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

[jk2185]

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!

[KayStanley]

I'm pretty introverted but also shy with people I don't know (mainly coworkers- not patients, which is weird). It constantly makes me wonder what others are thinking of me- I wish I could stop that!!

Has anyone bonded with a coworker over being introverted or shy?

[Larry2016]

I wasn't being rude about the ICU comment. I think it's just the least taxing on interaction with people if you don't like that sort of thing. The only other suggestion is to break out of your shell

I had to do it. I was an introvert before I started Nursing school. I sort of / kind of am to an extent. But I had to learn to break out of it. I used to be the type that would just come home for work, shut my house door, lock myself in my den where I had all the caffeine I ever needed and just immerse myself online. The only friends I ever made before starting this new career was my first time through college - just a handful of us - and after those 4 years were over, we all went back to our home states and really never talked to each other after that - and that was back when the only online service was either Prodigy or AOL, and charged a $14.95 a month fee for like 300 minutes

Another possibility would be to get your PhD in nursing and do research. It's an expensive option, but rewarding one. I've been thinking about it...but now that I have broken out of my shell a bit I may actually want to teach nursing courses. The ICU comment was just an off the cuff response for something people who are introverts and not ready to break out yet as something they can do short term until you find your niche. Probably the worst thing someone can do who is an introvert is home health. That requires a LOT of interaction with patients, family, physicians, and in a very uncomfortable atmosphere at times.

Point is there are still many ways to find a fit with your personality.

[Larry2016]

Strange thing Kay - where I work now as an aid until I take my NCLEX and pass it on Monday (yes...I keep telling myself I WILL PASS even though I am super nervous) - the staff is pretty well knit together. You just have to find a place that you love to be and where people will not judge you. I was at a place where it was very unhealthy - toxic even - before this, and I just left...I had to for my own sanity. You would say hi to other staff members in the hallway, and they would walk right past you as if you didn't even exist.

The place I am at now is like a 360 degree reversal from that...and that makes it a lot easier to bond with people. You don't have to go to all the staff meetings and outings and all of those things. The team building activities are just ways to de-stress from work, which (even though I haven't been a part of yet since I just started in July) I think are pretty cool.

Sometimes let other people take the leadership in bonding with you as a co-worker. Let someone come to you and it could be something simple like showing you how they do something (but whatever you do don't take it personal! - it's just a way that maybe they would like to invite you into their world).

Like Moldy said though, maybe some are comfortable being introverted.

Night shift is a different breed...and I love it! I admit I came on here and had my doubts about precepting on nights...now I'm working it because I love it so much. Some days it is a trying shift, but I still love it.

[moldyoldyrn]

Will pray and dance and do anything in hopes you pass Larry. Keep going, when you get a real broad knowledge base and experience your confidence will kick in and you will bloom. Be the one who always helps, regardless of how rude or ugly some can be. Offer your services and learn. You will become the go-to-guy. I worked nights for 20 years and had a ball. I was usually the only female on the unit but I worked with a great bunch of guys, RNs, CNAs, LPNs. I helped with the female patients, they helped me with the males. We all did a lot for the patients in the middle of the night as a Team. Listen to your gut and apply what you know, find an experienced RN that will help you if you need it. Stick to your guns and do what you need to do. You'll be fine. Let us know when you pass!