Shy, timid pre-nurse

[Looking_ahead, ADN, RN]

Hi everyone, currently taking pre-reqs for nursing.

This is something that I struggle highly with, and is a huge obstacle for me and makes me question whether I have the abilities to actually be a good nurse.

I am shy, and sensitive.

I also suffer from some depression and other things so that is definitely a huge factor. I basically lack a lot of confidence, it's been a tough year for me. I know that these things need to change in order for me to handle myself as a nurse. A part of me wants to throw in the towel and tell myself that I don't have the qualities to become a nurse. i am currently a home health aide and was totally thrown into it with no prior experience. Sometimes my clients will be very mean and there have been a couple times where I needed to just go in the other room and cry a little because I felt incompetent/overly sensitive. But when I am able to care for a client and feel confident doing so, and making them feel happy, its a great feeling.

I know this is a big challenge, but I really want to improve my confidence and just be more assertive. It would really make me feel like an all around better person if I could improve these things and become a nurse. Can anyone relate or give me some tips? Is there hope?

[rn/writer, RN]

Google "assertiveness" That's a good place to start.

If you have access to a counselor, that might be a good thing as well. Sometimes shyness and timidity are personality type. Sometimes they are the result of youthful damage. And sometimes they're both. It's important to figure out the source. Damage can be repaired. Personality type can be altered a little, but no one should feel that they have to change their basic makeup to be able to function.

Since you have expressed some down sides to being so sensitive, there is a good chance you can change some of your vulnerability.

Another option is to join a group or take a class that will challenge you while still offering some structure and protection. A drama class? A church choir? Reading to little kids at a daycare or library? Look for things that will draw you out of yourself and keep you from focusing overmuch on what people are thinking of you.

Take one step at a time. Keep a journal. Practice writing letters (that you probably won't send) to people who have pushed you around. Learn how to respond to them assertively (vs. aggressively) in a way that defends your viewpoint without attacking them.

As you blaze these trails in your brain, you will enlarge your "bag of tricks" for dealing with unpleasant situations.

The main thing is for you to practice being a little bolder, one step at a time.

I applaud you for seeking help with this. You'll be a better nurse someday if you can get this under control.

[VIMom]

I'm not sure how much advice I can give, but I wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I also worry that I am too sensitive for nursing, in every sense of the word. I fake it pretty well, no one who didn't know me would ever guess I have these issues. I have a tendency to second guess every interaction with people, worrying I said or did something inappropriate. When in a confrontation I feel the need to cry. (not always and as I'm getting older it is getting better) but I still cry sometimes, especially when I'm angry or I feel the situation is unfair. I am also vulnerable when it comes to children. I haven't started my pre-nursing yet, I will in January, but I'm already sick with the idea that I'll have to see children in pain, or in a sad situation, etc. I know myself well enough to know that the anticipation is the worst for me, and that I will handle it just fine when I'm there actually doing. I understand that I am not one of those people who can easily mask their emotions and I wasnt born with an overbundance of confidence. But I have learned how to cope. And as I learn to be in control of my life instead of being controlled by it my issues are becoming less and less. I am very sensitive and I take responsibility very seriously, and those are concerns, but I also care alot about people (as you seem to) and all those traits are what will also make me a good nurse. If I can keep myself from being eaten up by them, that is. Good luck, and you have the potential to help people, and do it well.

[rn/writer, RN]

Anyone who struggles in this area should look up information on Social Anxiety Disorder to see if the description fits. If you think you have this, working with a counselor/therapist could make a big difference.

I wish you both the best.

[i♥words]

I understand how you feel. I'm confident when I know what I'm doing; I'm timid when I'm not completely sure of myself and my abilities. But if you put your mind to it, you can do it! If you think seeing a counselor would help, then do it. At my school we have a free counseling service (well, we pay for it in fees every semester) and I know it helps people. Just know that it is okay to feel a little awkward when you aren't sure of yourself, but practice and patience pays off. Don't get down on yourself, though. Don't let this one thing overcome you. I hope you do well!

[EMT89]

If I can suggest something try becoming an EMT and run with a squad while you're a pre-nursing student (some even do it in nursing school). I was shy, I wouldn't be comfortable at first talking to the patient. As I went and practiced being in charge of the call I became more outgoing and was forced to become more assertive (because I had to take charge as the team leader). I have learned how to handle some of the egos/politics in EMS (trust me, its just something you'll have to get used to in the medical field). Now I can even have a random conversation with a stranger. When I started rescue who would have thought that shy me could take charge and have myself being an introvert turn into somewhat extroverted?

[Looking_ahead, ADN, RN]

Thanks for the helpful answers guys! It would really be a challenge for me to be an EMT- I would definitely surprise myself, haha. Definitely need to work on assertiveness, people tell me I'm "too nice." But I also don't like to feed into the workplace drama/egos, which is probably a good thing.

Did you guys go into nursing school confident about your choice? Or were you kinda like "I want to be a nurse!" with some doubts, confusion, nerves? I worry it is too early for me to be thinking the worst. I guess I am also afraid that I am not capable of remembering all of the information and critically thinking. But wow, to be able to say I was a nurse and get through nursing school, and have a job helping people would be amazing.

[samantham90]

I was confident, but I also had some doubts, and a lot of nerves! When I started nursing school I was constantly thinking the worst, and I had honestly never thought of just trying to think positive until a great professor of mine told me to simply "think positive". It really does help lol. I didn't think I would be able to remember all of the info and think critically, but I'm doing it. Nursing school is incredibly stressful and challenging, but it's also very rewarding. Bottom line, don't worry about being timid and sensitive. The timidness will go away in time, nursing school literally dragged me out of my shell, and the sensitivity will make you a better nurse. There are nurses out there who "eat their young" but I've seen classmates of mine who are very outgoing reduced to tears. It happens to everyone, regardless of how sensitive you are. I hope this helps!