Do you have to be an extrovert to make it as a Nurse?

I am an introvert also, I don't have to work full time so I work part time. If that part time works best for me. Different shifts factor in also as well as the facility you work in. I am always amazed at the number of introverts who work in careers where you have to be "on" while at work. Go for it and then look for the type of position that works well with your personality.

Lots of introverts around here. Unlike a cocktail party where you are trying to get involved in a conversation or a sales job where you need to try to sell to people, nursing is easier.

The focus is on the patient and their needs, not you.

I am an introvert. I liek being around people for a little while, but definitely need my "alone" time to recharge. This is why I prefer the weekends, there are less people around: pts, other nurses and a few doctors/residents. Most of the ancillary staff is not around so it is a little less "sensory overload" I was a teacher and a lot of teachers are introverts too.

One thing that I appreciate as an introvert is that I tend to shy away from a lot of the drama and I don't get involved in most of that kind of thing

Another introvert here. My big thing is I crave solitude -- esp after a rough shift -- to regroup. I'm married with several kids age 2-14, so for that reason I prefer to work PMs; if I get home at 1600 I'm met with "Mommy, mommy, mommy!!!" Don't get me wrong, I love my kids as much as any mother does, and it's nice to see them so happy to see me...but Mommy's mentally exhausted! If I get home at midnight, they're all asleep and I get my quiet time.

The other big thing with nursing is that we have to be able to advocate for our pts. In that respect we do have to push out of our shell, even if it's uncomfortable.

I feel like I'm an extroverted introvert. In the hospital I love being around patients and talking to them, because I don't know them so it's easy to just strike up random conversation. When I'm around of a lot of people I do know that are extremely extroverted I don't really talk unless directly spoken to. I don't feel the need to be the center of attention or try to talk over someone.

I saw something the other day that said "My life is a constant struggle of wanting to pet dogs, but not wanting to talk to their owners."

No, you only need to be competent and friendly at work. I'm very introverted but I can be social out of necessity at work. At home I don't speak to or hang out with neighbors. If I'm home I just want to exist with my family and recharge.