How would you describe yourself? Sometimes I wonder if I went into the wrong profession due to my personality. I did not get into this profession for the money (as long as I can earn a decent living that's all that matters) or because of "job security". I'm trying to find my niche in nursing and realized that "because I like to help people" is not good enough reason to be in this profession. I remember in High School for Career Day, I was trying to debate whether to shadow a nurse or a police officer and I ended up with shadowing a nurse which to my disappointment, wasn't too exciting. I didn't wanted to become a police officer because I didn't care too much in carrying a gun, but I was still interested in Criminal Justice yet did not know exactly in what department. I consider myself as serious and can have a short temper; and for those who don't know me, perceive me as cold and unapproachable. As a matter of fact, I can win hands on in a "poker face" game. These are characteristics that I would like to change about myself because that gives the patients and staff a wrong impression about me. Currently I am in an ambulatory care setting and have wondered many times whether I should have gone into Correctional Nursing instead.
So, what's your personality like and do you think you are in the right specialty?
I'm a lot like you--one of my nursing instructors described me as pathologically happy. I, too, am an extrovert that loves babies, kids, and furry animals of all kinds. This thread seems to be populated by self-described introverts, so good to see another goofball like myself.
I like the theory that the introverts are all sitting at the computer, while the extroverts are out having fun. Except for the very lazy extroverts, of course.
I like the theory that the introverts are all sitting at the computer, while the extroverts are out having fun. Except for the very lazy extroverts, of course.
I'm not lazy. I'm just conserving my energy for when it's truly needed.
I definitely don't have the gift of the gab with strangers, although I admire it a lot and wish I did. My boss is the best I've ever seen at making people feel good, and remembering things about their lives, and knowing (and being liked by) just about everyone after >20 yrs in his position. I often stand around beside him while he's charming someone thinking "hurry up, let's get coffee". I think I just don't care enough about strangers' lives to remember the minutiae about them.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I definitely don't have the gift of the gab with strangers, although I admire it a lot and wish I did.
I don't have the gift of gab, either. I surely wish that I had the gift of gab, the propensity to charm others, and the ability to give people the Midas touch with my conversation. It would certainly make my social interactions flow with much more ease.
i don't have the gift of gab, either. i surely wish that i had the gift of gab, the propensity to charm others, and the ability to give people the midas touch with my conversation. it would certainly make my social interactions flow with much more ease.
thecommuter.....you have been an invaluable friend to many here on allnurses. your professionalism and honest input is very welcomed. you are just wonderful to us ! :redbeathe
I used to work for a company and we would conduct behavioral based interviews. You know, the ol'..."tell me a time when.." kinda questions. I hated them and knew that every applicant struggled with the concept behind it. Now, looking back, I understand the process behind it better..past behavior typically predicts future. I too have been conteplating my personality ALOT lately as I am finishing school this term and have yet to figure out where I fit. So, I look back at my past occupations and try to encorporate that into decision making b/c ultimately I must have gone into those jobs for some reason?? All of them were not 9-5, most involved alot of direct people contact, lots of multi-tasking, high-stress (at times), etc etc. So I figured I am heading the right way at an rate.
I seem to be different than most posters though. Definately not introvert or shy but I am not annoyingly chatty either. I do use humor ALOT, of course I gage my audience and use it when appropriate. I do NOT make lists, yet I get everything done, and I don't like to be methodical and rather enjoy the 'take it as it comes' approach. Basically, I am the one in the clinical group who doesn't get easily upset, plays it cool even if I am stressed out and often the one that the instructor just lets alone b/c they trust I won't get into too much trouble..lol. One instructor told me that she saw me as someone who liked to be 'in control of situations' and recommended ICU. However, partly true..I would say yes, I typically end up being the one in control (or leader of the group), but most times I don't prefer it that way..it just kinda happens. Never really thought of myself as an ICU nurse??
Specializes in Peds Urology,primary care, hem/onc.
I have always worked in pediatrics but in several different settings, hem/onc, pediatrician's practice and now a urology practice.
I am very detailed orientated, passionate, strong patient advocate, straightforward, not easily intimidated and can be intense. I am not a "warm and fuzzy, shoot the breeze" type, especially when I am very busy. People have also told me that I can be difficult to read at times as well. I am very direct and it takes a lot to really make me upset. If I have an issue with someone and we are able to resolve it, it is forgotten. I don't hold grudges. If I am upset with you, you will have no doubt and it does not happen very often. I love to teach and have a lot of patience (either with my families or the people I work with) but I don't like to have to repeat myself multiple times (after the 5-6th time, then I get irritated). I get frustrated if my coworkers are not as detailed oriented as I am and sometimes have to remind myself not everyone is as OCD as I am at work. I have been told when I am not smiling or quiet I look angry/upset. I can be sassy and sarcastic. I could care less about gossip or things not r/t work. It takes a lot for someone to hurt my feelings and I mostly over look the small things b/c I can accept someone is having a bad day. Over my career (12 + years) I have learned to accomodate some things a little bit. I watch my tone when I am busy because I know I get short at times (don't mean to...it is the result of my going a hundred miles an hour). I try to smile when I first introduce myself to people. I try chat up my patients (parents don't seem to mind if I am not as chatty with them as long as I am with the kids) which is easier for me because they are children. I would not think someone could not be a nurse based solely on their personality. A lot of it also has to do with who you work with. I got fussed at a lot at my old job about not being "warm and fuzzy" but they were running me at hundred miles an hour and I cannot do both (do you want me to talk about the weather/sports with the parents or room the 70 + patients a day you want to see? Cannot do both). The group I work with now.... I act the same way and I never have heard a thing. I remember saying something to one of my coworkers about my previous work experiences and she looked at me like I had two heads and told me she never has seen that side of me. Of course, the wonderful people I work with are known to be a little anal, a little intense and very hardworking... I fit right in!!!! Over the years, I have learned that passive-agressive types have the hardest time with me... I am too direct for them.
Nurses have this reputation as being angels, always warm, always nuturing etc. This is almost to stepford wives for me. We often deal with difficult people, situations, circumstances... and sometimes you have to do a little b**lbusting.
I also do not have the gift to be charming and gab with strangers. I will advocate/fight for you, I will not miss anything because all the details are covered and I will make sure whatever you need is done. I prefer that rather than having someone "shoot the breeze"!
Society is trending today to have everyone in a service related industry have this smiling all the time, always cheerful, talk to me about anything/everything, never show any kind of negative emotion type expectation. That is false and not possible.
I have found that the people out there that worry about their personality having issues...are not the real ones that should be concerned. The rare person that truly has the wrong type of personality to be in our profession, never have it cross their mind and they are oblivious to it. If you find yourself worying about it...you are probably fine. Kind of like the families that apoligize to you for being difficult are rarely the ones that drive you nuts. It is the families that are completely oblivious to how they are acting are the ones you are ready to kill.
Just relax, be who God intended you to be...don't be pressured into feeling you there is something wrong with you. Acknowledge your strengths, recgonize your weaknesses and work on them and do your best. We all have little personality flaws...we are all human and not robots. We all have to learn to overlook them in others and not be so nitpicky. If at the end of the day, you have done everything you can for your patient and done your best... you have succeeded...whether you were smiling the whole time or not!
I'm very outgoing and friendly. I love life. I'm a charmer or so they say. lol I am a self professed people pleaser which I work hard at every day. I knew that needed to change or I would be eaten alive. I'm the nice one everyone goes to which can be a blessing and a curse. I need to remember to take care of myself more. I've improved.
I feel very deeply about things and I have the ability to concentrate in the midst of mania. I love dogs and children with all my being. I can't not stop and pet a pup or say a kind word to a baby. I also love the water.
I do my best to make my patients feel secure as the hospital is a scary place. I get along with 99.9% of my patients and their families. I have learned to be polite and firm as needed. I love to advocate for my patients. I take that very seriously. DNRs that are tossed to the side upset me to no end.
When I told my family I was going to be a nursing major in college, they were kind of dubious. My aunt, who is also a nurse, made a sort of lackluster comment about how I would do well in nursing research. At the time, I was offended - yes, I am a shy, often socially sort of awkward person, but I am nice, (usually) patient, and more compassionate and empathetic than many of my coworkers. Throughout nursing school and related jobs and internships, I definitely blossomed and became much, much more confident. I would say I'm something of a people pleaser, but I have limits, and will fight tooth and nail to advocate for my patients if need be.
I am definitely the soft and fuzzy type, which is probably a large part of the reason I want to work in pediatrics. A lot of my classmates didn't look forward to or like peds because of the "crazy, overbearing, anal parents," but I never had a single family I didn't get along with during my pediatric rotation or my preceptorship at a pediatric hospital. Most of the families were incredibly nice, and the ones who were more stressed out, anxious, on edge, etc. well.. who could blame them? I knew that if I were in their positions, I would be a maniac overbearing parent!
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:yeah:
nursemike, ASN, RN
1 Article; 2,362 Posts
I like the theory that the introverts are all sitting at the computer, while the extroverts are out having fun. Except for the very lazy extroverts, of course.