Can an introvert succeed as a nurse?

[lollipop032]

Hi all,

I'm weighing up my options for study and a future career and I'm really intrigued by the idea of becoming a nurse. The only doubts I have are coming from the fact that I'm quite introverted. I don't know whether this is going to be a major issue as a nurse? I've been described as very assertive, conscientious, reliable, caring, and as getting on well with people, so I'm not afraid to speak up when needed. It's more that I'm quite quiet and not a natural conversationist so I'm worried about chatting to patients about day to day things.

I've worked in retail for many years so have had plenty of experience dealing with a range of people and difficult people. And I've developed a kind of confidence in that role. So I'm hoping that this will help in the 'customer service' aspect of nursing and that I'll be able to develop confidence in a nursing role too. As for the medical aspects of the role, I don't think that I'll have any issues there. Those things really capture my attention and I'm excited to learn more and apply the skills. I like having lots of possible areas to work in as a nurse too.

So, I'd like your opinions - can an introverted, quiet person thrive as a nurse or will it be an uphill battle?

Thanks

[NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN]

You can do it. I know plenty of introverted nurses. Not all patients appreciate random chatter when they are not feeling well.

I am an extrovert but the introverts I know always seem to have this quiet coolness under pressure that I envy.

[zoe92]

You can definitely thrive since it sounds like you have in your retail position. With introverts, when they do say something you know it is importan and in my experience, people listen up. Do not let being quiet hold you back.

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

Yes, you can succeed. Being an introvert is a strength in this profession. I walk the line between introvert and extravert, and while I am a quiet person, I am focused and in tune with myself and what I notice about situations.

As for the chatting, as PP said, sometimes patients don't want a lot of talking about nothing when they don't feel well. But in your retail job and in clinicals, you will get more comfortable with making conversation. Like anything else, it takes practice and repetition. I am not the best at it, but being a CNA and being in my clinicals is really helping. It also helps to have something to talk about - read the newspaper, books, or magazines; learn about astrology (a lot of my patients and their families enjoy this, so I read up on it); have things to discuss or ask them. Sometimes you can connect this way, sometimes you can't, but that doesn't mean you're not giving good care. Maybe you're not going to be their best friend, but you can still be a dynamite nurse to them.

Once you're in nursing school, you'll find that a big part of your role is assessing your patient, and this involves a lot of questions and therapeutic conversation. When you ask questions, you may be using them to gather data, but your patient will also see this as a sign that you care and are interested in their life, which is only helps your relationship with them.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I post this from time to time. The speaker is me. Well, not literally-- I am not Susan Cain, but she is describing me, right down to the books at summer camp. Of course we can be nurses.

Susan Cain: The power of introverts | Video on TED.com

[crossfitnurse]

I post this from time to time. The speaker is me. Well, not literally-- I am not Susan Cain, but she is describing me, right down to the books at summer camp. Of course we can be nurses.

Susan Cain: The power of introverts | Video on TED.com

Loved that!

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

Like some of the other people here in this thread, you should understand that being an introvert is not a detriment in the nursing profession. The good news with your situation is that you have already understood that you are an introvert and you have a fair amount of experience dealing with other people conversationally. As you go through school, you are going to learn therapeutic communications and you are also going to learn to create your own standardized set of questioning for the purpose of asking patients about their symptoms.

Also as an introvert, you probably have a very good understanding of how to deal with things. When you are speaking with the patient, all you have to do is simply verbalize what you are thinking, with a great understanding that some things do need to be filtered. It normally does not do you well to insult your patients because you spoke your mind.

Another thing to remember is that most people are not 100% introverted or extroverted. Most people have features of both. I tend to be a little bit more towards the introverted side of things, but I do exhibit some extrovert features when I have to. There are times when I am very social. It also helps to be able to focus very closely on what you need to do. I have been on stage many times, I have had to care for injured athletes in front of 65,000 people, so there are times when I have had to be the center of attention and it really doesn't bother me because I focus in on my patient.

As far as you are retail sales experience goes, that is great training for talking with patients. After you ask your patients about their symptoms, their mood, how they feel and so on, you then engage the patient in a little bit of small talk. The reason you do this is that patient can answer the 4 basic orientation questions perfectly well and yet be out to lunch.

I hope this helps you somewhat in easing your mind as to if you can be a nurse. It's very possible for an introvert, and can be very, very helpful! Patients also can also tend to be a bit introverted themselves when they're sick. You know how that is, so offer the patients those things that you'd do for yourself to keep your mind off of things...

[lollipop032]

Thanks for your thoughtful messages. It has definitely eased my mind and strengthened my resolve to become a nurse - I'm looking forward to the journey.

[sarahmac09]

You can definitely be a nurse! I think a lot of the time introverts have an advantage in that we tend to be more empathetic and aware of others' moods and needs (even if they can't vocalize them).

[vlo10]

I also agree being a CNA can help in clinicals and allow you to be able to work with diff patients.

[jimlyle]

When you select nursing as a career the most important thing that matters is the you need to care for your patients as well as be able to mix around with them. Your duties would be to assist the physician and be with the patient when he is in need. It is your responsibility to make him feel good and comfortable in your presence. Since, you say you seem to be caring and mix around well with people, you could prove to be a good nurse.

[msmchele]

You can definitely be a nurse! Your introverted traits can definitely serve you well, but some may get you into trouble at times, so you need to watch certain things. Introverts tend to do very well in one on one situations, so you should do quite well with your one to one patient care. You may need to be more watchful of your interaction with your colleagues. As an introvert myself, I remember a time when I got written up for not spending enough time at the nurses station with other nurses. As introverts we tend to avoid small talk. I cannot stand gossip and do not understand small talk at all. I do not talk on the phone unless there is a good reason...etc etc. Well my wonderful nurse friends at the station reported me for spending too much time with my patients. Go figure.