shy

artistnurse · Sep 1, 2008

I am extremely shy and I don't know if I can do this. I want to be a nurse and I just started nursing school. We're starting with the "easy" stuff, communication. Next week we have to go interview a client one on one for 2 hours. I am freaking out about this because it is very hard for me to keep a conversation going for even a few minutes. I don't want to quit, so if anyone has any advice please help me.

Hi sunset,

there are many nurses I know who started out shy and are no longer (let me tell ya). Things to remember about conversation and rapport is to remember the purpose of the interview. Listen for key words that pertain to what you're trying to find out from the interviewee. What you're seeking is clarification so phrases like, "Tell me more about that" or "Go on", allows you to guide the interview and allows the client to do most of the talking.

PM if you'd like and I might be able to help. My class is going over communication. I'm not really shy, but I'm quiet and I've learned how to turn the "volume" on in order to hold a conversation with anyone.

Another suggestion is practicing with family or friends.

RadfordSN · Sep 1, 2008

Wow, I'm in the same boat as you.

I'm a very shy person, always have been, and today I actually wondered about how that would affect my nursing skills. I also have to interview a patient for my psychiatric class this semester. I may be freaking out about this now, but I think this field is what's going to finally get me out of my shell. :]

I'm sure once you get into the clinical setting and make it through that interview you'll feel much less shy. Best of luck to you!