Being a shy nurse

__patiently_waiting · Sep 23, 2013

I started off the same way. I still am kind of shy, but the longer I'm in college the less shy I get because majority of the time you will interact with people you don't know. You will learn to get over it eventually. Give it a semester or two.

mtcowgirl · Sep 23, 2013

I started off the same way. I still am kind of shy but the longer I'm in college the less shy I get because majority of the time you will interact with people you don't know. You will learn to get over it eventually. Give it a semester or two.[/quote']
Thank you. I hope it happens this way for me.

Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2013

I used to be the same way, but once I got to the pre reqs where studying with others was extremely beneficial I changed my tune. Granted I'm still moderately soft spoken and calm natured but I have opened up a lot more.

Don't let your family dictate what you can and cannot do. :) I let mine and that's why I ran around trying too many different majors when I knew what I wanted to do from the beginning!

I have faith in you! :)

mtcowgirl · Sep 23, 2013

I used to be the same way, but once I got to the pre reqs where studying with others was extremely beneficial I changed my tune. Granted I'm still moderately soft spoken and calm natured but I have opened up a lot more.
Don't let your family dictate what you can and cannot do. :) I let mine and that's why I ran around trying too many different majors when I knew what I wanted to do from the beginning!
I have faith in you! :)

Thank you. Sometimes its hard not to have family dictate.

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Sep 23, 2013

The reality is that if you are very shy, it can interfere with your personal life and career, especially something like nursing where you interact with strange faces and demanding professionals and clients everyday. But your family and friends are wrong to write you off completely because you can learn to be less shy over time with some effort.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Sep 23, 2013

You might consider taking an acting class before starting your program. It doesn't necessarily have to result in a stage performance, but you might learn some good skills to help you "act the part" so that you can do what you need to do during clinicals and working. We all have our own distinct personas... and most people don't know you. You can be anyone you want to be with them. That's where acting comes in handy!

Being a bedside nurse often means meeting & greeting people you've never seen/met before and getting them to let you do things that ordinarily people wouldn't allow. What that means is that even shy people have to work through their shyness and be able to greet complete strangers.

That's just one reason why most of us are required to take a speech communications class. How do I keep up on my conversational skills? It's actually quite simple. I just strike up a conversation with random people. Sometimes it'll be whoever is in line at the supermarket or in the elevator or whoever just happens to be passing by or is waiting for coffee at the local (wherever I'm at) coffee shop.

If you've ever seen the Police Academy movies, think of the character "Hooks." If you haven't seen those movies, just watch the first one and keep an eye on "Hooks." She's the most shy, mousy person you'll have ever seen that ends up at a Police Academy... and just watch what happens!

Bluebell. · Sep 23, 2013

I'm shy as well. But there are advantages of being quiet/shy. For one, you are a good listener! A second advantage is that you are calm; I think that would be helpful when interacting with patients. People tell me the same thing. Don't let anyone bring you down!

Trenata · Sep 23, 2013

I have always been an introverted person and I definitely feel shy at party's or in big groups. As I get older, the more I mature, the less shy I have become. However, I also have to say that becoming competent and skilled in a subject matter also helps me to to feel more confident. When I know what I am talking about and what I am doing, I feel more confident. So, I think if you study hard and really learn all that you need to know to become a nurse, then you will feel more confident. Also, as nurses, I think we do work more one on one with patients - of course you do deal with the family a lot and the other medical professionals taking care of the patient. I am not a nurse yet, so I cannot say for sure. Anyway, I like the idea of the acting class too as horrifying as it may sound to a shy person! I have been thinking about doing it if I can find the time.

Kuriin, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2013

A lot of people are downplaying the negative sides of being shy. It is bad to be shy and soft spoken as a nurse because it comes across as being intimidated and unsure of yourself. Look at yourself in the mirror and practice speeches on yourself. You can even record them.

Your parents are very wrong, I will agree with that. But, be confident! You're smart or else you would not go into such a demanding profession.

ellaballet · Sep 23, 2013

I used to be pretty shy but after working with patients for a year I'm totally comfortable going up to strangers and starting conversations. The more confident you get the easier it is to be outspoken.

mtcowgirl · Sep 23, 2013

A lot of people are downplaying the negative sides of being shy. It is bad to be shy and soft spoken as a nurse because it comes across as being intimidated and unsure of yourself. Look at yourself in the mirror and practice speeches on yourself. You can even record them.
Your parents are very wrong, I will agree with that. But, be confident! You're smart or else you would not go into such a demanding profession.

I am a pretty confident person when it comes to what I know. I just feel that what I say should be important.I do okay talking to small groups but large groups freak me out a bit. I have always had a soft voice. I think some of it has to do with how I was raised which is seen not heard.