I'm very interested in a career as an RN, and have started taking the prereqs needed to enroll in the program. However, because I'm an introvert, more of a listener than a talker, I sometimes wonder if I would succeed as a nurse. I do well one-on-one, and in tiny groups, but if the group is larger I'm usually quiet.
Do you think this field is better suited for extroverts?
Are you an introvert? If so, do you find that it interferes with your ability to be successfull at your job?
What is your specialty?
Are there any specialties that would be more suitable for the quiet type?
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..
Thank you for your reply. I had not thought about it that way, I may just make a great nurse! :-)
Specializes in Retired OR nurse/Tissue bank technician.
I'm more of an introvert than an extrovert. I get tired and worn by having to deal with too many people or too much multitasking. I found OR to be a perfect fit.
I only have to deal with one patient at a time-no matter how many are waiting to have their surgeries, the patient on the table is my only focus. While interaction with the patient while awake is vitally important, they spend the majority of their time asleep and often surgeons and their assistants are happy to take over the discussion during the procedure.
Listening is a great skill in a nurse or anyone else who deals with,for instance, people getting the worst news of their lives. It will be much appreciated by your pts and their loved ones, I promise.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I am a hardcore introvert who doesn't like mingling with different people. I spend about 90 percent of my time in deep thought, and the remaining 10 percent is spoken. To be perfectly honest, I'd be far more satisfied working alone.
However, I became involved in nursing due to the supposed career stability, income, and opportunities. Although I enjoy the tasks, charting, disease processes, paperwork, and performance of nursing skills, I cannot really stand dealing with the various people, especially the family members, visitors, doctors, and overly nosy coworkers. In fact, I admit to disliking some of my patients, although I must suck it up and provide care to them.
I cope by working night shift so I can have a fairly quiet atmosphere without being bothered by families, visitors, and managers. Day shift is too stressful for me because I am disgusted at the mere thought of having to deal with all the different people. While this might sound disturbing to some, I am simply being honest.
My main point is that nursing might be a less-than-ideal career selection for someone who is not a "people person."
I am an introvert, and like everyone else on this thread, I don't think it affects my ability to be a great nurse. I'm working a med/surg/detox floor until I can get into the OR. Until then, I am a dedicated night person. Not having to deal with doctors, ancillary staff and a large portion of the family is best for me.
I am a good listener and stay out of floor politics.
It might be a draw-back for some people, but your colleagues may pick up on that. I have been getting called on more and more to help deal with patients or family having hard times when we can't get a chaplain or something, along with some low-level leadership type stuff. I actually really enjoy having that trust, so its not a problem.
But when those qualities mean that coworkers start to come to you with their problems...
I just don't want to hear about how your boyfriend has broken up with you for the 6th time in 2 weeks. Seriously. So I am very clear with limit setting.
If you are not comfortable with being asked to do something, say so.
Don't let being an introvert stop you from becoming a nurse.
yes I agree with all the posters. I'm also an introvert and I've been a nurse for 30 yrs or so. In school, you do need to make an effort to make friends and work well in group work. Professionally I've worked in different areas, I was in OR for 15 yrs and loved it, these days I work at home in telephone based Disease Management, I love being able to work at home, solitary except for my cat who curls up on the chair next to me :)
Puppy_Love
3 Posts
Thank you for your reply. I had not thought about it that way, I may just make a great nurse! :-)
I appreciate the encouragement!