Strong personality not good for Nursing?

[Leesha]

I am currently getting ready to start my first semester of Nursing school in January to be an RN. I currently work in a health care setting as a secretary. It's pretty stressful at times and I don't always agree with how things are done or how staffing is. I'm not shy at all about letting people know how I feel. I guess you could say that I'm not exactly popular at my job because of this but I am very dependable and organized.

I recently have been told by a couple of supervisors that if I can not handle the stress of my job now that there is no way that I will be able to handle Nursing. I have family in the health care field and they said that it is a completely different situation. I am already nervous about starting in January and am having doubts that i can do it. Now listening to their comments makes me doubt myself even more. Sometimes I feel like my personality could be a hinderance and other times I don't. I have been this way my whole life and I can't completely change everything about myself now!

I'm just not really sure how to feel anymore and I resent the fact that they are attacking my ability to attain my future goals.

Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Leesha

[blueyesue]

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.

[tfleuter, BSN, RN]

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.

[llg, PhD, RN]

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.

[Leesha]

I'm not asking whether or not I will be a good nurse because I know that I will be. I'm simply wanting opinions on this type of personality which I consider to be a "strong personality". I know that I am considered a ***** by some people but I also have a lot of good qualities that will make me a good if not a great nurse. Some people have a really hard time with honesty and don't know how to take someone that is honest. I don't apologize for that. I am not someone that lacks common sense or a "filter" as you put it. But I am also not the type of person to be ''walked on'' either.

Thanks for your reply...you have helped me put things that much more in perspective.

Leesha

[NSALVADORE]

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!!