Is my personality a good fit for nursing?

elkpark · Feb 12, 2013

There is no one personality type that is a "good fit" for nursing. I've been joking for years that nursing is the ultimate "big tent" -- there is so much variety and range of different types of nursing roles and career paths available that most anyone can find something that is right for her/him. Your description of what you're not like suggests that you are thinking of one specific popular stereotype of nursing that is not even particularly accurate or common. If you have looked into nursing and think that is what you want to do, go for it! I, too, am very different from the stereotype you describe, but have had no difficulty making a successful career for myself.

Nursing is not "a pastel color." It is all the colors of the spectrum.

Devon Rex, ADN, BSN · Feb 12, 2013

I've done the research, interviewed many nurses, and shadowed an NP. I want to go into nursing and am confident I have the brains and that my heart's in the right place...

As far as I am concerned... that is all you need to get started and be successful.

Nurses are professionals and are not supposed to be all goo-goo over patients or call them "honey", "dear", or "sweetheart". That is in fact disrespectful to many people. We are to address patients by their name to maintain their individuality and sense of autonomy.

Pediatric nurses are a diferent story as you need to level with the child wherever they are at their developmental stage... but not overdoing it. I think pediatric nursing is very tough in the senses that taking care of sick children and concerned parents is a huge task. It can be rewarding, but it can also be heartbreaking. As for me, I rather deal with adults only... so my hat is off to Pediatric nurses!

Once you get into nursing school and do your clinicals you will be exposed to different areas of nursing. You will find areas that attract you, others that do not.

If know nursing is for you, go forth! You will find your niche in time. :)

rykki · Feb 12, 2013

Thank y'all for your support. I didn't mean to propagate a certain (and very archaic) stereotype, it's just that all the nurses I've interacted with were a very specific way which got me worried, even though intellectually I know there is variety out there somewhere. And just to clarify, I didn't mean I thought I had to call the patients "honey," I was just illustrating a certain personality type. Yeah, I guess what it all comes down to is if your heart is in the right place, the rest are just the details you can work out.

queserasera, RN · Feb 12, 2013

I totally understand. I feel the same way. I'm not a baby person, I'm not really extra sensitive. I wouldn't say I'm a typical girl in the gender-stereotype of pink hues and submissive personality. Actually I'm quite the opposite. However I do know that I am a no crap worker. I've done all of my jobs with diligence and to the best of my ability. I'm detail oriented and know I catch mistakes more than others. I think that even though I'm not insanely sympathetic, I am kind and know how to get things done. I am definetly not the average nursing student. So many of my peers are well to do goody two shoes. That's not me!! But I know I'll make a damn good nurse!

NightNerd, MSN, RN · Feb 12, 2013

I'm not what you'd call "motherly." I'm not one of those girls that goes all gooey around babies or talks to kids in cute voices. I also don't call people "honey" or things like that when talking to them. And I probably wouldn't do too well in a sorority. I'd say if nurses were in Hufflepuff, I'd be in Ravenclaw. If nursing was a pastel color, I'd be a bright electric blue. But I want to go into nursing. I've done the research, interviewed many nurses, and shadowed an NP. I want to go into nursing and am confident I have the brains and that my heart's in the right place, but from the research I've done I'm scared my personality type won't be a good fit. Thoughts? Thank you.

You sound like you would be a wonderful nurse! Definitely the smarts and the wisdom to use them for your patients' sakes are the most important part of becoming a nurse, and it sounds like you will be able to acquire all of that. As long as you're not prickly and basically downright rude, your patients will be able to trust you with their care, and that's what is important.

I can describe myself the same way you do, for the most part - in the not being particularly motherly or rolling terms of endearment off my tongue. That's totally OK. I feel like it's more necessary to demonstrate that you respect your patient and care about his or her welfare - no need to call anyone "honey" or "sweetie" or talk in a mushy voice. It actually almost always sounds fake to my ears when someone does that. Just being genuine in your mannerisms and language is enough to convey what you need to, in my opinion.

Good luck, OP :) You'll do fine.

hodgieRN · Feb 12, 2013

Go to nursing school! Don't let anything hold you back. If you want to be a nurse, do it!

serenitylove14 · Feb 12, 2013

There are a bunch of different personalities in nursing! You dont have to be ooey gooey to be a nurse.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Feb 12, 2013

I'm not "ooey gooey" (that's for my cookies and snacks, lol ) nor "warm and fuzzy"...I'm more...ticklish...and one of my nicknames from a previous job was "lieutenant" out of how I am as a nurse. I also have the nickname as "the warden"...these are all in a good way. I'm systematic, don't do drama; if I want that, I'll go watch General Hospital :), and I like empowering staff, pts and families, and do a good job of maintaing boundaries. I like to meditate...I'm probably a smashup of colors on a purple canvas :)

I've worked with new newborns to 100+...and always found a place to practice as a nurse holistically. My niche at this point of my career is Peds and Critical Care.

There is a place for everyone...Deep down inside, I am still the tomboy from a military family who probably missed their calling as a Air Force sergeant...but took those talents to my passion-nursing...and it's a wonderful fit for me :)

And if you feel as if this is what you want to do, Nursing will fit for YOU (noticed I did not say it another way around, if you know what I mean... )

:)

mariebailey, MSN, RN · Feb 13, 2013

You sound like the type of nurse I would like to have as a patient. I was taught in nursing school how to show empathy and establish a therapeutic relationship with a patient, and being motherly and using terms of endearment were not included. I have been called "honey" or "sweetie" though; it's funny. Maintaining boundaries & treating the patient with respect is important in nursing, if you ask me. Good luck!

nekozuki, LPN · Feb 13, 2013

OP, I am Ravenclaw to the core. In my private life, I am the complete opposite of warm and fuzzy, and most people who know me had me pegged as a future lawyer or police officer (while moonlighting as a meter maid or at the DMV for some sadistic fun on the weekends). I chose nursing because it's interesting, and I have always enjoyed rubbernecking the strange, gruesome and unique.

It turned out to be a perfect fit. I learn to exude warmth when interacting with patients and families, because that's what is needed to get the job done. I love interesting and weird things, so I always want the difficult, gross or oddball assignments. I take immense pride in dealing with things no one else wants to be bothered with, if only for a personal sense of accomplishment. If a patient's family is annoying as hell, I want to conquer them by making them absolutely adore me, because I am a jerk who wants to be "the best" at whatever it is I'm doing.

Also, being sickeningly sweet is overrated. People take comfort in confidence and competency, IMO. If you are self-assured, calm and in control, patients trust you and believe they are safe in your care. Do it with a smile, and they'll love you, even if you aren't mother earth incarnate.

Calabria, BSN, RN · Feb 14, 2013

I'm a Slytherin (see: Pottermore), and I've been told by management and coworkers alike that I'm a fine nurse... so I'm not sure where that puts me based on your assessment.

Point being, OP, that there's not one specific mold for nursing. Find a specialty that's your niche and run with it.