Can I be a nurse even though I can be shy and quiet?

Camjayjayy, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2018

Also anyone who attended this school/ attending for nursing if you can talk about your experiences that'd be cool

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Apr 7, 2018

I was extremely shy growing up. What helped me become less shy is to have conversations with strangers (patients/at a social gathering, etc). The more you do it, the easier it will get to initiate a conversation with someone you just met for the first time. It is a gradual process. I am still an introvert, but I have become more comfortable talking to patients' families.

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Apr 7, 2018

Hi,

I am an introvert and extremely shy as well, and to put it bluntly I normally don't enjoy the company of other people. In my medic job I have to be the team leader 99% percent of the time on calls, but when I put my uniform on i realize this and it changes my personality temporarily.

You may be shy at first, but once you put your school/work uniform on it will transform you into a more talkative person and you will become less shy and introverted over time. I wouldn't worry about it, you will get more comfortable speaking with people and will do fine!

Annie

bugya90, ASN, BSN, LVN, RN · Apr 7, 2018

I'm an introvert, have been since childhood. Something for me switches when I put on my scrubs though. I feel like I have a little more control on what is going on when I am the primary nurse and am able to make small talk with just about all of my patients. My patients tell my management that they like me so I'm doing something right.

My fall back for small talk is asking the patient what they do for a living and let them give me all the details. If the are elderly I'll ask about kids/grandkids too (people love to brag about their family's achievements). it lets the patient talk about something non-health related and let's them do most of the talking with the occasional question or statement from me.

LalaRN9000, ADN, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2018

I have also been shy/introverted my whole life. Like everyone has said, the more you do it the easier it gets. There are also opportunities that have less patient interaction, depending on what area you want to go into. In my experience, when I connect with a patient/family, it makes it all the more awesome. Your experiences in school and clinical will also push you out of your shell. You've got this!

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Apr 7, 2018

I was extremely shy and introverted as a kid -- in fact I remember in 2nd or 3rd grade, there was a kid on my school bus who thought I was "mute." :laugh: In 6th grade, my absolute favorite thing about Friday was my parents were both gone until 1:00 a.m. (my mom stocked shelves in our commissary, and my dad would go to help her with the heavy lifting.) After my sister went to bed I was in paradise!

I am still introverted. I absolutely love my job, but I often leave work feeling like I NEED to be alone! One thing I love about the 3-11 shift is I come home to a quiet house, so I can enjoy some solitude before going to sleep.

With time and practice, I have become more comfortable interacting with others and become more assertive. Nurses need to advocate for our patients -- and for ourselves (e.g. call lights are going off and the telephone is ringing, but they will wait until after I grab a drink of water.) I developed my assertiveness just as I developed my book knowledge. If I can do it, you can do it. :)

Ohm108, MSN, NP, CNM · Apr 7, 2018

Like most of the respondents on this thread, I have always been a very high introvert even as a kid. But like all adults we have to go to work and work with other people so I have learned how to conserve my energies where it is necessary and learn not to overextend myself and more importantly know when i am approaching the end of my energy reserves so that I can go someplace quiet or be by myself to recharge. Shy and quiet people can be and are successful, some of us make the very best managers. If you want to learn more, try reading this book. I found it to be quite helpful. While the book talks about a work environment, going to school full time can also be considered a full time job as well.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain. She also did a Ted Talk which you can find on Youtube as well if you want to hear her speak about this topic.

Best of luck to you in your nursing program!

smartnurse1982 · Apr 8, 2018

Shy and introvert are not interchangable

She and introvert are polar opposites. You can be a shy extrovert. Introverts recharge away from people,while shy people want to be around people but are most likely scared of rejection or ridicule.

They do not mean the same things.

RNsoonNP · Apr 8, 2018

By nature, I'm also an introvert and very quiet, but I always knew I wanted to be a nurse because I love the aspect of healing people. With time and experience in my clinicals, I learned to interact with my patients and also medical team. I'm still the shy and quiet person when I go home, but when I'm working as a nurse with my patients--they can't tell because I'm always striving to provide the best care.

If you really do love nursing, then the career will really enhance your social skills. I can proudly say that nursing changed my life and made me a bit more outgoing. Hopefully the same can happen to you =) The number one thing is always showing that you care for your patients and meet their needs, regardless of your personality.

Let me know if you have any questions! Good luck.

Camjayjayy, BSN, RN · Apr 8, 2018

Yeah I am aware of that! Although I can be outgoing at times I tend to have traits of more of an introvert since I do like to spend time with myself more often. I've been pretty shy pretty much since middle school too.

V3nom3nom · Apr 8, 2018

Start small with chit chat whenever you are out running errands. Ask people how their day is going. Once you get past the inital questions and akwardness, it will become much easier to engage conversations with strangers/patients.