what makes a good nurse?

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hi, so i've been considering becoming a nurse (most likely an RN) and i was wondering what type of person makes a good nurse? is there a specific type, or can anyone be a nurse? Is being social important? i get along well with lots of different people but im not talkative and i am a little bit shy sometimes, would that make a bad nurse?

Thanks!

It's interesting (and comforting) for me to read that some of you don't think being outgoing and talkative makes a good nurse.

I just had my first review at my job on med/surg as a new grad (one month off orientation). And my manager criticized my quietness. She told me "our patients are lonely and really do want someone to talk to. And your quietness can be misread as being afraid and not confident." She told me that she wants me to be "loud and obnoxious just like the rest of us" and that I need to try harder to be "part of the gang". I was actually a little offended by this because although I am not a chatty Cathy, I am not some awkward mouse in the corner who fumbles through her nursing duties and stutters when talking to patients. And if being "part of the gang" means jumping on the gossip/complaining train we have going on, no thanks!

I have been told by patients many times so far how patient and compassionate I am and how much they appreciate my calmness and that my caring attitude really comes through. These are the kind of critiques that mean more to me. And a few other nurses on my floor agreed with me, saying "we don't need one more hornet to add to the nest! Stay the way you are." It is also my opinion that although I may not be the best at gabbing for 15 minutes in a patient's room, most of the time patients are sick and are trying to heal and maybe they don't want someone talking their ear off.

Anyway, people may criticize you or try to change your personality, but in my opinion, as long as you perform your nursing duties, enjoy being a nurse and let your caring and compassion shine, there is nothing wrong with being a little shy.

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A good nurse is a person who truly cares for the patient. A person that respect the patients and who take pride in their work.

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