Shy nurses

Nurses New Nurse

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I am a new graduate nurse I just passed NCLEX-RN a week ago. I am a shy person who is very soft spoken. I am very caring person. However I found that being soft spoken to be a disadvantage. I also suffer from low self esteem as a result of my soft voice. I worked very hard to earn my BSN degree but I feel my shyness will prevent me from being the best nurse. I feel being caring, understanding, empathetic is not enough. I am very nervous that I will soon start working without overcoming my shyness. For this reason I have decided not to seek jobs for two months so I can improve my self esteem and overcome my shyness. Is this enough time? What is the best way to overcome shyness if there is any?

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I felt this way after graduating. I'm more of a type C personality and most of the nurses I came in contact with were type A. I was worried about being too soft and getting bullied (by other staff and/or patients). I was also pretty nervous about losing my compassion...nursing can be so emotionally draining. After putting off the job hunt for almost 4 months after graduation I finally found the nerve (thanks to some encouraging words from other AN users) to start applying. I really wish I had not waited so long!! Find a good GN program that will give you a thorough orientation, that might help increase your confidence.

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Will two months really change a lifetime of who you are?

Don't put it off; apply for a job.

You want to increase your self esteem? Get a job, manage your shyness and let real success help you.

You will find a lot of other soft spoken nurses if you pay attention; we are easily overshadowed by our more outgoing peers, but you will have plenty of kindred spirits.

The kind of relationships you have at work easier than social relationships. You have a defined role of what you need to do.

Best of luck in your future plans.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I don't think you can just "fix" who you are in 2 months. Being soft spoken isn't always a bad thing. Never waste time wishing you were like someone else. Be yourself and be proud of who you are.I was shy too and I still am sometimes but you can practice being more assertive without changing who you are. it's not necessary to be a loud chatterbox to be a good nurse.In fact, I have found that some patients will open up more if you just be quiet and let them talk. I used to struggle with approaching a patient that I had never met before but I used the "fake it til you make it " approach and it got easier.As you gain more confidence in yourself as a nurse you will find yourself speaking up more than you would expect.

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

Shyness really equals self centeredness. It's a defect that can be overcome thru recognizing it and doing the opposite. Instead of thinking about how you are feeling...redirect your thoughts to the task at hand or others. Which you have it in you...you became a nurse. Congrats!

Also do not be so hard on yourself. I have worked with soft spoken nurses...and really liked them and their style of nursing, they were competent and the patients loved them as well. Step out in faith and get a job You will develop your soft skills when using your learned skills.

Best wishes! You can do whatever you set your mind to.:nurse:

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Specializes in ER.
Shyness really equals self centeredness. It's a defect that can be overcome thru recognizing it and doing the opposite. Instead of thinking about how you are feeling...redirect your thoughts to the task at hand or others. Which you have it in you...you became a nurse. Congrats!

Also do not be so hard on yourself. I have worked with soft spoken nurses...and really liked them and their style of nursing, they were competent and the patients loved them as well. Step out in faith and get a job You will develop your soft skills when using your learned skills.

Best wishes! You can do whatever you set your mind to.:nurse:

OMG! Shyness is less of a defect than being a loud, obnoxious big mouth! I'll take a soft spoken person ANY day over that!

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I have learned that having self pride and walking with my head up high is all that it takes to make things easier.

i can definitely do this... It is unrealistic to try to change myself. It is actually possible to be soft spoken yet confident.

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Specializes in ER.

You are NOT defective. Learn to manage your personality type. There's a great book out there 'The Highly Sensitive Person'. This an important trait in 15% of the animal kingdom. It's not as highly valued in our brash Western culture, but nevertheless important to society as a whole

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That is exactly what I have decided to do. I struggled so much trying to change because I misunderstood when I was told to be more confident I assumed I had to be like everybody else.

i now realize I can be confident without changing myself.

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I will read it.. Thanks.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
That is exactly what I have decided to do. I struggled so much trying to change because I misunderstood when I was told to be more confident I assumed I had to be like everybody else.

i now realize I can be confident without changing myself.

Good for you!

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

The trait itself is what I was addressing. Noone said she was defective. :no:

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