Student Nurse Social Awkwardness

[SNgirl21]

I'm currently in my 2nd year of a BSN program. I switched my major to nursing after my 1st semester of college. Nursing was the career I really wanted to pursue all along, but my own lack of self-confidence held me back from initially going for it. I was afraid of making mistakes and afraid my own social awkwardness would get in the way. Now that I'm in the nursing program, I couldn't be happier with my decision. I am so glad I decided to pursue this. The only problem is that whenever we have lab simulations or CBE (competency-based exams), I become extremely anxious and socially awkward. I start shaking uncontrollably and can't seem to find the right words to talk to the other students or professor who is the simulated patient. I have passed all of my CBEs so far since I know the skills, but I feel disappointed in myself for not being able to handle my nerves and talk to people. I also have had trouble forging any close bonds with the other students since I joined the program late and am a commuter at a predominantly residential campus. Any advice on how to overcome this social awkwardness would be greatly appreciated.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

Reheorifice! Seriously, reheorifice over and over (out loud) what you want to say, how you want to say it. It is how actors and public speakers overcome stage fright.

True. Many famous actors have said they are painfully shy and even extremely socially awkward in real life. I believe Dan Aykroyd and Daryl Hannah have shared that they have Asberger's syndrome, which includes social awkwardness. The key is practice, practice, practice.

[SNgirl21, BSN]

Thank you for that. :) I guess it may help to "act" for now, and maybe eventually it will come more naturally.