Not a people person... (Yikes!)

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Do you think you should have "people person" (communication) skills to go into nursing?

Some people think - YES, it's a requirement. Others strongly believe that it if you are not a people person than nursing profession is not for you.

What do you think?

Specializes in ICU.

Let me tell you, I do not like people. People are rude, ignorant, and lazy. I worked in retail for many years and I got jaded. Now having the "skills" to deal with people is a completely different thing all together. Someone can like people but have absolutely no idea how to deal with them. Especially difficult ones. People like me who may not really like people but have aquired the skills on how to deal with them, makes a much better nurse if you ask me.

I can deal with all types of people and do it with a smile on my face and the most sincere attitude possible. I am also very good at reading people and deciding how to deal with their particular personality. I have seen supposed people persons reduced to tears over a difficult customer. They can't understand why anyone would ever be mean to them. Me on the other hand, knows how they tick and how to make them happy.

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

I used to be a people person, this job kinda of changed that. I prefer NOT to be around people now and dont find the need to chat up people at random anymore.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

I am definitely NOT a people person, but it doesn't show on the job. In 27 years of nursing, I have yet to go to lunch or breakfast with a co-worker after work or on a day off. Even my car limits the amount of company I have; it's a 2-seater.I loathe talking on the phone to family and friends alike. I hate visiting and being visited. However, when I show my face, others cannot tell that with them is not where I want to be. My sense of humor goes into overtime when I'm around other people and I've actually been labeled as comical. But I will respond to emails and text messages all day long. I guess that's why my online courses have gone so well thus far: I don't have to look at another human being. :roflmao: Hmmmmmm.....sounds like I need therapy, doesn't it?

No, I'm not a people person; I'm flexible.:yes:

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I know for myself, I was pretty shy, but liked helping people. Nursing school greatly improved my "people skills" and I think that if you truly like helping people, even if you're not a "people person," then it can work for you. Some people drive me absolutely nuts (see patients who make you say, "you did WHAT?"... mentally, not out loud) !

As far as liking science, it helps for sure. But wanting to work 9-5? Good luck finding that in nursing!!! (At least until you get your feet wet or get an advanced degree).

Either way, funny comic ;) !

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I think that if you truly like helping people, even if you're not a "people person," then it can work for you.

I agree with this.

I wouldn't consider myself a "people person." I'm friendly and I care about people, but I prefer to keep to myself most of the time. I don't think this will make me a bad nurse.

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Specializes in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

I agree that, while I'm not a people person because people are generally horrible, I can "be on" and, with people who are very talkative, it is very draining. So, when I'm done for the day, I'm pretty tired and don't want to see anyone. I hope I get better with it as school goes on, though. I want to get better at talking to people and really getting inside their heads and getting pro at assessments.

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Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, Ophthalmology, Tele.
But wanting to work 9-5? Good luck finding that in nursing!!! (At least until you get your feet wet or get an advanced degree).

I work in an ambulatory surgery center and my hours are 9-5, Mon-Fri, no (major) holidays or weekends. I worked bedside 3 1/2 years before getting there. We have hired new grads though, and trained them. I just thought I would throw that out there. My nurse manager is awesome. The nurses are cross trained so we have 3 shifts: 0530-13:30, 0800-1630, or 0900-1730. We rotate each week, it's great. :)

I worked retail, as a hair stylist, and a medical assistant before nursing so I developed people skills. I also consider myself a "people person". When I worked bedside I enjoyed trying to figure people out: What was the best way to communicate with them? How would they respond the best? There are so many different characters we deal with as we meet and interact with our patients throughout the day. Now as I greet patients in the surgery center I am able to use these skills to calm a nervous or upset patient. When a nervous patient walks in the door and at the end they walk out thankful that we provided good care and went the extra mile to ease their concerns I am satisfied.

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No way do I want that 9-5 job. One big draw to nursing was the flexible schedule and the chance to work 12 hour shifts :)

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I find it interesting that the majority so far doesn't consider themselves as a 'people person'.

I don't consider myself as a people person. Although I like helping people, I'm shy and an introvert. I sometimes feel like it can get in the way of interacting with the patient, but it's something that I've improved and still working on.

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It honestly will come with time

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I'm more a book worm than a people person, but am very comfortable working in nursing and interacting with patients and doctors. I have social anxiety avoid parties and such, but don't have that problem at work. Truthfully the patients usually want to do the talking and I just listen. You don't have to love science, but you need to be able to pass the classes and many times it is harder and requires a higher GPA getting into the state nursing program because of all the competition. My lowest grade was a B- in micro, otherwise I was on the deans list, but that was many moons ago. The only job I know of 9 to 5 would be insurance or case management, possibly clinic, but I'm happy working 3 days a week, 12 hour shifts!

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The OP asked "Do you think you should have "people person" (communication) skills to go into nursing? Some people think - YES, it's a requirement. Others strongly believe that it if you are not a people person than nursing profession is not for you.

What do you think?"

IMO, being a people person and having good communication skills are two different things. To me being a "people person" means you either like people, which includes being around them and interacting with them, or you don't. If you don't like people or being around them or interacting with them, I'm going to say that no, nursing is not for you, because you'll be dealing with people every day.

Now to the other part, I do believe that possessing good communication skills, both written and oral, are essential in nursing, however those skills can be learned and as you practice them you'll get better at it.

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