Is it possible to be successful in nursing with poor social skills?

Altra, BSN, RN · Jul 4, 2015

Though it's impossible for me to discern exactly what you mean by "poor social skills" ... poor interpersonal relations will make work life difficult for anyone, in virtually any field.

RNJill · Jul 4, 2015

Depends on what you mean by that. On one hand, coming off as quiet and reserved can actually be an asset. I'm an introvert and those adjectives can fit me until I know someone, but they have never really been a disadvantage. I think in nursing they can translate to a quiet confidence that makes people feel well cared for. Also, people are tired/stressed/in pain/overstimulated so being a super bubbly classic extrovert is not inherently beneficial. Simply put, if you're stressed about being an introvert vs extrovert, please don't worry.

However, if by "poor social skills" you are taking about not making eye contact EVER, not being able to do a quick handshake or introduction to the patient's family members, being rude or over-the-top unhelpful to coworkers, or just having no ability to empathize with patients or be gracious in difficult situations....it's going to be incredibly hard.

A lot of nursing...heck, for me, even a lot of being a nurse practitioner...is connecting on some level with patients and then coworkers. If this is really difficult for you and steps aren't/can't be taken to correct that, nursing will probably be extremely frustrating for you.

Gummibear_stare · Jul 4, 2015

I mean social anxiety or social awkwardness. Someone that isn't known as mean but just disliked for being weird or "off".

Libby1987 · Jul 4, 2015

Weird is pretty subjective. Disliked for not being cool or genuinely offputting?

All kinds of personalities are in nursing and most are not going to be liked by everyone to some degree.

Can you give an example of a behavior and who dislikes it?

Gummibear_stare · Jul 4, 2015

I've seen really quiet or socially awkward people get disliked and bothered by peers. I think socially awkward people irk others . Could someone that's autistic/have Aspergers be successful in nursing?

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Jul 4, 2015

I mean social anxiety or social awkwardness. Someone that isn't known as mean but just disliked for being weird or "off".

It might just depend on the culture where you work. At my hospital, we're an inclusive bunch. If there's someone who doesn't talk much and seems awkward, we tend to pull them out of their shell whether they want to come out, or not.

Purple_roses · Jul 4, 2015

I think it could be harder for you when you start clinicals...but I also think that nursing school could serve to improve your social skills if you push yourself.

ETA: https://allnurses.com/nurses-with-disabilities/aspergers-655489.html

Here is a thread on having aspergers and becoming a nurse. It may prove helpful :)

Jules A, MSN · Jul 4, 2015

I think some of it might depend on how you feel about being different. If you don't mind that people might think you are a bit weird you could do just fine. I think the people who really struggle with the social aspects of nursing are often those who were raised in families where the sun rose and set on their little fannies, their refrigerator finger paintings were "masterpieces" and now all the sudden the entire world isn't embracing them just for being.

Libby1987 · Jul 4, 2015

I can't speak to the learning aspect of it but if someone is reliable, skilled and doesn't cause excessive patient complaints we'll work with weird.

I think I just came across someone with asberger's, a little tougher to work with as far as change but not something we can't deal with.

middleagednurse · Jul 5, 2015

You might do well in management.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jul 5, 2015

Are you very high functioning? It's really all going to depend. You will have to get comfortable with people. That is part of the job. I know of some people that are high functioning Aspergers people but cannot deal with the social situations. Some that I know have gone into some kind of computer work. They are very smart people and can do things that are beyond my comprehension, but they lack social skills needed. Just getting out of the house and getting a haircut can be difficult because they have to interact with someone. Also how well do you do with noise? Hospitals are quite noisy. So are nursing homes. There is some kind of beeping everywhere.

I am curious though because you are not the first to post this question. I am certainly no expert in Aspergers. One of my best friends in the world has a son who has it. He is in his mid-twenties now. He lives with his grandpa now and does computer repair. One of the smartest people I know. But he has never been able to socialize with other people. With his family he is fine, outside of that it is difficult for him. What I am wondering is why are you drawn to nursing seeing as how it is a job that requires you to deal with lots of people on a daily basis? You will deal with coworkers, patients, patient's families. You will deal with complex situations that will require you to be level headed and take charge of certain situations. I'm just wondering for my own knowledge.

I would hate for someone to set themselves up for failure. And like I stated earlier I'm not expert on this. And if you are just quiet and more like a wallflower, I think you will be fine. There is a huge difference between someone who is just shy and someone with Aspergers. Shyness can be overcome, whereas Aspergers, I would think it would cause more harm to them trying to force them into situations where they have complete overwhelming anxiety to the point of panic sometimes. I can go into a situation and be shy and have some nervousness. Especially in a new setting. But it doesn't debilitate me. Usually after a few minutes, I'm comfortable with it and I'm back to myself. My shyness can be overcome by just being more comfortable with the situation. Correct me if I am wrong but I don't think that happens with Aspergers or severe social anxiety. I think the more exposure can make someone with these disorders withdraw more.

If you are seeing a psychologist or therapist, I would talk to them. Ask them for their opinion and how you can prepare for this. Ask them if there is anything you can do to become more comfortable in these situations. They are the experts on these matters and would be best to get an answer from them.