Would OR nursing be a good fit for me?

MattEMT · Jan 3, 2003

Grace, that makes perfect sense, and that's very common! I used to be that way. When I first starting riding on rescue squad, I just kinda sat back and let everyone else do the talking. But after a while, I just sucked it up and started talking! The more I did it, the easier it became to think of things to say, conversations starters, etc. It's ok be to be a bit worried about that, but trust me, that trait won't be there for long! Pretty soon, you'll be blabbing your mouth off to patients!

Best of luck to you!!!

2banurse · Jan 4, 2003

Originally posted by GraceM
The thing I lack is the ability to make small talk with strangers. I am afraid I won't be able to find the right words that my patients will need to hear. As an example, when a stranger gets in an elevator with me and starts a conversation, I get nervous and clam up. I don't know what to say. But in meetings at work in my current profession (marketing) I have no problem speaking up or letting people know what I think.

Does that make any sense?

Grace, I feel that a lot of times that it isn't making the small talk but listening to their small talk. For the patients, I think for them to know that you are there for them and be their advocates that they are looking for. For example, MDs may come to the patient and sprew a lot of medical terminology at the patient who is scared and may not be able to process it all. You'll kind of be a translater for them and try to explain the procedure in more lay terms. Mainly being there for them is more important than speaking just to speak. Most of your talking will probably be answering their questions.

To be honest with you, if a strange person gets on the elevator and just starts talking, I'd get nervous too...I mean in this day and age, you still need to be careful.

I used to be shy and always hesitant to speak out for fear of looking foolish, but age and experience can change that. After nursing school, you might find that your nervousness today will be gone.

Good luck!

Kris

nursbee04 · Jan 11, 2003

Grace -

Please don't let that negative reply discourage you. I am in nursing school now, and I wouldn't say that I have a lot of patience either, nor am I good at small talk (i'm pretty shy, actually). But when I am working with a pt, I find that patience comes naturally and I don't have to be witty and talkative around them, I just have to LISTEN. Believe me, sometimes they'll talk about grandchildren, jobs, family, their medical history, everything under the sun. And even shy me, I have no difficulty talking with pt's. The main thing is that you honestly care and that you really want to help these people. If you are unsure about going into nursing, maybe you should try shadowing a nurse. One thing for sure, though, you can't let negative people influence you. You're the only one who can decide what is best for you. Good luck, and I hope you do well in whatever you decide!!

PS - My clinical instructor said something that made me feel a lot better (people kid me for being so quiet sometimes, and she said it in response) "Watch out for these shy nursing students. Lots of times they'll become the nurses that fight the hardest for their patients and stand the most firm in what they really believe in." (not that someone who is not shy wouldn't :) )Sorry for the post length, I'm a long winded shy person!!

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2003

Grace,

I am definitely not shy (in fact I can be pretty aggressive) but I also lack patience sometiemes and am not good at small talk. This isn't a problem for me, I just can't go into psych! Just because you are not good at small talk does not mean that you will not be a caring and compassionate nurse. If I find myself getting inpatient with someone, I just try to take a deep breath and put myself in their shoes. It is important to be fully aware of your strengths as well as your weaknesses. What I love about nursing is that there are so many different areas and specialities, as well as so many different types of nurses. As a nurse you should want to make a difference and truly care about others--talking to patients will come in time.

Marijke · Jan 19, 2003

I am not known as the most patient person either, but seem to be doing fairly well. Nursing has actually improved things a lot.

Don't worry to much about the communication thing, there are countless hours spend in nursing school on these things and it does get easier (practice makes perfect)

Give nursing a try, God knows we need all the help we can get. I love the OR, after working OB, this is heaven.

Good luck!

Marijke:nurse:

Wuiteroz · Jan 19, 2003

wow

I'm a shy person too, and I mean SHY. I don't really feel confident speaking up or talking at all in a large group of people, but I find that whenever someone comes up to me with a problem or someone needs me to help them, because it's about them, and not about me, all that gets forgotten and I concentrate on getting them through rather than on my insecurities.

I'm only a nurse wannabe :), but I think that once you will see that these patients reach out to you and need you, you will forget everything else and just concentrate on being there for them.

Patience is another thing, but how can you not be patient if you see a person scared, in pain, or in need for someone to hold thier hand?

A job will teach you how to do it :) I say go for it, and don't concentrate so much on the things that you can't do but rather on the things that you're good at. Compassion is a GREAT beginning :)

KristinWW · Jun 2, 2003

Hi Grace! I, too, am not what others would consider a "typical" nursing type. I am shy and happiest in a lab or techie setting. I am very interested in OR, and would not enjoy LD or Peds full-time. I was a corporate trainer for years and the days I had to present were the worst for me.

I am just getting started in nursing as a second career, and am getting great advice and encouragement from reading these boards. Hopefully you will too :)