay clear-headed.

Trust What You DO Know – You’ve already learned so much, and it’s okay to not have every answer right away. Trust that your foundation is solid, and know that every experienced professional was once a beginner too.

Focus on Learning, Not Perfection – Feeling overwhelmed comes from the pressure to get everything right instantly. Instead, approach each moment with curiosity—asking yourself, What can I take away from this? rather than Did I do it flawlessly?

Wishing you clarity, confidence, and a smooth transition into this exciting new phase! You’ve got this. 😊

anita

You are very welcome, Nikki. It made me smile to read that you are super proud of yourself. I am glad that you feel this way and hope that you continue to show this kindness to yourself. Awareness and self-compassion are big parts of growth and resilience 😊💙

anita