I'm a nurse and I don't like people.

Nurses LPN/LVN

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I went into nursing because I wanted a stable job with decent pay. I also wanted to be able to help people. I'm a compassionate person, but I'm also very introverted. In other words, people suck the life out of me.

The longer I work in this field, the more I realize that I don't care for people much. Not necessarily my patients but other nurses, management, family members of patients, etc. I find most people to be backstabbing, selfish jerks. The blame game runs rampant.

I take awesome care of my patients, they are the only ones who get a pass when they are mean or grouchy towards me but it's the others that I can't stand.

I relish in my time alone, with my boyfriend and dogs. I get invited to work stuff but rarely go because I can't stand the fakeness. I don't have a lot of friends and it doesn't bother me in the least. I like to be alone in my thoughts.

I feel that most people nowadays only care about themselves and I don't even care to get to know them. I probably sound like a complete cynic but I really try to be a good person. Often to the extent that I get completely screwed. My job is my only social life because its enough socializing for me.

Am I the only one that feels this way?

Will I survive nursing?

I laughed when I saw the title of this thread......

sometimes I feel like i'm more of a hotel customer satisfaction rep than a nurse. employers try to get everything they can out of you and so do most of the patients and nearly all of the family members. the trick is to find a balance-- satisfy your role and obligations but don't go over the top and be used as a tool. i occasionally find myself drifting off into tool territory....and have to correct myself, otherwise i become resentful.

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If you look at it as "work only" maybe that will help?

As long as you do your job and care competently for your patients and then separate it will be fine.

( I'm a people lover BTW. I am texting my work friends RIGHT NOW )

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Specializes in Med nurse in med-surg., float, HH, and PDN.

"I love mankind;

It's people I can't stand."

(Lucy Van Pelt/PEANUTS)

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I'm a new nurse who just started working nights at a LTC facility. I'm also an introvert. I decided to work nights for several reasons, including the fact I'd be around a lot less people than during day shift.

I love taking care of my residents, but dealing with my coworkers:no: I've been there about a month and can already sense the fakeness. I just do my job to the best of ability and stay out of work drama.

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I love to socialize...with horses. And other animals. I can definately relate to you.

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Specializes in Med nurse in med-surg., float, HH, and PDN.
Annie Wilkes RN said:
I love to socialize...with horses. And other animals. I can definately relate to you.

Oh, I know it! Aren't animals WONDERFUL companions and friends? I would have to say that sometimes I think I would do more for animals than people.

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People are the worst people on earth

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I'm a nurse and I don't like PEOPLE. News flash..... you're a PERSON!! Maybe try looking at things from a different perspective. You can be an introvert and like people. To me it sounds like you might need a break to unwind from the stress or pick a different career. I understand getting overwhelmed and burned out but you sound like you dread every single day you have to go to work. That kind of attitude may be sucking the life out of you and those around you.

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I like to say I don't like normal people. Mostly because they think there is such a thing as normal and want you there too. Normal is just a setting on the washer.

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Specializes in Primary Care.

I could have written this myself! When I told my parents I was returning to school to be a nurse, they laughed at me because they know quite well that I HATE people. Nursing just made sense for a stable, well-paying job with room for advancement. People think I'm joking when I tell them I could go months without looking at another human being and be totally happy, but I'm not joking. I enjoy spending time with my fiancée and my dog, and revel the time I spend alone. I don't socialize because work is already too much socialization. I get invited to events, but never attend. The fakeness of people at work is draining. I love taking care of my patients, but that's it.

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I feel ya. I actually prefer books and music to people any day. If you ask my coworkers they would say that I prefer people and am a social butterfly. I adapted that way because I found that it equaled better jobs, more raises, and more opportunities in my life in general. So, much like a white nurses cap I wear it when it's required and when my time "out there in the world" is over, off it comes. I use taking off my bra as a signal or line that "she" is now off duty.

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addylpn said:
I went into nursing because I wanted a stable job with decent pay. I also wanted to be able to help people. I'm a compassionate person, but I'm also very introverted. In other words, people suck the life out of me. The longer I work in this field, the more I realize that I don't care for people much. Not necessarily my patients but other nurses, management, family members of patients, etc. I find most people to be backstabbing, selfish jerks. The blame game runs rampant. I take awesome care of my patients, they are the only ones who get a pass when they are mean or grouchy towards me but its the others that I can't stand. I relish in my time alone, with my boyfriend and dogs. I get invited to work stuff but rarely go because I can't stand the fakeness. I don't have a lot of friends and it doesn't bother me in the least. I like to be alone in my thoughts. I feel that most people nowadays only care about themselves and I don't even care to get to know them. I probably sound like a complete cynic but I really try to be a good person. Often to the extent that I get completely screwed. My job is my only social life because its enough socializing for me. Am I the only one that feels this way? Will I survive nursing?

I'm very introverted too I find that working nights require less interaction. Patients are a little less chatty because they are tired and families are at home. Nurse managers and other health care members ie ot,pt and other testing personnels are absent. I work on a Telemetry/ step down floor and so there are less patients. So I guess another tip is to find a speciality with a low patient nurse ratio. Home care is another good option for less face to face. Maybe school nurse since that's practically a 'one man show'. I also worked at a nursing home at nights and for subacute there were only two nurses and long term care, I was the only one.

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