Calling all introverts! I need your input

aaron_d · Sep 23, 2009

I just want to share that Im in my first semester of nursing school and Im just like you. I love talking one on one and usually feel drained when talking in groups. I also tend to be more underspoken. But at the same time I think this is just something Im going to have to work on and will eventually be adept in as things go along.

There are both introverts and extroverts in nursing! Hopefully others can give more insight

allnurses Guide · Sep 23, 2009

Well, you are a good listener, meaning that you will pay good attention whenever a patient is giving you helpful, pertinent information about their history, what is bothering them, etc etc.. And, you said that you do well one on one but not speaking in a group... well, most of the time when you are working with patients, it will be pretty much one to one. In fact, you really won't have to worry that much about speaking to groups unless you plan on going into education... or management/administration; often those people have to speak to groups.

In short, being an introvert myself with over 10 years working in the nursing field... I personally don't think an extroverted personality is required at all to become a nurse. I think if it is really what you want to do, then you will do fine. =)

Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2009

You sound just like me, and if you are, I think you will do great as a nurse! I am very introverted, which allows me to stay out of the gossip and rumor mill with co-workers (although I am always the last to know anything because of this). However, I use my listening skills in dealing with patients and families, and they seem to appreciate my quieter demeanor. I have had several people comment on how relaxed and calm I always seem, which I think has a lot to do with my nature of thinking before I speak. Patients will appreciate a nurse who comes in and says "tell me about your day" and actually sits and listens actively to the response.

Most of the interactions you have as a nurse will be in smaller groups or one-on-one, so you are set up for success! School might be challenging if you have to do group projects or presentations, but just get through it and keep the goal in sight. Personally, I think introverts are a huge asset to nursing, although I am clearly biased :)

Overland1, RN · Sep 23, 2009

You may not be as much an "introvert" as you believe... the good listener in you will serve you well as a nurse. Be aware that you will have to gain and project confidence (not arrogance) as a nurse, but that can be done.

Kittyfeet · Sep 23, 2009

I am very shy when it comes to large social groups too. I was a little bit nervous going into nursing as well, but I got over it pretty quickly. Working in customer service before helped me more than anything to get over my shyness issues. I still am shy socially, but professionally it isn't a problem. There are some really extroverted nurses that I work with with those big, friendly personalities and then there are the ones that are more like me. It's pretty diverse and the patients don't seem to care as long as you are listening to them and being polite. Some people want attention and drama, but most people just seem to want to be treated with kindness and courtesy. You'll be fine. :)

yetanotheramanda · Sep 23, 2009

I will restate what others have said: you can do it...and being an introvert can often be a good thing in this job.

As a fellow introvert I will say this: sometimes you have to suck it up and play the part of an extrovert. It's not a lot of fun, but you can do it. You may have to make extra effort at first just to seem like a team player. It's not right, and it's not fair, but I have found that a lot of fellow nurses will think you are snobby or stuck up if you don't make an effort to be somewhat outgoing.

It's doable, trust me.

I personally feel like introverts make great nurses!

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Sep 23, 2009

Introverts do just as great of a job as extroverts in nursing, IMO.

However, I am a generally an introvert that found medical transcription to be much more my style. I loved working with elderly residents while I was a CNA and nurse and was easily an extrovert around them, though.

Mollypita · Sep 23, 2009

It's funny to see this written when I've wondered about it many times myself. I too am an introvert, and after 13 hour shifts on a busy med-surg floor, I definitely need time to myself, alone! Like Amanda said, you sort of have to play the role of an extrovert in some ways, since you'll be making lots of phone calls, dealing with families and doctors, secretaries and pharmacy techs etc. It can be exhausting. I've wondered if critical care is more suited to introverts due to having fewer patients. I also used to do private duty, which is one on one and can be very rewarding. So if you're drawn to nursing, don't let your introversion stop you... most likely you'll find your niche. You don't have to be the most talkative person in class to do well!

RNperdiem, RN · Sep 23, 2009

An introvert can do well in nursing.

Our roles are spelled out for us. I interact with people and know what is expected. 12+ hours at work is not nearly as exhausting as a meet-and-greet type party where you don't know most people there.

At work, I like to pick lunch times when the breakroom is likely to be empty, turn off the TV, and enjoy a little solitude.

WittleOnesRN · Sep 23, 2009

I am a bit of an intorvert too. I just started in the Neonatal ICU and it is perfect cause they cant talk yet...LOL. There is parent interaction but I am going to be on nights so not as interaction as on days.

May I suggest you get a job as a clerk in the Neonatal ICU. It will give you experience and a job opportunity when you graduate.

Puppy_Love · Sep 25, 2009

Thank you so much for your input. I'm actually printing this thread to keep as a reminder whenever I start to doubt myself. Thanks!