Any INFP nurses out there?

Published

I am in my first semester of nursing school. I have a 95 average on the written tests but I hate clinical. Not because I am not caring, but because the instructions are vague and I feel awkward and out of my element. I have never worked hands-on with patients and I feel very awkward, especially with family members watching in the room. I also tend to like to take my time at doing things, and do them correctly. (An element of OCD there, I believe). I consistently test as an INFP on the Meyers Briggs personality tests. I think I border on the introvert/extrovert, but I am extremely sensitive. I am already almost 40 years old and trying to find my niche. Sad but true. I am extremely caring and think about other people's problems even when I come home. Should I go into something else instead of nursing? Are there any happy INFP's out there satisified with nursing and if so, what area do you work in? I am just trying to be honest with myself. I have always worked in the medical field in a clerical aspect. Or maybe I should give up nursing and write a novel since that is what INFP's are supposed to be best at? Just kidding. Okay, half-way kidding. :D

Hehe...is this Allegro ? ;) It's ok, this is Gemma... :)

Hey. Gemma. What's up? Yep. I am "allegro" . I don't want to use friend to talk to about my "perceiving" thoughts and ideas. Most people don't want to talk about future, goals in life, and emotional stuff. Therefore, I used online forums as friend who I can express ideas and vent out my frustration. Sometimes, I probably use them excessively.

Since you don't have BSN yet, have you thought about other area besides BSN? Maybe psychology or medicine?

What's you age? I think it's a factor, too..

Me too. I love learning for the sake of learning... but it's getting impractical sometimes... It costs money and time. There was a period about half a year that I enrolled in local college for music major, while work very part-time as a nurse... Thinking now, I don't know why the heck I did that. This is also one the reason that I am silly enough to stay in pharmacy school while I can't see myself fit into anything except academia.

Yep, I am still torn between PharmD and NP. I have invested some much time and money and energy into PharmD but I am fearful that I may not be able to find anything I want in pharmacy. There were so many nights that I torture myself by pulling all nighter for exams... I don't find see much "humanistic" creativity in pharmacy classroom setting. Laboratory is fun but everything is all about "impersonal" analysis. I start to reconsider my value and what I want in my life. I want to get connect with people on a personal level and do something else that also me to use the "feeling" side of me. This is what keep my spirit alive.

I still like the "big picture" materials but I feel that many things are all about facts and details. You know... My first academic degree is foreign language and literature and I love it... This is where my personality lies...

For INFP, happiness first, then money and prestige.... I have to study tonight.. I'll write more later.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey "Allegro" :) I had a "feeling" it was you...nice to see you on here too. We both share these struggles, like I said. I believe you are 28/29 as well? I will be 29 this month......I graduated with my BA in art when I was 23, then at age 25 I went back to school for nursing, which only took a year to complete my LVN program, BUT it cost me about $30k.....shoulda researched it more I guess....I had no idea there was so little "demand" for LVN's.

Anyways, the reason why I am deciding to stick with a BSN as oppose to getting my Masters in Psych (NOOOOO desire to do medicine...like you said, that seems too structured), is I feel like I chose this nursing route w/ the intention of getting my BSN....I had no intention to stay as an LVN. Plus, I'd feel like I wasted the money for LVN school if I didn't stick with nursing......So, I still plan to do the BSN, as much as I'd LOVE to change my mind daily and go get a masters in psych/art therapy. I'm married too, so I don't think the husband would like me changing my mind so much. He's already supported me majorly through my nursing program and fully supports the BSN b/c it's a continuation of what I set out to do....not sure he'd like it if I switched again..ha.

As INFP's I know how hard it can be to complete things too.....we live in a mindset of endless possibilities, and I only wish I could pursue them all! :)

If I were in your position, I'd stick with the NP, but I can see where you are coming from as far as how much you've invested in the PharmD program....You said your first degree was in foreign language/literature? Why don't you teach that language? I think it'd be awesome to be an "English as a Second Language" teacher or just a language instructor.

As INFP's I know we ultimately desire to "help" people and use our empathy as well. I thought that that was mostly what nursing was about, until this last year. My mom, who is also an RN, was under the same impression. Fortunately, she's been able to find and have a steady career and is getting ready to retire. We both love the bedside care aspect of nursing, but all the "Sensing" and "Judging" aspects of it I struggle with.

I think that's why I've chosen private duty so far. I love the one on one contact w/ the patient, but again, that can get a little draining.

I hope the RN/BSN opens up some more possibilities for me. Have you considered teaching nursing? or patient education in the community? Just curious b/c you seem to have a lot of good experience so far....med surge, ICU, cardiac.....you could go anywhere at this point, right?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Being an INFP is the primary reason I'm doubting floor nursing is for me. I dislike conflict, interruptions, delays, confusing orders, chaos, you name it we've all experienced it. What has kept me in nursing, to this point anyway, is the touching of the human heart in ways that can't be found in other fields. I probably should have stuck with my original career path of musician.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Musician, artist, writer, etc....sooooo INFP, eh? :specs: Yeah, my "original plan" was to be an artist/photographer.....yeaaaahhh....didn't pan out. But I agree w/ the aspect of caring in the nursing field being unlike in any other field. That's what's keeping me going for my BSN instead of "escaping" to something else. I too, dislike chaos, interruptions, confusion, etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Cool! Another forum to join!! Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

ah, you are welcome!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.

Please note:

Per the Terms of Service, "Linking to websites / Solicitations:

We do not allow any self promotional post announcing websites to gain exposure, it does not matter if it is non-profit. This includes personal off-site blogs. It is against board rules to invite, solicit or coerce others to join other community websites through posts, email, PM, use of allnurses.com membership list or any other resource within the allnurses.com website."

Website references have been removed from this thread.

Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What is an INFP?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

You have explained the personality of one of the nurses I work with.

Interesting.

She has a hard time working with me, unfortunately, because I am very succinct, and forthright.

I see her as too "annoyingly" sensitive. The way I see it, being sensitive has it's place, but sometimes things get very, very stressful and the last thing I am thinking of is if I have offended someone.....I am a very take charge person and start directing people when things go down quick. She doesn't like that--or truly, she's not used to it.

Thanks for the insight. I think I will try a different approach to this person.

JK

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You have explained the personality of one of the nurses I work with.

Interesting.

She has a hard time working with me, unfortunately, because I am very succinct, and forthright.

I see her as too "annoyingly" sensitive. The way I see it, being sensitive has it's place, but sometimes things get very, very stressful and the last thing I am thinking of is if I have offended someone.....I am a very take charge person and start directing people when things go down quick. She doesn't like that--or truly, she's not used to it.

Thanks for the insight. I think I will try a different approach to this person.

JK

In addition to INFP, ISFP and INFJ can be hypersensitive as well. She could be other types.

I think I understand your feeling. INFP get hurt easily. They tend to take things personally. INFP want to be appreciated for what they do. Sincerity and straightforwardness are good things but they also need some encouragement. If she is an INFP, when you reach the "personal" level with her, she will open up more and work with you harmoniously.

If she is INFP, she is curious and want to understand the "big picture" behind everything. You may not just want to tell her to follow the rules. Personally, you may want to explain the rationales behind your rules or directions emphathetically. But I understand.. when things go down quick... then you don't have time for to explain things..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in General adult inpatient psychiatry.

I'm an INFP working in psychiatric nursing. I have a hell of a time with limit setting and drug seeking patients but these are both things that I'm becoming more aware of as time passes and I gain experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Like a lot of others on here, my biggest problem with being an INFP nurse is not the fast paced environment but the meanness of co-workers. I have worked with some nasty people but nurses top the cake. I cannot wait to get my year of experience in so I can go to home health.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion