Seeking advice from all you Introverted nurses out there...

[jk2185, BSN, RN]

I've been a nurse for 6 years and I'm pretty decent at it. I've achieved pretty quickly, got the good jobs, won awards, and even saved some lives. Sounds like I should like my job. What I've learned here lately is that the social obligations and demands of nursing WEAR ME DOWN. Being forced to be cordial with co-workers, nice to all your patients/families, basically having to talk when I don't feel like it at all. And I've found the MOST draining thing is to put on that fake act and smile like the cheshire cat for 98% of your shift just to please the masses. Don't misconstrue this, I care about people and I genuinely enjoy helping them; it just comes at a price I wish wasn't so high for myself.

I need some advice from my fellow introverted nurses....

Lastly, there's a quick poll question below if you don;t mind....thanks!

[rpsychnurse]

I'm in the same boat as you! Complete introvert here and I feel like 80% of my job makes me uncomfortable because I have to deal with people.

I don't have much for advice- I just try to make the most of my alone time on breaks and at home. I also try to do anything alone at work that I can. For example, lots of the staff chart together at a big table at the end of shift. I sit at my desk and chart on my own so I don't have to visit with them.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I am introvert and I find that the three shifts that I work are not that difficult to "put up with" I actually enjoy being with people and talking to them. An introvert is not necessarily shy. I am very outspoken and a great advocate for mt patients, coworkers. I do, however, NEED my alone time when I am done. I find that a three day work week is perfect for me.

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

I actually don't mind being an introverted nurse. I find it interferes more with my relationships with my colleagues than my patients. I've had coworkers be extremely confused as to why I document away from them, and I get hella distracted if someone has on music or a movie during the night shift.

But, playing nice with my patients, their families, and my coworkers is part of the job, and I do enjoy our interactions or I wouldn't be doing this. A lot of our conversations, especially over night shift when there isn't as much administrative BS to deal with, are genuine and important to the patient, which I am happy to participate in. And I enjoy my healthcare colleagues abundantly more than those in any other work setting, extraverts notwithstanding. As long as I get some introvert time during my days off, I'm fine.

[kater_92]

I'm not a nurse yet, I haven't even started school yet, but I'm an introvert as well. I work in a doctor's office currently and I do enjoy interacting with patients. It's funny because the doctor always gets rave reviews about how personable and friendly I am. Meanwhile I think I'm awkward and shy. I think introverts are really good at being friendly because we're so aware of our actions and how we come across to other people. It doesn't come naturally to us so we have to make sure we're faking it well, and I think it works a lot of the time. Not trying to say I don't enjoy talking to people because I really do a lot of the time, I just feel like I have to overcompensate for being introverted.

The thing that really bothers me though is when the doctor is behind so *I* get yelled at, as if I have any control over how long he takes with his patients. Then I see the patient leaving and they're like, "thank you so much Dr.! SOOO good seeing you!" I hate the lack of respect I get and I know it won't be any different as a nurse, and I'm sure it'll be even worse. I'm working on taking deep breaths just and letting it roll off my shoulders. It can be exhausting talking to people daily, including my coworkers (whom a lot of them are horrible at the moment). But as much as I'm an introvert I've learned I can't just sit at a computer desk all day talking to no one. I think it's very easy for me to isolate myself but in the end I just end up being lonely and sad. Talking to people pushes me way out of my comfort zone but I think I'm happier and more outgoing because of it.

I would try to think of it in that sense. Yes, being a nurse can be mentally exhausting for introverts but would you really be happy talking to no one all day?

[oncivrn]

It can be exhausting. I love it and yet it takes a lot of energy for me to be as social as I need to be with patients and co workers.

I try my best to smile as much as I can because I never want my quietness to be construed by patients that I don't like my job or don't want to be there.

A lot of my extroverted co-workers volunteer a lot of personal information to patients, just to be conversational. I NEVER do this. I focus on them and their needs. If they ask me a personal question I answer politely but talking about myself is further exhausting.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I am an introvert and I require A LOT of alone time to re-charge.

There are many misconceptions about introverts. We are not all shy, rather we gain energy from our internal world.

At work I am very extroverted because of my role, but I am quite content to read or just sit and think.

We live in an extroverted world, so it is not easy for an introvert to find balance sometimes. The older I get, the less I care about what others think, which puts life in perspective.

Some of you may be interested in the Myers-Briggs personality dimensions. You can find the test online for free.

[Larry2016]

Think about ICU? Seriously. Not joking.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

I am introvert and I find that the three shifts that I work are not that difficult to "put up with" I actually enjoy being with people and talking to them. An introvert is not necessarily shy. I am very outspoken and a great advocate for mt patients, coworkers. I do, however, NEED my alone time when I am done. I find that a three day work week is perfect for me.

I think a lot of people don't understand the meaning of the word "introvert". I'm introverted, but also assertive, talkative and even goofy. I just need alone time to recharge and don't rely on the thoughts/feelings/opinions of others very much. I am a true self-navigator.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Clinical practice at the bedside may not be for you as the having to project false energy and being in a fishbowl is wearing for you. Maybe a role with built in "away" time such as staff development or even management. Wound care nurses see pts one at a time and have a bit more control over their interactions. Just a couple examples. Best to you.

[DoeRN]

I'm also an introvert to the point that I enjoy traveling by myself and I do it on purpose.

It can be hard because we're forced to be an extrovert at work. I find a quiet corner and chart. I'm a float nurse so I use that as an excuse to not really socialize with staff because I don't know anyone. I also don't discuss my personal life with patients. Like if someone asks if I have kids I don't answer and turn around and ask them the same question. People usually like talking about themselves so I'm good at redirecting conversations so they can talk.

My favorite part of the day is the drive home because I'm alone with my thoughts. Sometimes I don't even turn on the radio.

My off days I try to do things by myself. I'm in school full-time so I'm absorbed in my studies. I also go out the restaurants alone and I don't care if people stare. Movies alone and heck I even went to an amusement park alone and had a great time.

So my advice would be to find as much alone time as you can to recharge. And I agree check out the Myers-Briggs personality test. I'm an INTJ and lol nursing is NOT recommended for my personality type. And coincidently I'm in school for a field other than nursing.

[DoeRN]

I would try to think of it in that sense. Yes, being a nurse can be mentally exhausting for introverts but would you really be happy talking to no one all day?

Sounds like the perfect day to me! If I ever won the lottery I would become a hermit!