TOO SHY!

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I'm a nurse/midwifery student and just finished my first year but I keep second guessing myself.

I am just so shy and awkward and I hated the first placement I did because I didn't know what to say to the patients. I am a caring person but I am not good at stepping up and being the strong, comforting figure and I usually rely on other people to carry conversations.

The only reason I have stuck with nursing this far is:

1. I want to be a neonatal nurse - and I figure that would be easier, even though I would still have to talk to the parents. But having said that I know it's hard to get a job straight out of school in this area and I don't think I could handle it if I had to work somewhere else first. Getting through placement is bad enough!

and 2. Job security. I have other passions I would much rather do (I have never really been interested or good at biology/healthcare) such as working with animals or the environment, but it would be hard to get a steady job in these areas and I figure I should just set those passions aside as hobbies.

Anyway..... I just need advice :\ Thanks! x

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

I am actually really shy by nature; I probably don't seem that way in AN, and while in real life I'm not a loud person I can speak my mind just fine. But I had to work to push myself out of my shell. I took the CNA class as a senior in high school, and I remember having NO idea what to say to the residents during clinicals. I was fine when I got my first job and got to know the residents. And then the first couple of semesters in nursing school, I had a hard time again.

A big part of it is belief that what I have to say is worthwhile, and I have something to contribute. And then, as with a lot of things, practice makes perfect...or at least better. :yes:

That said, nursing (even nursing school) is very difficult in the best of circumstances. If your heart isn't in it, it can be downright miserable. If you have other passions, go for it! Be a nurse if you want to be one.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

NICU nurses need to be excellent communicators. They have to maintain a very close ongoing collaboration with the Neonatologist as well as other ancillary disciplines that may be involved in their tiny patients care. They also have to provide ongoing education to highly stressed parents.

I had a wonderful nursing instructor (back in the stone age) who was wonderfully helpful to awkward students that were just learning how to talk to patients. She helped them to adopt a 'role' behavior that was different from their natural state. When they were in uniform, they had to 'act' like a nurse. She had them practice and reheorifice conversations in safe environments before trying them out on actual patients - LOL. It worked. I understand this is very similar to the Disney method of customer service which stresses "on stage" and "off stage" behaviors. Hmm - but we don't get the mouse ears, right?

It's worth a try.

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NICU nurses need to be excellent communicators. They have to maintain a very close ongoing collaboration with the Neonatologist as well as other ancillary disciplines that may be involved in their tiny patients care. They also have to provide ongoing education to highly stressed parents.

It's more the smalltalk with patients that I don't like so I think in the regard of giving information to parents and collaborating with other health professionals I would be ok with.

Thanks both of you for the advice though! I'll take it on board... :)

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Communication comes with practice. Patients usually want to know how they are doing, when the MD is coming in to see them, you can practice interviewing skills with your friends or family. A lot of patients are not talkers themselves, they are usually busy going to tests, visiting with family members. It would be nice if your facility has grand rounds with the MD as this would help you learn how the various departments work together to achieve good patient outcomes. Take a public speaking class so that you get use to talking in front of a crowd of people.

If you really want to work with animals have you considered being a Vet's Assistant?

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The good news is being an introvert has many positive qualities. There is an amazing book entitled "Quiet:The Power of Introvert in a World That Can't Stop Talking". It will help you to se and embrace your many gifts.

Since you want to become more comfortable in talking to people, focus on developing small talk skills. Start saying hello to everyone you see with eye contact. Offer compliments such as "I love your necklace. Where did you get it?" Every day, set a goal t greet X amount of people and make fun. When you have built up some courage, consider joining a public speaking group such as Toastmasters. Toastmasters is a an amazing supportive group that will support you in increasing your speaking skills. They are incredibly supportive.

I would also encourage you to pursue your passion in your career. Always go with what lights you up rather than what you think you "should" do. Marcus Buckingham has an incredible book "Discover Your Strengths" you might want to look at.

Wishing you great success in your career and in life!

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