I don't know if I want to be a nurse

[The Tree]

To whom it may concern,

So, I recently took the NCLEX and do not feel as though I passed or failed. Regardless, I am not sure if I want my career to be in nursing, or at least not as a floor nurse. I am more than a bit shy and struggled with interacting with patients, plus their family. By the end of nursing school I got to the point where I could function and perform my duties less awkwardly. It pained me to see my other classmates handle patients in skillful ways, hard to put to words but I am not sure if I would ever be able to advance my communication skills with strangers to that extent. That said, I communicate fine when working with a team of people. I managed to earn my degree because I have always been a good student and had the work ethic to learn what I needed to. Taking the NCLEX was a reminder that I might not be ready, and might never be. My parents want me to be the socialite that my siblings are, so strived a long time to reach that standard but I do not like it.

The gist of what I am asking is if anyone has suggestions on positions for a nursing graduate, with no license, where I can help people with my degree without the constant communication between nurse:patient. I sincerely wish to help people, and part of that wish makes me believe avoiding the floor might actually be better for the patients.

Lastly, not sure if this weighs on anything, but I am a mid-twenty male.

[loriangel14, RN]

Hey I feel for you.Social interaction was not my forte either. But it got better and it can for you to. You don't need to be a Chatty Kathy (or Ken, lol) to be a good nurse. Sometimes being quiet and observant is a good thing. I have also found that if you are quiet then the patient will have an opportunity to open up.Fingers crossed you have passed the NCLEX. Don't run away from nursing yet. Also do not waste your time comparing yourself to others. You are not them, you are YOU. Just be yourself and with experience the awkwardness will become less. You made it this far. Do not let your hard work go to waste.

BTW I work with a young male nurse and he is well....bashful I guess you would say. But he is also sweet to his patients, everyone loves him and is shaping up to be a good nurse.

Hang in there and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do this. Don't think that being shy means you can't be a great nurse.

[KANDIGIRL]

I am a shy person as well but I've worked with Geriatric patients for years. In doing so I am able to be myself and not feel judged. My personality began to shine more and more and now I feel comfortable talking to Management, Pharmacy, Home Health nurses and so on. Maybe you should get certified in case management and work for an insurance company like Blue Cross or Aetna.

Good Luck

[KellyRN2013]

I have worked with many shy nurses and with time they opened up and their bed side manner became wonderful! Nobody feels like they have passed the NCLEX when they walk out. I cried because I felt like I knew nothing lol but the NCLEx does not interpret what kind of nurse you will be. I would recommend going back to school for your BSN or MSN with a differrnt focus so you can either manage or work for an insurance company or medicalcequipment company or something like that. You will do just fine. Also please keep in mind that nursing as a student in clinicals in coompletrly different than real world nursing!!!