assertiveness/confidence?

[mashamontago]

how do you nurses do that? what would you recommend for a student that is somewhat shy when meeting new people? my professor things i'm too unassertive and quiet and meek. please help!

[StrwbryblndRN]

Nothing I can say.

All I know was I went into nursing shy and still shy in most ways. But I was meant to be a nurse and while working my confidence comes out of hiding. Hope you find it for yourself.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

People like to be asked about themselves. Make a mental list of questions you can ask them. Then push yourself to do it. It does get easier. I never spoke in class in my first degree, but teach nursing now!

[BGgirl]

I think with experience comes assertiveness and confidence. At least with me that's how it is. I was very timid in nursing school but I really can't say that about me anymore in regards to nursing.

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

I have always been shy at first, only long enough to feel out people and my situation and then I am plenty assertive and confident, it just is how I am. I don't know how you work on something like that. I suck at saying No though, it's been a life long thing I work on. I hope you can figure out something, you have to be able to speak up in some situations or you will find yourself walked on. Find your inner lion

[Batman24]

Introduce yourself in a clear and concise way loud enough for your patients to hear and understand you. Do it with a smile. Always explain what you will be doing in the same way. Patients like to be kept informed.

On a personal level you can make some small talk. I find talking about fave tv shows and movies can really help the patient calm down and feel a little more human. I might ask if they watch the Yankees, AI or DWTS. You can then talk about your fave teams or contestants and they tend to like you more because they see you on a more human level.

[LoveAlwaysV]

I have this problem too. It was

[LoveAlwaysV]

opps! anyways, i was completly ripped apart over this from my last teacher and for some reason instead of making me try te be less timid .. it made me crawl into my shell even more. I know i am the type of person to build confidence with experience.. it is nice to know that other people were shy & timid in the beggining after being told that "no nurses are quite" and "I might be in the wrong profession"

[My_brain_hurts]

I'm very quiet around people I don't know, put me in a room of strangers and I'm a people watcher. But for people who know me. . . well they pretty much can't get me to shut up So I tried to "pretend" I already knew my coworkers and that went pretty well (they all just wish I would shut up! hee heee!).

As for pts, not sure what to say. I had an instructor who always reminded us that people have lives beyond being pts, so ask about it. She would always say "So what do you do when you're not in the hospital?" and you can acutally learn a LOT from a person, pretty important stuff, like how well they care for themselves, if they have financial problems, etc.

I've been a nurse for almost 2 yrs now (wow, times flies!) and I always introduce myself and let pts and family know that if they have any questions they can ask me, and that if I don't know the answer I'll find somebody who does. I try to listen to my pts and follow through with what I said I would, and I let them know that it's okay to remind me about something if they think I've forgotten. Like that cup of ice that is so important to them but for me in the ICU it's WAY down on my list of things to worry about. Pt teaching can help you feel confident, even as a student. You'd be surprised at how much you know; simple things that seem silly to you but are actually no commmon knowledge to your pts.

Nurses CAN and ARE quiet, but it doesn't mean they aren't constantly thinking and ready to speak up when needed :typing

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

Fake it til you make it. Behave as if you are confident, and confidence will follow.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Accept your shyness. You have plenty of company of shy people who understand here.

Strive for good basic manners: "Good morning, Mr. X". "I don't think we have met, I am RNperdiem".

If you are polite, your shyness is less likely to be misinterpreted.

Assertiveness is an important part of being a patient advocate. Somehow assertiveness is easier when you are working on behalf of the patient.

[AnnieNHRN]

I blushed (bright RED) every time I had to speak to a Dr for the first 6 months... I was so timid and scared. Now I laugh about it! With time and experience confidence grows. I can now look a Dr in the eyes and have a conversation with them, joke with them, and confront them professionally if they are behaving out of line!

Keep pushing yourself. You can do it!