Changes in personality since you became a nurse?

mario_ragucci · Jan 20, 2003

I have started to see who and what we all really are...atoms, electricity, gravity and the speed of light. I'm sorry :-(

karenG · Jan 20, 2003

well- I certainly became noisy! more assertive and dont tolerate fools gladly. also developed this really black warped sense of humour. still think it takes a nurse to understand a nurse

Karen

DIPLOMATICRN4HIRE, MSN, RN · Jan 20, 2003

Before I became a nurse I was the typical southern "bell" that smiled and took what life dished out and I guess floated through my days with my rose colored glasses on. Now its another story.. I look through the eyes of my patients and see the cruelity and injustice inflicted upon them. I am barely tollerant to a complaint unless your bleeding out somewhere from my family members Im about convienced their just whinners and wussies,at one time I remember being the most tenderhearted and now I feel like there is a hard crust around it just to protect me from anymore that I see and do. Im not sure if I can blame this reactions to the Nursing but Im sure there is a small part, but I think dealing so close with the public and seeing how they are Im sure the crust around my heart is there for a reason.

However, I have never laughed harder or longer that I do now. I see how even simple actions affect others and a smile means more to me that a paycheck. I know the appreciation that is given from a patient to a nurse with just a simple blink of an eye,squeeze of hand,finger,shoulder. I know there is a place in my soul that is comforted when I know I did everything I could do for a situation that was difficult. Nursing has changed me in so many ways, but I think I owe more of the credit to the nurses I work with.... I learned compassion,strength,tollerance,friendship(true),joy,humor to the gross,and the ability to deal with death and hold my head high as I cried. Im glad I changed,Im better for it I think, but Im biased.

Just my thoughts

Zoe

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2003

I think having to deal with head injured and elderly patients, as well as management and family members my patience has grown over the years. I was always a patient person, but now I'm so much more so.

Also, so much more confident. I can talk to people and look them in the eye.

When I first became a nurse, I was a bit on the shy and quiet side. You can tell I've changed. :)

nimbex, RN · Jan 20, 2003

Boy have I toned "it" down, I mean no steriotypes (sorry, spelling), but being from NY, moving to NC, I was so out of place I needed to shut the heck up, adjust to the culture and LEARN how to tell someone to goto hell and have them smile back at you and enjoy the ride.

Nursing has honed my communication skills , not my spelling... that's for writing sloppy !

DIPLOMATICRN4HIRE, MSN, RN · Jan 20, 2003

Nimbex: as a southern woman let me give you a word of advice inwhich Im sure you have heard many times.

Never really look anyone in the eye and tell them to go to hell they dont understand it in the south.

Smile at them and say bless your heart. They will know what you mean, and the bigger you smile the deeper in hell your wishing them to go. I often look at many with a wide tooth cheshire grin.

Zoe:D

OBNURSEHEATHER · Jan 20, 2003

I'm more likely to say what I think, and I'm more likely to use colorful words when doing it. I'm just in general alot more outgoing and forward.

Heather

igloorn93 · Jan 20, 2003

I was always quiet and shy, rather introverted and preferred to stay out of the limelight. Now, 10 years after graduation I am described as extroverted and not shy about expressing my opinions. I will stand up for my patients in a heartbeat, and working with the mentally ill, I am required to both stand up for them and sometimes to them. For me, I think the change was most definately a positive one. Becoming a nurse has helped me grow personally in ways which I never expected.

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 20, 2003

You dont' change your personality w/a job change. it's not like changing underwear. You MAY change habits, points of view, sympathies, ideas, learn ethical behaviors (or not), but personality changes are not effected by entering nursing as a career. You LEARN, which in itself is a change in behavior, NOT personality! I believe you change how you THINK, if you are going to succeed. It's REALLY a social caste system.:)

Nurse Izzy · Jan 20, 2003

I've always been outgoing and pretty assertive but nursing school has definitely brought out more of that side. I'm not afraid to say no anymore (used to border on doormat in that aspect) and I'm definitely "get to the point". I'm not afraid to stand up for what's right, especially the whole patient advocate thing, but have also learned more of how to approach situations without coming off as a bull in a china shop. As for humor - I'm no longer allowed to discuss what I think is funny - it usually grosses everyone else out!

Shell7280 · Jan 20, 2003

I've only been an RN for 8 months, but I've changed a great deal. I used to be very very shy, alot of people didn't think I'd do good as a nurse because of my shyness, but after two semesters of nursing school, I was able to be more assertive and I get everything done that needs done. I'm not scared to talk to anyone I need to talk to, doctors, managers, nurses, patients, whatever. I am also a much more outgoing person in my personal life because of this, the real me has finally come out . Although I have still NOT learned how to say "no" to anyone, I really really need to work on that. LOL. I love talking with other nurses b/c we can talk and laugh about the grossiest stuff, even during meals! But my family can't stand it! I have to keep stopping myself.

OzNurse69 · Jan 20, 2003

Originally posted by OBNURSEHEATHER
I'm more likely to say what I think, and I'm more likely to use colorful words when doing it. I'm just in general alot more outgoing and forward.

Heather

What, you mean you didn't useta be like this???!!