Bashful Nurses?

Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN · May 1, 2006

I've definately gotten over my shyness. If you really feel as though this line of work is for you then go for it. I've been a CNA for 4 years and believe me this field will toughen you up. If you feel as though you're having a major problem though maybe this field isn't for you. The medical field isn't for everybody. Good luck in all your endevors.

angelladyclaire · May 1, 2006

I have always been a very reserved person. I'm clumsy, and I embarass easily. I had the same worries when I started my clinical rotations as a nursing student. For me it just took time. My shyness was a result of my lack of self confidence. It was very difficult for me when I started practicing to get over my fear of sounding stupid. I've been an RN for almost a year now and I can assure you that communicating with my patients is MUCH easier for me. I feel more confident every day. If you have a desire to help people and are interested in medical stuff, I think you can overcome your bashfulness in time.

scrmblr · May 1, 2006

I'm pretty shy and my husband thinks I have "social anxiety disorder";) I am uncomfortable in many social situations, but I am VERY comfortable as a nurse. I don't have a problem communicating with pt's and families. It is really a matter of self confidence. I would rather not ever have to call someone new on the phone, but I have no problem opening that curtain to talk to a new pt and the pt's family.

DorkyStudentNurse · May 1, 2006

I agree with everyone else. I was very bashful and shy before starting nursing school. I was scared I would fail because I couldn't speak up or communicate effectively with patients and families. But as soon as I got started working in a hospital, it's like I became a whole other person. This confident, assertive personality just came right out of nowhere and I didn't have a problem with the things I thought I would. I guess not everyone gets over their shyness but I think most people just do what they need to do and it starts becoming normal. I'm still shy in public (although not so much) but when I'm working with patients, I don't have any problems.

MackNJacks mom · May 1, 2006

I used to be shy as well. I think it is a confidence issue. Believe me, going through nursing school has a way of changing that. I had to give several presentations, and most schools require you to take speech. I dreaded speech and took it last so it was the only thing standing in the way of me graduating. I was one of those people that was so obviously nervous when I got up to speak publicly. You just grow into these roles. I would go for nursing if you think it is right for you. Your bashfulness will subside. Good Luck!!

Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN · May 1, 2006

I prefer to be alone, I was PETRIFIED during my first clinical rotation - not about the nursing stuff - it was the talking to strangers that made me freak. But you get used to it. I put on my "nurse face" and go to work - and its helped me with some social awkwardness (much to my social butterfly husband's joy). So go for it!

Blee

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · May 1, 2006

I'm pretty shy and my husband thinks I have "social anxiety disorder";) I am uncomfortable in many social situations, but I am VERY comfortable as a nurse. I don't have a problem communicating with pt's and families. It is really a matter of self confidence. I would rather not ever have to call someone new on the phone, but I have no problem opening that curtain to talk to a new pt and the pt's family.

I am the same way.

zacarias, ASN, RN · May 1, 2006

I am a timid person historically but nursing school and working as a nurse has helped me so much. I'm still generally shy but not with patients. I'm their advocate and feel confident in my skills (most of the time) and am not afraid to stand up for them.

Yes bashful people can make excellent nurses.

buildingmyfaith57 · May 1, 2006

im not going to say im shy or bashful. i would say im more to myself kind of person. because i like working with people. the thing that really gets to me the most is when on break you hear alot of swearing,and others cutting either other co-workers,or family members or clients. thats why when i go on my break i go to my vehicle.

milky · May 1, 2006

I am a pretty outgoing person who overcame shyness a long time ago, but..

Sometimes it's really intimidating when you discuss a patients condition or answer a barrage of questions in front of a room full of family members. I still haven't gotten over that.

Chaya, ASN, RN · May 1, 2006

My experience has been the same as what most of the other posters have described; once I no longer had an instructor breathing down my neck and analyzing every nuance I found I became quite comfortable talking with my patients because I became very interested in their "story". Not only did I forget to be shy but I found that I was pretty good at teasing out details about them that directly impacted their care (eating habits, how they manage ADL's, factors they feel impact their illness, etc.)

I even did OK in school with presentations- I could deal with public speaking on a prepared subject. What I've always had trouble with and still do is walking into a room full of strangers (or even people I know only casually) and making spontaneous conversation. My old job was at a smaller facility with diversified staff. Where I am now there is a much larger group of staff members; most pretty similar in age/culture, etc. so this is where my shyness has been a real problem. I'm having a hard time getting to know people and though the goal isn't to make a new best friend my difficulty in "engaging" does impact me feeling accepted as part of the team.