FNP social anxiety

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Any FNPs with social anxiety? If so, how do you do? Can a person with this condition do this job reasonably well? Reason I ask, is that I have this problem and I'm wondering if this career is doable for me. I've always wanted to do this job. Thanks

I guess the faking it part is something I have to work at. Part of my personality emphasizes being genuine.

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aren't you in a nursing role currently? You have as much or more social interaction as an RN (I would think) than as a FNP. I am an introvert but I certainly don't "hate people". I would be content in a job where I didn't have to say a word all day until I got home but as others have stated, I can play the role as needed. If you can handle the social aspect of being a nurse then you can do it as an NP.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.
I guess the faking it part is something I have to work at. Part of my personality emphasizes being genuine.

You don't have to fake caring about people, you just have to fake not being anxious about the social interaction bit. In other words, don't let 'em see you sweat. That's what I meant, just for clarification.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Clinicals always made me nervous too (my hands were sweaty!) lol

As you get more experienced and confident, that goes away. Like being a new nurse, as you gain experience, you become more confident and less stressed.

Best wishes to all of you!

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Rod, Male Nurse, BSN Im not in a traditional role where I have people contact.

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I have social anxiety and am naturally quite introverted - nothing recharges me like having a full day where I don't have to talk to anyone. I am an Adult NP x 4 years now and very good at my job. Whether in clinic or at the hospital, when I see patients I am in control of the situation. I steer the conversation and I basically determine how long the encounter will last. I have found that when I am in my element, I have little to no anxiety. And I am a great listener, although doing so for hours on end drains me and then I come home to peace and quiet. I have a great husband who understands that I want to be in the same room with him in the evenings, but I may not want to talk much all night.

Now a work-related social event (cocktail party, holiday dinner, etc.) or a meeting will definitely make me anxious and I do all I can to avoid these situations. Hate small talk! When they cannot be avoided, I rely on pharmaceuticals to keep it together.

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Specializes in Float Pool, acute care, management/leadership.

Thanks for posting this OP. I'm currently in the same position right now. I don't think I have social anxiety, but I know I have performance and public speaking anxiety. I enjoy interacting with others and while most people see me as an extrovert, I would definitely say that I'm in still innately an introvert. I've always been a people person and through forcing myself to be involved with many leadership positions, I've been able to quell my anxiety in most situations, but my problem has always been doing tasks or skills in front of people, especially any tactile skill that involved my hands as they would shake and I would be instantly embarrassed. I would get extremely nervous starting an IV with patients, doctors, preceptors, or family members watching. I just switched from med-surg to a high acuity ICU and even thinking about pushing IV meds during code situations makes me nervous. I take propranolol PRN for performance anxiety for a few years now, which has done wonders for me. I don't know if it's my perception that I'm being scrutinized or that I don't want to look like a fool when certain situations arise, but I guess it comes down to me caring about what people think about me (which I shouldn't) or how they will perceive me. I think it most likely stems from me having low self-esteem growing up, which I've since rectified as an adult.

When it comes to our careers , I think we're able to rise to the occasion and it's nice to know that we're not alone in the same boat :)

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On 12/31/2015 at 10:12 PM, Scarlettz said:

OP, are you as a nurse right now or are you a student? If you are a nurse, have you found that your SA has lessened with nursing experience? I have never been diagnosed with SA but I am pretty certain I have had it all my life. I think many people would even be surprised that I am a nurse. But, with time and experience as a nurse, I have been more comfortable, confident, and less anxious socially because of what I do. I think that you might find this to be true, too. I don't think patients care whether or not you have SA as long as you are caring and are good at what you do. You don't have to be overly social, but you do have to be polite and respectful of your patients. I think as long as you are that, then you could do it. You will become less anxious with experience.

And as quiet and socially anxious as I may be, I only think it is a problem if it prevents me from doing what I want to do in life. So far, I have done everything I set out to do!

I'm a new nurse who has always had anxiety. Social anxiety, to be exact. It's honestly debilitating and crippling. There have many times in my life when I've called out of work, didn't attend class, and canceled dates/outings with friends because of my overthinking about what others are thinking of me and become self-conscious about how I'm perceived. 

I just started seeing a new psychiatrist and she's prescribed me propranolol to use as needed before shifts. I haven't started it yet since I just got it today and it's my day off but, I see myself taking it every shift which is 3 days a week. 

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