Necessary to socalize with doctors?

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Seems like every nurse in my hospital is very friendly with the doctors. Maybe its because I'm a new nurse (under a year), but I don't feel comfortable striking up random conversation with them.

A more senior nurse stated that I was "cold" around some of the doctors. If they're sitting down I don't say hello, when I ask about a patient I don't start with a "Hi Dr.__ How are you?" I usually say "Hi Dr.__ I have your patient...."

I didn't think there was anything wrong with this. She is right in that I am awkward person in general. I'm never going to be the funny, charismatic person. It's hard enough making friends with my colleagues.

Am I wrong? Should I be making more of an effort? I don't get why I have to but now I'm feeling a weird vibe from some of the doctors. Where theyll ask other nurses about MY patients instead of me :/

When I call doctors I do the same thing, unless it's a doctor I am closer to. I usually just jump to business and say I have your patient "so and so in room 515." There are a few doctors who I talk to and ask how they're doing, just like I would with any other coworker. You don't have to be like that with every single doctor and I honestly don't believe there is anything wrong with not talking to them, besides for communicating about patients. I honestly smile, nod, and say hi to everyone I encounter at work whether it be a doc, PA, NP, CNA, housekeeping, etc. I think it's important to have some type of interaction between you and all of your coworkers. Good luck!

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Thanks for the responses!

I have tried to be more friendly and it's gotten a bit better. Now its moving from how are you to small talk which is annoying. I feel like I'm forced into conversations, I get this won't make sense to an extroverted person. I almost wish I never made an effort.

I'm not good at small talk, ugh. Maybe Ill get better :down: So many awkward moments this past few weeks lol

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