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

Editorial Team / Admin · Mar 15, 2016

Many introverts have become successful nurses. I believe there's a pretty long thread about this topic somewhere here on AN that had lots of replies- if you use the search bar in the upper right of the screen, you might be able to find it.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 15, 2016

I'm a hardcore introvert. I've always been and always will be.

I've carved out a moderately successful career in nursing that has spanned 10 years as of last month. While I will never attract the same degree of positive attention as my extroverted coworkers with more outgoing personalities, I've learned to work around my interpersonal limitations and make the best of my situation.

quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN · Mar 15, 2016

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.

RNperdiem, RN · Mar 15, 2016

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.

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 16, 2016

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

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2016

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.

RAndaRoo · Mar 16, 2016

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."

Palliative Care, DNP · Mar 16, 2016

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.