Are shy and quiet people not allowed to be nurses?

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I am a nursing student and wanted to get feedback from nurses. I've always been shy and quiet, but once I'm comfortable I will open up. I'm better talking to a person when it's 1 to 1. I am almost finished my with 3rd clinical. I have 4 more clinicals left. The clinical instructor I have right now told me I would never be a good nurse because I am so shy and quiet. She tells me I will pass for her clinical since we only have 3 more days left, but she said she doesn't think I will make it out there. I told her it is true that I am quiet, but I always talk to the patients I have and I am more attentive because I do listen more. I told her I believe otherwise, but she didn't agree with me. Other instructors have told me I would be a great nurse and I'm doing great in my courses, getting a B+ or better while working full-time. I was unable to sleep at night after coming home yesterday about what she said. I'm doubting myself now and I don't know what to do..

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I would not give her remarks more than a passing thought. Other instructors are finding you to be adequate, the majority rules. She is entitled to her opinion, and you are entitled to prove her wrong. Just keep this in the back of your mind as something to work on improving once you get out into the nursing work world. Good luck with the remainder of school.

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Specializes in Oncology, Psych, Corrections.

I would suggest you PROVE HER WRONG! I was quiet and shy too and I have been a nurse for nearly 6 years. I hate when people crush the dreams of others. Don't let her do that to you!!!

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Some people just cannot prevent themselves from saying stupid things. Your instructor sounds like one of them. I call it diarrhea of the mouth and constipation of the brain.

Don't let people define who you are. I'm shy and quiet, I do much better 1 on 1, I don't even go to parties anymore because it is absolute torture and I usually end up hidden in a back room with a book. I feel very happy and empowered in nursing.

I'm sure you will be just fine. Wherever you go you will find people like that, and you will meet people like that on the job. This is a good opportunity for you to learn how to ignore such commentary and focus on what you do best.

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Specializes in New PACU RN.

I'm the same way. It was a choice between teaching and nursing - and I went for nursing because I dealt 1:1 with pts. I did horribly with large groups (which showed during class presentations).

Don't listen to her. You know yourself best and if you think you can do it based on your experiences with your clinicals - then go for it.

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you gotta fake it till you make it :)

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Kind of a mean thing for a nursing instructor to say to a student, eh? Go with how you feel. If you think you will be a good nurse then your heart is in it, and you will likely become one. We are all different.

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You will do FINE. This is one instructor out of how many? I am graduating in 6 days, and I had instructors tell me I need to be more "assertive," "confident," etc. just because I am not the first in line to try new things, or very outspoken, or whatever. But I've been working as a tech for a year and a half, and I get WONDERFUL feedback from my patients, because I AM that 1 on 1 type of person. I've had so many patients sing my praises because they do feel that connection. Plus my coworkers, once they get to know me, all love me too. You will be FINE!!! Plus, from what you said, it sounds like although you tend to be quiet, you don't have a problem advocating for yourself when you need to.

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Don't you allow anyone to take your goals, dreams and asperations from you. I have been shy and quiet all my life. I am now a CNS in wound management and operating room. One may be shy and quiet but to tackle a profession like nursing, one has to have inner strenght and drive. Trust in the Lord and let him take you through, for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, of power and a sound mind. Find your inner strength, tap into to power that comes from above and you will realize your goals. Today I work among some of the most aggressive vascular surgeons who appreciate me and I love it.

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Specializes in neuro/ortho med surge 4.

Being shy and quiet does not mean you will not make it as a nurse. Some patients prefer quieter types any way. Once you are a nurse and gain confidence you will be more open up more. For me nursing school clinicals were hard because of being a quiet person. I hated being micromanaged by the instructors and when I had to be monitored while doing a skill I would shake and sweat beyond belief. I was also told by an instructor I would not make it as a nurse. I have been a nurse for 3 years and doing just fine. Some people think that nurses should be this cookie cutter model and if you don't fit into that mold you will not make it. It takes all types of people and personalities to be a nurse. Focus on what you are and not what you are perceied to be as not. Please don't let this instructor crush your dreams. I almost did not graduate due to an instructors words because it caused me to doubt myself.

You will make it!!!!1

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Specializes in CVICU, MSIMU, Peri-op, Faculty.

Quiet and shy can be interpreted various ways. You can still be that as long as you are safe/competent and complete the tasks and goals and be able to function as a nurse and its duties and caring for the patient and knowing about your patient.

I am a instructor and have had students with this personality in which some did fine and succedded while some struggled and were unsafe or unsatisfactory in the clinical setting. Again there are many aspects of nursing and expectations through the various levels of nursing school. Will and passion and hard work make up for any weaker traits

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You sound some what like me, though I have to say that life over a period of time can change you somewhat. I still donot like to be the center of attention but I have learned that people take advantage of some people. If you looked like a person that would have told her off she probably whould have not said anything at all.

I'm also trying to be more assertive, because I've learned if you don't some people will take it for a weakness. Once I get fed up with something I have no problem with speaking my mind, but it takes alot. I'm sure your a nice person and I wouldn't listen to negitive comments. I know someone with your personality find it difficult. Like me you try to please everyone and get along with anyone you touch. You have the perfect attitude for caring!

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