I'm a little frustrated right now. Last week at clinicals one of the girls in my group said that she felt sorry for me because I was too nice to be a nurse. I asked her what she meant and she said I was too nice to my patients and also too nice to the nurses that we were following.
I'm very new to field of nursing. I know I am a nice person and all my patients have complimented me on how nice I am and also that I have a soft touch when I reposition them, bathe them and do any kind of care. I'm nice to the nurses because they are our teachers. I don't want to walk around thinking I'm better than anybody. If I have a question I always ask the nurse I'm assigned to and they always seem happy to help.
I told the girl that I didn't know that being a B!#ch was a requirement in nursing. Was I wrong? Has anyone else ever been told this?
She said I seemed weak with my kindness. I have a quick temper and can be not the nicest person if I needed to be. I see no point in acting that way unless it is necessary. I have heard nursing is full of crabby women and if I come across that situation I'm not the type to cry in the corner.
I guess I was just disappointed. I think nursing is about being a caring person. I don't want to be the nurse that when my patient sees me they cringe with fear. I have seen plenty of that already.
any thoughts?