I'm a nursing student. i just had my clinical eval and my prof focused almost the entire session on how quiet I was, how I need to be more assertive in clinicals, talk in class more, and be confident - have more of a presence so I can be a better advocate. He says he knows I have a lot of knowledge and insight but I need to show it to everyone. I said, but I always let my nurses know when there are issues with my patient and I ask them questions often. He said that's not it, I need to present myself as more assertive, confident. I'm sick of everyone in my life telling me how quiet I am. I feel like they are telling me something mean, like I'm fat or ugly, because obviously they don't see it as a positive attribute. Not to mention the eval revolved around accurate documentation, organization too but we never went over that stuff because all he could focus on was my quiet attribute.
The funny thing is, I know I'm quiet but i like people. I love talking to people one on one which is why I went into nursing, so I could have patients! I've been a waitress off and on most of working life so it's not like I am absolute wallflower. I articulate myself well in presentations. But I'm not bubbly or outgoing especially not in a group setting which apparently seems to be a "needed" attribute as a nurse. I need to portray myself a certain way like some acting gig. Ugh, why can't an introvert have a break in this world???
