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

[daetor2012]

As long as you can convey important things with patients/co-workers you're fine, it's something you have to learn how to do in the nursing field, you don't have to be the stereotypical extrovert. I'm an introvert myself, but I know that there are pros to being introverted, as well as cons. You will be fine.

[OwlieO.O]

I'm very introverted, but with my adult and parenting experience, I've learned to be assertive and courageous when advocating or dealing with situations. Being an introvert doesn't mean you have to be shy. It means you process more inwardly. Being in nursing school will bring you out of your shell if you are shy.

[StudentOfHealing]

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.

You got written up for not spending time with the nurses at the nurses station?!?!?

Literally?

[verene, MSN]

Definitely. My Mom is a super-introvert and also a nurse. She may not be chatty and outgoing, but that allows her to click with patients that need someone a little softer-spoken and the quiet allows the patient the space to speak. My mom would hate going into a management position or something where she needs to be visible all the time and always interacting with people, but she prizes the quiet moments with patients as sometimes those are the ones that allow her to bond with them, let the patient ask a question or express a worry, and give her the space for a one-on-one conversation with patient or family where she can educate and support them. She shows her care through little actions that acknowledge the patient as an individual and she's had many compliments from patients and families for being "the nurse that remembered" some little detail that wasn't medically important but made a different to the person she was caring for.

I think more important in this profession than speaking is the ability to listen and to provide compassionate presence. It is important to note that compassionate presence may come in words for some but may come stronger in actions for others.

[sunburstorange06]

I hope you were able to pursue nursing, afterall. Being an introvert is not going to affect you moving forward; it is actually a good thing because as an introvert you tend to listen to people. I am an introvert myself and I have been a nurse for 14 years. I cannot imagine doing anything else. I loved talking to my patients, but I found it hard to connect with other coworkers talking about themselves. I loved talking about a new research study and school (not small talks), but only few people can relate with me as well. You will be ok; go for it!

[sunburstorange06]

Me, got written up for not smiling enough

[lorias]

I get a lot of inspiration from these posts because I'm going into nursing and I am an introvert, although I have learned to interact with people over the years and am not as shy as I used to be. (Being an introvert isn't the same thing as being shy in my opinion).I get annoyed with people easily (if I haven't gotten enough sleep or have been around too much chaos or people for too long) and being around them for too long makes me irritable and mentally tired. It is important for introverts to have ample time to themselves to refuel and to not feel guilty for this. Just like extroverts feel energized being around people, introverts get their tank refilled from spending time alone.