Miss Unsure

PS121myhelp · Oct 20, 2017

Europapearl,

Nursing is a wonderful field! Shy nurses are usually the compassionate nurses. Don't forget that. Assertiveness comes with time. There is nothing wrong with being introverted, take it from a fellow introvert. WE are all different, and that is what makes us, us! Be unique- it is normal. I firmly believe nursing is a calling. It isn't for everyone, but don't let your personality make or break you in nursing school. Being shy and gentle is sometimes what patients need. Stand up for yourself and watch out for you safety, but you learn to be more bold in nursing school. Bad days come and bad days go, but the bad help you to appreciate the good. Special moments are called special because they are rare and extraordinary. Don't let the ordinary disappointments blind you from the extraordinary moments. If your dream is to become a nurse, then become a nurse. Study hard and be you. If you try to change, just because you are more shy then are you really you? Make a difference, make a change (credit: Michael Jackson :) ) Stand for what is right. Safety and compassion carry a lot of weight in the nursing field. You will never know what you are capable of carrying until you try. We shy people care for one patient, co-worker, or family member at a time. We care for them with genuine concern, and before you know it... the attention is off your awkwardness and focused on how you can help them. I don't think a "Diagnosis of anxiety" is necessary for a shy, sweet soul. Life will throw enough curve balls to make you more brazen. Trust me. Good luck!

Julius Seizure · Oct 26, 2017

First of all, you don't need to try to change yourself into an extrovert! Being an introvert is just as good - its just different! Now, therapy to help with anxiety, build coping mechanisms, or learn how to assert yourself when needed is certainly not a bad thing but you don't have to change who you are at heart.

I am super introverted. Shy, too. You definitely need to be able to interact with others, but I just put my "professional face" on and it works. I've been very successful as a nurse. You can be too!

Since you already have the advantage of being an employee at the hospital, see if you can do some job shadowing with a nurse or two to see how they interact with patients and doctors throughout the day. Good luck!

europapearl · Nov 5, 2017

I actually tried to job shadow a nurse at my place of employment but was told I couldn't because state laws require me to be paid. So I'm looking into job shadowing somewhere else. But I always talk to the nurses I see when out on the floor, and they always share great, honest advice and their experiences.

Thank you for the confidence boost, Julius Seizure! I think that's where I really have to do some soul-searching and strength-building. If I could just boost my confidence, everything would look brighter. Meanwhile, I'm applying to schools, and I'm going through with it!

europapearl · Nov 5, 2017

I love to hear from fellow shy people who made it as nurses. It warms my heart to know we can do it - we just have to have some confidence (and a good poker face!). I've decided I'm doing it. I'm still applying to nursing programs because there's nothing I want more than to be a great nurse. Thank you for making me realize it's completely doable with a little hard work and a positive attitude.

From one "shy, sweet soul" to another, thanks, PS121myhelp.