Strong personality not good for Nursing? - Page 2

I agree with the others -- a strong personality is an asset in nursing, not a weakness.

However ... to be successful, you will need to learn how to use that strength in a positive way and not to use it in a destructive way. It's all in how you use it. Using that strength wisely involves "people skills" -- such as tact, diplomacy, flexibility, the abilty to compromise, sensitivity to the needs of others, the ability to lead others so that they want to follow you.

Are you strong enough to use your strength wisely? Are you strong enough to lead? Are you strong enough to learn the "people skills" you need to succeed?

Some people with "strong personalities" become great leaders. Other people with "strong personalities" are simply demanding, insensitive to the feelings of others, and obnoxious. Which type of "strong personality" do you choose to be?

I hope you choose to be the positive kind.

Good luck to you.

It may not be that you do not handle stress, it is how you choose to deal with stress. In the past, when your environment was chaotic, you let others know. You handled stress by being vocal. Maybe you can find another way of dealing with the stress. Please don't believe the way you were handling the situation was not good. Other people who are in the environment may be dealing with the stress in a less productive manner- being in denial.

I have the opposite problem. I have more of a gentle/softer personality. I tend to use rational self talk to help me overcome obstacles thereby avoiding some confrontations.

I think each personality type has it's strengths and weaknesses, and it's all about which parts you let play out more.

I don't like the term "strong personality." I've seen too many obnoxious, brain-to-mouth filter-lacking people use it as a way to excuse their behavior rather than own up to the fact that their way of speaking to people is abrasive and not always helpful or productive.

OP: I don't think any of us here can tell you whether or not you will be a good nurse based on the info you have provided so far. If more than one person has suggested that the way you handle situations is inappropriate, then you might want to consider why that may be. On the other hand, some people just don't want anyone to speak up for themselves and think you need to go with the flow all the time. Don't act up, don't cause trouble, don't go trying to make a difference cause this is the way things have been for a long time and they're not changing anytime soon! This attitude is wrong and not helpful to any profession.

Speak up for your patients. Speak up for yourself. Just make sure you are doing it in an appropriate, professional manner.

That's kind'a what I was trying to say in my post -- only I was trying to be a little "softer" in my approach.

As others have said, a strong personality can be a great ASSET to nursing!! I work as a medical assistant/secretary and YES it's completely different! I get HIGHLY frustrating with the way things are run at times.. I COMPLETELY understand how you feel! Don't feel discouraged! Just keep in mind it's HOW you say things and such thats important!! Be professional and you'll be fine!!