Can an introvert survive as a nurse?

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Hi everyone! Forgive me for starting a topic that has surely been discussed before. I've spent some time reading the posts of other introverts but I wanted to ask something more specific.I have the opportunity to begin a BSN program soon and I'm excited about it but when I tell people I know that I'm starting a nursing program they don't seem to think it is the right fit for me. I've always been good at academics and I think a lot of people expected me to be something very cerebral like a scientist or an MD. But I'm a people-oriented introvert, if that makes sense. I like working one on one with people to help them solve their problems and tend to do well in that type of work environment. However, I prefer lower key, orderly environments. I love to get along with the people I work with and I like to work as part of a team but I'm pretty serious about work. I don't initiate a lot of chit chat because I usually focus so intently on what I'm doing. I'm less worried about getting along with patients as I am about fitting in at work and in nursing school. I plan on trying hard to establish a good rapport and be more outgoing than I am naturally. I've worked my entire life to tone down my introversion because I don't like being shut off to myself all day. I just need more down time by myself than most people. My question is not whether I'll struggle with relationships with fellow students and coworkers. I know I will because I always have to some extent. My question is whether other introverts out there have been able to find their place in nursing. Like so many on this forum, I'm planning to start my masters degree in nursing as soon as I feel like I have adequate experience. I already know I'll work better in the NP role but I'm just starting to worry that I won't get through the BSN and the first year or two as an RN. Advice on how to get through school or where to try and work after graduation? Constructive criticism? I'll take it! Thanks!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

You'll be fine. But (you knew it was coming, right?) the work could be emotionally exhausting for you because nursing is an inherently social activity and you have said that this is difficult but manageable for you. I am still 'in love' with nursing even though I have always preferred to work alone & really enjoy solitude. My clinical practice area is critical care which has always worked very well for me because it is pretty independent one-on-one for the most part and there isn't a lot of delegation or teamwork most of the time.

You seem very self-aware, and that really is the key. If introversion is your true nature, there are parts of the job that will always be more difficult for you. Be sure to take

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Thanks, HouTx! I'm drawn to CCU also. I know its neither easy nor advisable to start out in CCU so I guess I'll have to work my way into it. Like a typical introvert, I really dislike conflict and I am a peace and harmony kind of person.

I just don't want to offend my coworkers with my seriousness and tendency to get wrapped up in my work because that would be a horrible way to spend my career. Hopefully, if I try hard to engage people I can avoid that.

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Specializes in Oncology/hematology.

I am an ex introvert, turned complete extrovert, so maybe I can give you a little advice. If you're smart, good at school and like the one on one aspect of nursing, I think you'll be fine. But, yes, you'll have to work at the nurse relationships and the student relationships. It could work to your advantage. Maybe you can avoid all the drama in school and at work. But, I've read stories of instructors picking on shy people, which does make sense. They need to make sure you've got the ability to do the job. Just push yourself to do your best and go for it!

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I consider myself an introvert as well, for the most part. New environments make me nervous, at first. However, I think once you get "into your element" and get comfortable with what you are doing, you will be fine! Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Med Surg, PCU, Travel.

I was actually going bring up this conversation again because I too was having a hard time in nursing school with this and your description sounds just like me. I am in the first semester of nursing school and i am introvert. What really frustrates me is the clinical instructors.

They seem to think only "talkers and extroverts" can make great nurses. They mistake introvert to mean poor communicators. they regard introverts as non-competent.They think if I dont have a verbal response right away it means I dont know the content and I've been written up for this but time and time again I've had to prove them wrong. If I did not know the content, then why am I passing my tests?

What is surprising is that as nurse educators you would think they would have respect for the variety of personalities out there but that is not true, they love extroverts. They tell you you are required to work with all sorts of patients from different background but they put "nurses" into this little box of who are their favs like there must be only 1 type of nurse. If that was the case, hospitals would be a bunch of people who say the first thing on their mind without a second of thought(no disrespect to extroverts).

My advise is when you get to nursing school just be really extra loud whenever you are answering instructors especially the clinical instructors and don't let them determine your future. I am not going to give up because our nurse educators are narrow minded.

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ellie193,

I am a people-oriented introvert (I like this term), and I am hoping to pursue a nursing degree. I think that is the beauty of this profession. "It takes all kinds...for all kinds." As you said, from reading other threads, you know there are others just like us...so it is possible to be introverted, and succeed in this profession. If anything...it might make us better suited for this profession, because of our passive disposition. You will be successful, if you just be yourself...and so will I.

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man-nurse2b,

I was in a nursing program a couple of years ago...and dropped out after the 1st semester. I am an introvert, and I let my clinical instructor 'scare' me away from this profession that I love, because she said I was too quiet for this profession! I have lived to regret it! I have said before, and I will say it again...I don't believe at all that there are not shy, introverted nurses out there! When I told her that...she had no answer for me. I think this profession is for anyone who loves it, and I don't think that who you are, or what you are should make any difference. That is just my opinion. Just stay who you are...and stay the course, and you will succeed! Good luck!

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You'll be fine. I'm introverted to the point that I float just so I don't have to really interact with staff unless necessary. I usually talk to people about work related things. And that's only if they start a conversation with me first. Otherwise I come in, take care of my patients and go home. As far communicating with doctors and ancillary staff I don't have any problems. Along with me being introverted, I'm also very direct and straight to the point. So this works extremely well for me with communicating with doctors. People tell me to not be so serious all the time and I hardly ever get the punchline to jokes, but I've been like this for 30 almost 40 years and it's how I am and I'm not ashamed.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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Specializes in Med Surg, PCU, Travel.

Guys I am loving this terminology you came up with "people-oriented introvert" :) others may think its an oxymoron but its a great terminology...I'm so tired of being pushed aside...we should start a movement for introvert rights!:yes:

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Specializes in Med Surg, PCU, Travel.
man-nurse2b,

I was in a nursing program a couple of years ago...and dropped out after the 1st semester. I am an introvert, and I let my clinical instructor 'scare' me away from this profession that I love, because she said I was too quiet for this profession! I have lived to regret it! I have said before, and I will say it again...I don't believe at all that there are not shy, introverted nurses out there! When I told her that...she had no answer for me. I think this profession is for anyone who loves it, and I don't think that who you are, or what you are should make any difference. That is just my opinion. Just stay who you are...and stay the course, and you will succeed! Good luck!

wow scare tactics is exactly what they are trying with me and a couple others. I was actually written up again last week and had a meeting with them.They were asking me if I'm sure nursing is right for me...this is just nuts but they threatening to fail me in my clinical, there's more to the story but I won't get into it on the net.

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Specializes in Care of Elderly people.

I consider myself to be an introvert. I'm a home care nurse and I have no issues talking to my patients maybe because the majority of patients I interact don't need lengthy discussions or I just need to prompt them to talk about themselves. But I get frightened talking to the relatives. One recently said she doesn't think I'm giving her mother primary what she needs which is company and that statement made me have a career rethink..... And I found this space. I honestly think it's not about nursing as a whole being a right profession for introverts but just finding a specialty in nursing that suits you. For me I know I have a bit of work to do because I definitely have to deal with patients relatives too, it's a wholistic form of care. I have a love for critical care nursing in the nearest future and also to be a professor in nursing. I feel like since I am a choosing a profession like nursing that already requires a lot of sacrifice, I can make one more change of being a bit more communicative with people, not necessarily saying you have to be chatty and extremely talkative. Another thing I've seen is that most patients would prefer you listen than talk but relatives will prefer you talk to their patients than listen.

 

Good luck in your endeavors.

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