Being a shy nurse

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I start pre nursing this spring. I am very shy and soft spoken. Family, friends said nursing wouldn't be a good fit for me because of this. Do you think nursing would be good for a very shy person?

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.

I am pretty confident in myself. I have never been one to do small talk if it isn't important or will help someone I don't say it. I am okay with small groups but in large groups I don't feel as if i'm heard.

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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.[/quote']

Thank you. I am always confident with what I know.

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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![/quote']

I won't try to.

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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!

I took acting in high school failed for being to quiet. I will have to watch it.

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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.[/quote']

I have no problem talking to someone one on one or a small group. I am becoming better than what I was. I just have a very soft voice and am sometimes hard to hear.

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Specializes in Med-surge, hospice, LTC, tele, rehab.

I used to be shy too but after being an RN for over 8 years now I am no longer that way. My personality sways more towards being an introvert than an extrovert but I am no longer shy at work. I remember my first year as a nurse working med-surge and I would walk into a patient's room and it would be filled with family members who all watch you and listen to every word you say. You have to introduce yourself and explain what you are doing, etc. It's almost like giving a presentation. lol. That used to really intimidate me. Also having to call not-so-friendly doctors took some getting used to. You work in a fast paced environment with all types of personalities, meeting new people every day. You will develop a thick skin as a nurse and you will become more confident with time and experience. I did. Good luck to you with whatever decision you make.

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Specializes in ICU.
I have no problem talking to someone one on one or a small group. I am becoming better than what I was. I just have a very soft voice and am sometimes hard to hear.

You will need to speak up when you're speaking with patients; the majority of older folks have some degree of hearing loss. I was constantly repeating myself when I first started- now I have to remember to "turn off" the loud for my peeps without any hearing problems!

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I used to be shy too but after being an RN for over 8 years now I am no longer that way. My personality sways more towards being an introvert than an extrovert but I am no longer shy at work. I remember my first year as a nurse working med-surge and I would walk into a patient's room and it would be filled with family members who all watch you and listen to every word you say. You have to introduce yourself and explain what you are doing etc. It's almost like giving a presentation. lol. That used to really intimidate me. Also having to call not-so-friendly doctors took some getting used to. You work in a fast paced environment with all types of personalities, meeting new people every day. You will develop a thick skin as a nurse and you will become more confident with time and experience. I did. Good luck to you with whatever decision you make.[/quote']

Thanks

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You will need to speak up when you're speaking with patients; the majority of older folks have some degree of hearing loss. I was constantly repeating myself when I first started- now I have to remember to "turn off" the loud for my peeps without any hearing problems!

I will try

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I'm naturally an introverted person that finds small talk to be awkward and I also am softspoken. I've outgrown it a lot. Putting yourself out there helps a lot (my first job was as a park ranger, and then a couple restaurant jobs. Never got extroverted enough to be good at those, but it helped toward nursing I think).

It's not that I am super anxious. If I have something to talk about I'm fine, but I'm not good at coming up with random reasons to talk. Fortunately in nursing, there is always the reason that they're there. Oddly enough for how "shy" I am (not sure if that's the word I'd use to describe myself, but I do seem to come across that way) there's two things I'm surprisingly really good at: public speaking and being around kids. So my hope is for going into pediatrics.

I wouldn't worry too much, but be aware of yourself and how you portray yourself. Here is an EXCELLENT ted talk on posture and body language. I can honestly say it changed my life: Amy Cuddy: Your body language shapes who you are | Video on TED.com Start practicing now and it will get easier.

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Thanks ShelbyaStar

For such a insightful comment. I can relate also, because I'm also a introverted person. I watched the TED video on posture and body language and I learned so much valuable information, that I will start utilized in my professional as well my personal live. Thanks again

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I'm naturally an introverted person that finds small talk to be awkward and I also am softspoken. I've outgrown it a lot. Putting yourself out there helps a lot (my first job was as a park ranger, and then a couple restaurant jobs. Never got extroverted enough to be good at those, but it helped toward nursing I think).

It's not that I am super anxious. If I have something to talk about I'm fine, but I'm not good at coming up with random reasons to talk. Fortunately in nursing, there is always the reason that they're there. Oddly enough for how "shy" I am (not sure if that's the word I'd use to describe myself, but I do seem to come across that way) there's two things I'm surprisingly really good at: public speaking and being around kids. So my hope is for going into pediatrics.

I wouldn't worry too much, but be aware of yourself and how you portray yourself. Here is an EXCELLENT ted talk on posture and body language. I can honestly say it changed my life: Amy Cuddy: Your body language shapes who you are | Video on TED.com Start practicing now and it will get easier.

Thank you. I will check it out.

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