Introverts in Healthcare Field

Nursing Students Technicians

Published

I've worked as a PCT for over a year now, and I feel like I am judged for being a reserved, quiet person. I communicate effectively with my coworkers when it's work related, and in my opinion provide good customer service to all the patients and families. However, when it comes to having "small talk" with coworkers, I won't do it. I hate small talk and would just rather keep to myself most of the time. I don't want to come off as rude to my coworkers.

Is this a bad thing?

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing but it could make you look snobby. I am an introvert myself but I faked it till I maked it. I can easily pass for an extrovert (exhausting but doable). If you care about how your coworkers view you I'd just do it, what can you really lose?

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That was an excellent article SoldierNurse!

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

It's a problem for me too. I like to spend my breaks by myself, which means i miss out on a lot of opportunities to strengthen my relationships with my coworkers. I will sit and eat lunch with people occasionally, but then I feel like I don't get a real break and it makes me crabby. I try to be very personable when on the clock, and I go to after-work stuff whenever I can. I don't have much advice, but I will say I have been relatively successful in my field and do have good relationships with my coworkers. . .but I still feel my introvert tendencies aren't doing me any favors.

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Soldier Nurse, I actually found this after I posted my question. Helped to know I'm not the only one who feels this way. Thanks!

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It's a problem for me too. I like to spend my breaks by myself, which means i miss out on a lot of opportunities to strengthen my relationships with my coworkers. I will sit and eat lunch with people occasionally, but then I feel like I don't get a real break and it makes me crabby. I try to be very personable when on the clock, and I go to after-work stuff whenever I can. I don't have much advice, but I will say I have been relatively successful in my field and do have good relationships with my coworkers. . .but I still feel my introvert tendencies aren't doing me any favors.

I feel the same way about breaks. I've just never thought you can fake being an extrovert. Guess it's worth trying. thanks!

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Specializes in Allergy/ENT, Occ Health, LTC/Skilled.

Unfortunately, it does seem off putting to co-workers. I am pretty mid level extrovert. Not loud but I like to joke and converse. I never involve my persona life in work, ever ever ever. Can't say that enough times. Beyond talk about my kids, I never mention any of my family members. I do however joke around on lunch breaks and converse during rare down time. I like to have good times with my co workers but I like my privacy. This has been a good balance for me without coming off snobbish.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I'm a hardcore introvert. I've adapted to nursing's demands for socialization, but this entails stepping out of my comfort zone.

Still, I spend much of the shift alone. Meaningless small talk makes me want to cringe. Unless the conversation is substantive, I gracefully disappear.

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