Concerned that my "type B" personality won't cut it!

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Hi everyone,

So I'm a type B personality. I worked as an aide at a long term care facility for adults with DD, and I know I want to be a nurse. I applied to nursing school last week, and am just thinking about the future of my career.

I have some concerns regarding specialty and personality...

I'm a type B, and my general understanding after being on these boards, is that most nurses are type A. Don't get me wrong, I was on time for work and managed to get things done, but yes, I was frequently charting late. I am good at the emotional stuff and getting through to patients.

What specialties do you think would be best for me? I LOVE kids so I would definitely want to do something with kids if I could help it.

I've always had an interest in doing something like the NICU or perhaps pediatric oncology. I'm just a little worried because I'm not one of those anal-retentive types. I am not the neatest person in the world......sigh.

Anyway, I guess my point after this rant is, any type B nurses out there? Is there room for type B's in specialties like the NICU or pediatric oncology?

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I am the same way.............. paperwork is a necessary evil and I get it done but I don't like it. Give me hands on anyday! You will be fine.......... it takes all kinds and there are numerous nsg jobs that will be happy to have you. GL

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You are just going to have to make adjustments to get your charting done on time. I can assure you that a couple of butt chewings will provide the impetus, but you should take charge on your own of getting this under control. Even Type A people have trouble getting their charting done so you won't be alone.

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Specializes in Adolescent & Adult Psychiatry.

LOL! After a little research, I realized that I too am a Type B personlaity, like, to the fullest! I do branch away from such personality at times like being a perfectionist at some tasks and am a neat freak, but that doesn't overshadow my other, more important qualities like patience and having an ability to empathize with people.

There is definitely room for you wherever you want to go. It's like us for humans to want to box ourselves into a certain category that we think is best for us, but that will ultimately be our demise if we consistently avoid the other challenges and exciting things that exist out there.

The whole concept of "type" personalities is based on learned behavior. These qualities are nothing more than an extension of what we've already learned. So, even though most of your "learned" qualities exist on the type B spectrum, that doesn't mean you can't work in a critical care setting. It simply means you're an individual, which we all are! You have countless possibilities to work anywhere you want; from a free health clinic to a fortune 500 company! It's all abot where you feel most at ease.

For me, with my supposed type B personality, I thought Psych would be the best bet for me. Ummm, wrong! Although I love what I do in this department, I'm itching for something new and challenging. I'm still technically a new grad especially since I'm fairly new to the technical skills and I would love to explore this venue.

Stay alert and observant during your clinicals and see what it is that peaks your interest. Don't concentrate on what you think your personality-based shortcomings are. Instead, think about how your unique skills can benefit the area you want to work in. Anyone can learn the technical skills, the IVs, the calculations, the wound care, the medications, etc., but a nurse goes miles beyond that and incorporates his/her own unique talents and dedication so that success is achieved.

Good Luck to you in Nursing School and hopefully the eceonomy lets up so that you can get a job and start on your Type B journey!!!! ^_^

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

Being type B doesn't mean you won't get your charting done, it just means it's not your number 1 priority. You will have to learn to find balance, as with everything else. I am a Type B personality with maybe 20% type A. I have done great at my clnicals so far and get really great reviews from my Co-Nurses (to my instructors) and my Patients. My instructor told me in my evaluation yesterday how every one of my co nurses had good to say about me. So type B definitely has it's place. Learn to balance things to ensure you're getting your stuff done, but don't make it more stressful than it needs to be. I think people freak out way to much about stuff and get themselves all riled up and stressed and that is what actually makes them feel so crunched on time (just my personal opinion) After you see your patient, go chart on them real quick and see your next patient. When your done than you will be all caught up and not trying to do it all at the end. Keep a consistent flow.

Us Type B's have our places ;)

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Specializes in Psych.

I think you will be a breath of fresh air, to your patients and colleagues! We had an extremely laid back student in our class. He brought some much-needed perspective to our study/occasional freak-out sessions, especially when he'd announce that he was going to go play tennis when the rest of us were heading home to continue studying for the next day's test.

According to one study I read (it was over a year ago, so I don't have a citation), charting accounts for 37% of the nurse's day, on average. Keeping that in mind, I have put more of a priority on my charting. I try to structure my day more like "see patients for an hour, spend at least 20 minutes recording what I did. Go back to patients for the rest of the hour, then update the charts" and so on.

I had a 29-weeker way back when and can attest to the fact that calm NICU nurses are ideal. Also, it's easier to be tidy in a hospital where everything already has a place. So overall, I don't think your personality concerns are too much of an issue. :) Good luck in school!

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I'm definitely not type A and I wonder if more people claim to be type A than actually are. I think there's definitely room in nursing for other personality types! Have you tried to shadow on floors that you are interested in?

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

How do you define Type A and Type B?

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Specializes in LTC.

I'm definitely a type A. I find it kind of funny though b/c one of the nurses I work w/is def more type A than I am...she's shocked at times to see how low I'll set my supply cups get on top of my cart. She has to stock her cart before she begins her med pass. I'm the type that says eh I'll replace it when it's gone (and before the next shift). I think tho that it's important to have both types of personalities in ANY job! They can balance each other out!

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Specializes in Utilization Review Radiology Onc, Women's Health.

I am a total Type B! Don't worry!!

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I am assuming you mean Type B is .... ;) a little less assertive.. more caregiver. I am indeed more gentle and giving. After 30 years... when I look back... you will be more vunerable in all situations. It does not mean you cannot be effective.Just remember you are being strong and assertive for yor paitents... it will work out.

But , watch your back.. unfortunately .. some people see our kind and giving nature as a weakness.

And will try to take Advantage of it. You need to start in a much less intense environement.:idea:

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Specializes in Psych, EMS.

There are over 3 million nurses in the US..there are plenty of fellow Type B'ers out there, myself included.

So many nurses freak and worry their license is at stake when the slightest thing goes wrong. I see it in "real life" and on this site all the time. When I mess up, I fess up, apologize, and move on. When colleagues or pts are difficult or mean, I attribute their behavior and comments to them, and not myself. I sometimes even find it funny. I don't take my work and its problems home with me..it's all a distant memory to me as soon as I hit the parking lot. I am not too concerned with how others regard with me. While other nurses may hone in on one thing a pt says or does, I perceive it as just one component of the overall picture and status of the pt.

Do I think that my personality has been a barrier to providing quality nursing care? No, in fact, I think my personality enhances my ability to do so. A calm presence is an asset in psych; the pts generally feel very comfortable, open, and engaged with me. I am able to redirect inappropriate behavior without being abrupt. I am always genuine, and my pts sense that my care towards them is sincere..of course, that changes when I swipe my badge on my way out ;)

So you will be just fine my dear. Best wishes along your journey!! :heartbeat

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