Loners?

Published

Has anyone else found success in nursing school without being an incredibly social person? I'm fine when placed in a situation like a group project, but I find it difficult to go out of my way to meet people. Because of this, it seems like friendships are blooming all around me and I have yet to really make friends in my program. I definitely have social anxiety. I bartend full-time right now, and have no program socializing while working, which is why I know I'll be able to communicate well as a nurse. It's just incredibly difficult for me to put myself out there. Anyone else in the same boat?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm not a very social person either. I've just started my program and so far its fine. I have found that even thouh I don't go out of my way to spark up a conversation, usually someone around me will even if its just to ask a question. I found a study group by being paired up with a person for a health lab, and was asked to join the rest of her friends to study. When the teacher told us to pair up I just kinda sat there and looked dumb lol. You don't have to be extremely social to make it in nursing school. You have to know what you are doing. From what I have been told those that aren't very social in the begining turn out to extremely social by graduation. Its just how it works.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Med-SURG,STICU.

I am not a very social person myself and I did fine in nursing school. Graduated with high honor to boot. I made one or two close like minded friends and we studied together. It is better not to get involved in all the drama that goes on. In addition I have been out of school and working as a nurse since 2007 and I am doing fine as a nurse. In fact I have been told by supervisors that I have a lot of leadership skills (I think they were just trying to talk me into a management position myself. No way.) I do not get mixed up in the gossip of the unit but I will talk my co-workers when time permits. I just do not like big groups of people.

You will do fine in nursing school and as a nurse without being overly social. You will be way ahead of some of your more chatty classmates in one important skill as a nurse. Listening, you learn a lot about your patients and what all is going on with your patient by asking just a few important questions and just sitting back and letting them do the talking. Good luck with nursing school and soak up all the knowledge that you can.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm a loner in and out of school. I actually really enjoy the company of other people but must have some quiet time. I've never done well in study groups. I learn material differently than most people and even though I have tried to get involved socially it never pans out. I do get along with most people and am pretty amicable, but do better outside of a crowd. This is a skill that I really need to work on though because I'm sure that being able to chat with patients is important as a nurse. I was a horse trainer for a few years and would spend my days without the company of other people and often wouldn't say more than a few quiet words to the horses. I recently had to get back into being a waitress and it has been difficult to create small talk after spending my days in peace and quiet. I don't dislike it, but sometimes it feels like a chore.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU.

I used to be like that but if you work at it a little you can make it more natural over time. You don't need to be friends with fellow students for your career. Once in the workplace a bit of networking can help though. Just be friendly and accessible at work and you will do fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I was told be my first year nursing instructor that I would never make a good nurse because I was too much of a loner and couldn't delegate well doing all my work my self.

That was 35 years ago! Just be available and helpful......you'll be fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Introverts Unite :lol2:

Nothing wrong with being a loner--it takes all kinds of people to make up the world. The extroverts get a lot of attention, but being an introvert has its advantages too. Introverted patients will be more comfortable with you. You probably have a strong focus. I am a total introvert--people tire me out. I know this and manage my time so that I can be "on" and engaged when I need to be and laid back and quiet, recharging, otherwise. One is not better than the other, they are just different.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm not very socially adept...I do fine one on one or with small groups but when I'm in a huge crowd I usually tend to keep to myself. I have gotten somewhat better since starting nursing school and hopefully I can continue to improve. What helped me was making myself start some conversations with individuals and eventually it got easier and easier and now I'm trying to work my way up to entire groups. Good luck with ns :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm kinda shy inside but I try not to show it. I worry constantly what people are thinking of me but I do enjoy the company of others.

I have always gotten along better with guys and I'm kinda shy around girls so I really worry how things will go when I start on the 5th.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion