Anxious Introvert

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am a labor & delivery nurse for 4 years already but I am finding myself wanting to change specialities. I do not have problems performing l&d skills but it makes me anxious dealing with so much visitors/family members of my patients.

I consider myself introvert and hoping to find a speciality where I can thrive without having that anxiety. I tried to look at case management but most in my area do not hire without experience.

I just feel like “burned-out” already because I am always anxious before going to work, I refuse to talk to my colleagues unless I need to, and I find it hard to sympathize with my patients already. I feel like they are beginning to be just “tasks” and I do not want that. Please help.

Dear Anxious,

Being an introvert means you recharge by being alone, rather than recharge by drawing energy from others. Being an introvert myself, (read Confessions of an Introvert) I understand. Introverts make excellent nurses because we connect 1:1 with people in meaningful ways.

Being an introvert doesn't mean you suffer from debilitating anxiety.

Have you considered seeing a doctor for your anxiety? Get a diagnosis. Chances are it's something that can be treated, and then address whatever burnout you are still having. Many employers offer an employee assistance program as well.

The dread you are experiencing will not go away by changing specialities, because you will be thrown into a whole new group of people and have to establish new social bonds.

Please reach out and get help- there is no reason to keep suffering.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!