Nursing personality

flightnurse2b, LPN · Jan 13, 2009

how about working for an insurance company and giving nurse advice/prior authorizations? you would have to talk on the phone alot, but not alot of warm fuzzies. good luck :)

jjjoy, LPN · Jan 13, 2009

True but doesn't one usually need at least a few years of first hand experience in patient care to land such jobs?

To the OP, I personally found the "wide variety options" in nursing to be much slimmer due to my own personal limitations and preferences. I have had to search longer and be more creative and persistent in looking for work in order to work around not having much of the highly valued acute care nursing experience. With the self awareness you describe, you can probably find something that works for you. Best wishes!!! And maybe smile at yourself more often! : )

sunray12 · Jan 13, 2009

It sounds like you're a bit too concerned about living up to a stereotype about nurse personality. Nursing is a job, not a caricature. If you just don't feel that bedside/patient care work is for you there's nothing wrong with acknowledging that. Have you looked into nurse informatics or health information management? You may have to take additional coursework and think outside the box about crafting a new career path for yourself but it can be done.

Southern Fried RN · Jan 13, 2009

You don't have to be "incredibly sweet" to succeed in nursing. You have to be smart, honest, and have a filter on your mouth. You say that you have a problem with being sensitive to people. It's all in how you phrase things to patients. You will hear stupid, annoying, rude, etc things from patients/co-workers but the key to success is not saying things the WRONG way. Sometimes things just don't even need to be said.

If I were a patient, I wouldn't want a nurse who thinks they are doing a good job by offering a mint or a drink. That is not what makes a good nurse. Patients want someone who can communicate effectively and professionally. Patients want a nurse who is competent with their care.

You are right about nonverbal communication causing people to pre-judge you. I have heard similar things about my facial expressions and I have to make a conscious effort to be aware of it. About the eyebrows, why not have them shaped or bleached change their effect? And maybe pick up a book about how to enhance your people skills?

Lastly, the comment about licking people's boots....are you saying that is what direct patient care nurses are supposed to do!?!?! Maybe you need to work in the OR. That's an area where you don't deal with an awake patient too much and alot of their communication is "fact based information exchanger."

HM2VikingRN, RN · Jan 13, 2009

My first reaction was informatics.

loricatus · Jan 13, 2009

I was thinking OR to get the needed time before moving into insurance or informatics.

Have you thought about your whole body language? Words are only a small part of how we communicate. You can, without words, show sympathy, concern, professionalism, etc just the way you carry yourself. Sitting next to patient while you get information, rather than standing at the bedside is the best way to communicate. A simple touch to a patient's hand says a lot more than any words. Yet, crossing the arms and standing far away and not making eye contact, even though you may say all the right things, can actually irk someone. Paying attention to your body language may be all that is needed.

RNperdiem, RN · Jan 13, 2009

Playing well with others is just another skill to develop.

You do not change your basic nature, just learn some extra skills for presenting yourself.

I have a nice pair of thick dark brows too; they are fabulous. I am an introvert and get along at work. Nurses do not need to be sugary; but you do need basic good manners.

I say this because as a new grad, jobs not requiring personal contact are not common. You will probably have to start with people intensive job for at least a year to build the experience base and "street credibility" to move on.