Can I still be a great nurse if I am shy/introverted?

Nurses General Nursing

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I am in my 2nd level at nursing school. It was my 1st day at my med-surg clinicals today. This is my second clinical, but I get nervous everytime I go to the hospital. I am very shy around new people and tense up extremely during the pre and post conference when we share about our patients. even if i have to share with only 9 people including my clinical professor, i get so nervous. we had to give a brief description about our patients today during post conference, i got so nervous, i stuttered so much. can i still be a great nurse even if i'm shy and introverted?

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You sure can, I feel a lot like you do as I'm in nursing school as well. I'm finding that working in the hospital setting as a PCT is greatly boosting my confidence. Try not to focus on your weakness instead focus on your strengths. I have to keep reminding myself of the positives to push on through the day. Pray coming and going and God will make your day awesome! Be blessed.

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I was just like when I was in nursing school. My instructor explicitly told me I have communication problems because I would contribute to the discussions. I still get shy around people that's why I decided to try a different type of nursing. I no longer take care of patients. I went into medical records review/audit, and my career has never been better.

Hang in there. There are so much opportunities in nursing.

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Specializes in OBGYN, Urogynecology.

I have to say I used to feel that way but nursing has actually made me a little more outgoing. Since I have to get to know a lot of different people, I have developed some better social skills - there's nothing like helping with a pelvic exam in awkward silence to make you learn how to find ways to make people more comfortable. I now feel like I could talk to anyone, anytime.

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Specializes in Pulmonology Clinic.

I agree with the above post. You will get more confident and comfortable around people, but even if you remain shy you can still be a great nurse. I work with a nurse who is very introverted, but when she is with patients she is awesome because she feels confident that she knows what she is doing. It is hard to work while in school, but being a CNA or even volunteering a few hours may help. Good luck!

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Specializes in Mixed ICU, OHU.

I used to be a bit like this, however, I am now very confident and comfortable speaking with patients and other people. Just push yourself to overcome these barriers and you'll be stronger for it and a better nurse and person :D

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Specializes in family practice.

I agree with RNRF, i used to be like you but nursing would make you speak up because you would need to stand up to what you believe in and the patients. If you are too shy to speak up people would ride want to take advantage of it also. But i believe nursing would change you to an aspect. If only at work you would learn to speak up dont worry. You need to get some experience while in nursing school though

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I think I get shy talking in large groups of more than about 10, but I definitely talk alot to my patients and friends. I wish when I were in high school there were classes that could have better prepared me for public speaking. I don't have a problem getting in front of the class for public speaking if I know I have to do it, but I'm definitely not going to volunteer. Sometimes I feel that my parents had something to do with me being this way. All the hollaring at me when I was a kid, made me not want to do anything and I always thought I was doing something wrong. I also have a Southern accent and some people that I worked with would sometimes make fun of me, so I don't feel as confindent as I use to. I feel I think I may have rubbed off on my son, he is very shy and introverted. He use to be very outgoing and then its like he just shut down all of a sudden. I am a wonderful nurse and love my patients so who cares what anyone thinks anymore.

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Nursing school can take the confidence out of anyone. I know different patient's take a shine to different nurses. I was the kid who was most comfortable around adults who were quiet but there, they listened to what I had to say. Being introverted and shy brings positive qualities to your working relationship with others. I know you will grow as you progress in your school and work career. I used to be so scared to go into the patient's rooms, forget about talking in post clinical wrap-up. I found it helpful to take a few minutes at lunch to jot down 3 bullet points and keep my pt. name age, dx.

right in front of me. I pretneded I was talking to my cat in the sunny bay window instead of to people. I also listened and found out how much I appreciated other students experiences and how much I learned from them. I was more willing to share because I knew they weren't there to judge but learn from my success and failures. One nurse spotted someone going into septic shock. She said she didn't know but told the nurse she got a slightly low pressure, checked it again in an hour and it was even lower. Thanks to her the pt was on the way to ICU fast! I was so impressed and never forgot how important it was to pay attention to blood pressure. I hope your clinical group turns out to be supportive and a positive experience for you.

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How do you do one-on-one? I am shy as well but I do great with my patients. The more comfortable you become with a setting you may do better too. The more I am around the same people I become more comfortable with them. I would not do public speaking well. Hang in there you can still offer a lot and be a great nurse.

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Specializes in ICU.

YES you can, I've been doing this a while and I'm still shy and quiet. I've been an ICU charge nurse, this shy and quietness is needed, I've helped run codes and rapid responses. We have another charge nurse the polar opposite she is loud and overbearing and charges into situations like a tornado. Its better to be quiet and reserved (IMHO). So yes you can be a great nurse, being shy also lets you listen to the pts. Listening is a great attribute and people always want to talk about themselves. So hang in there. Once you find a job and work with the same people day in and day out some of that shyness/ introvert will go away.

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Specializes in CCU.

Well I'm as shy and introverted as they come. I had difficulty getting through nursing school as well. At work I have the reputation of being quiet and shy. I honestly like it that way because I am less involved in the politics at work and I am able to actually focus and concentrate more on my patients and staying ahead. Most of the world in extroverted, being introverted sets you apart from the rest IMO, which allows you to focus on your patients more. I'm not the best at socializing or small talk and never will be. But I've learned that assertiveness is key when dealing with healthcare personnel, patients and families.

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