It’s natural to think that extroverts make good nurses.
After all, a big part of the nursing profession is all about interacting with patients and their families, as well as doctors.
But can an introvert be a successful nurse?
Let’s be clear, nursing is a unique profession that welcomes individuals of all personality types.
Introverts, in particular, possess a variety of characteristics that make them the right fit in the nursing field.
They can not only become a nurse but can be really good at it too.
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People Who Are Shy or Introverts Being Nurses
Yes, introverts can make good nurses. Because introverts possess such traits as being good listeners and being self-sufficient among others, not only can introverts make good nurses but they can thrive and have successful careers.
Reasons Why Introverts Can be Awesome Nurses
Here are some reasons why introverts can be awesome nurses. This is not a hard and fast rule, nor are we implying all introverts fit this but speaking in general.
(As a side note Lifehack goes into more detail on the qualities of an introvert. You can check that out here.)
1. Ability to Build Deeper Relationships
Generally, introverts prefer deep and meaningful conversations rather than small talk and surface-level interactions.
This quality allows them to build deeper connections with patients and their families in the nursing setting.
They can easily build rapport with them while working diligently to provide them with the best possible care.
2. Excellent Listening Skills
While introverts aren’t very talkative, they can still be good communicators.
An important aspect of communication, after all, is listening.
Introverts tend to possess excellent listening skills for both verbal and non-verbal communication.
The nursing profession requires nurses to listen to their patients and cater to their specific needs at all times.
The listening skills of an introvert nurse drive their understanding of patient needs.
It also enables them to identify signs that dictate their response to different treatments by noticing non-verbal cues.
3. Observation Skills
Introverts usually have exceptional observation skills.
This trait is useful in nursing because it allows nurses to notice slight changes in patients’ conditions.
With close observation, they can also identify conditions that even the patient or doctor is unaware of.
This ultimately contributes to improving patient outcomes in health settings.
4. High Intuition Power
Being an introvert allows an individual to read others i.e. understand unspoken thoughts and unexpressed emotions.
This characteristic helps nurses to work well with people with different personality types and anticipate their reactions in different situations.
Thus, it allows them to take better care of patients as well as deal smartly with colleagues in stressful and high-pressure environments.
5. Ability to Speak Softly
The soft-spoken approach is considered a key element for patient care.
Introverts have the ability to speak softly, which automatically puts patients and their families at ease and makes them feel supported.
This approach can also ease the tension for fellow nurses and doctors in high-pressure situations.
The calm and soft-spoken nature of a nurse can help patients through a series of treatment courses.
Who is an Introvert?
An introvert is someone who prefers solitude over socializing and calmness over highly stimulating environments.
They talk less and don’t feel the need to be around people all the time. They enjoy their time alone.
In fact, they need some time alone to recharge after socializing.
If you want to get “super technical” It’s because their brains show a different reaction to dopamine as compared to extroverts’ brains (source).
However, being introverted doesn’t mean you have to be shy or socially awkward.
It also doesn’t mean you don’t like to engage with people in social settings.
It just means you need some time off from socializing to take care of your self (to recharge if you will).
Now, there usually are different degrees to which an individual is introverted or extroverted.
Some introverts are quiet and reserved to the extent that they may come off as a little disinterested at times.
On the other hand, others may be able to enjoy a considerable amount of social time before they feel drained.
Whichever category you fall into, just know that you’re more than capable of becoming a successful nurse!
How Introverted Nurses Can Be Successful
For introverts, all it takes to succeed in the nursing field is to overcome their shy tendencies.
The right time to start working on it is when you’re only a nursing student.
You should try to interact more and build meaningful relationships with your instructors and fellow students.
This way, you won’t feel shy when communicating with patients.
When you have to step out of your comfort zone on a daily basis, your shyness will eventually go away.
Moreover, in-depth study and careful preparation will boost your confidence when you’re working as a registered nurse.
Besides, with so much usually going around in a hospital setting, you won’t feel like you’re the center of attention.
In addition to this, being organized helps a lot in relieving your anxiety when you’re interacting with patients, doctors, families, or hospital staff.
Lastly, you can recharge yourself after daily shifts and over the weekends by spending some me-time and doing whatever makes you feel at peace.
Find Nursing Programs
Search our school database to find schools and get information on the right programs for you. (Don’t worry, it’s fast and free!)
Good Nursing Jobs for Introverts
No matter what people say, introverts can make stellar nurses.
Their chances of success increases even more when they choose to practice in a nursing specialty that better caters to their introverted nature.
For example:
- Operating room nursing
- Forensic nursing
- Case management nursing
- Legal nurse consulting
- Utilization review nursing
- Telephone triage nursing
Learn more about the best nursing jobs for introverts.
Final Thoughts
If you think you don’t have a chance in the nursing field just because you’re an introvert, you can’t be more wrong.
Your introvert nature can actually be the key to building deep, trusting relationships with your patients and their families.
Not to mention, your calm and soft nature can ease the tension that’s usually in the air of healthcare settings.
Pursuing a nursing career is a great way to challenge yourself to reach your maximum potential.
You’ll be able to overcome your shyness and social anxiety in just a few days of working as a professional nurse!
What has been your experience working as an introvert?
Also, do you agree, or disagree? Let us know below.
