Hey Everyone,
I hope every one’s Friday is going well. It is so gloomy and rainy here….but I’m trying to make the best of it. I received another “ask me a question” and this one comes from Kim Friend and here is what she asked:
“Hi,
I have always been interested in the health field and thought I would be good at nursing because I’m such a caring person and enjoy helping people. I’m still a senior in high school and looking into a community college that offers a two year Registered Nurse RN program. I’m worried because I can be a shy person sometimes and I do have anxiety and get panicky sometimes when it comes to new experiences. I really want to do this but worried that the school work and everything will be to hard! I have always had a harder time in science and that’s what you study in nursing so im a bit worried. When I don’t understand things I need someone to explain it in a way that I can understand. Im scared that my anxiety and everything will get to me. I know that if I try my hardest I can but im just sooo scared!!! What do you think???”
Do Shy and Introverted People Make Good Nurses?
Great question, Kim! First of all, I love to see aspiring nurses out there! You remind me a lot of myself when I was in your same position four years ago. You actually already possess two qualities of a nurse that can not be taught in nursing school or learned…..you possess a caring attitude towards others and like helping people. You have no idea how many nurses/student nurses I have seen that lack those two qualities.
I understand totally about what you are saying about not being good at science in school. The type of science I learned in nursing school is a lot different than the science I learned in high school. With my nursing curriculum in college (varies by schools), I didn’t have to take chemistry and physics which was a good thing because I am not very good at those subjects. But I did have to take science classes that dealt with the human body, such as Anatomy & Physiology…etc. Remember that when you take these classes it is normal to not be “naturally” good at them….that is why you are taking the class in the first place……to learn it….. because if you were already good at it you wouldn’t need the class. If you are one of those people who have trouble in school you may want to consider getting a tutor for the class (my college has these for free for students) or taking extra time to study. But don’t let the science part of nursing school scare you out of it because it really isn’t that bad.
Now regarding being shy & nervous about new situations….. Normally, I’m a people person and love being around people (the total opposite of shy) but sometimes I have my days where I’m very shy and quite. I think it is normal to be shy sometimes. Of course if you are having to do something out of your comfort zone (such as being around a bunch of people you don’t know) you are going to be shy until you start to feel more comfortable with the situation.
The good thing about being shy or introverted is that you can change it in some circumstances. So don’t sweat the being shy part…you can change that. Regarding being nervous….once again I think this it is totally normal. I remember when I first started my clinicals in nursing school and I had to give a shot for the first time with my clinical instructor watching my every move. I was super nervous (sweating, heart pounding out of my chest, and a little shaky) but I got through it. I still get like this when new situations arise in clinicals that I have never experienced….such as my first “code blue” experience. So it’s normal and it is something you can change. I would definitely not let these things worry you, especially out of going to nursing school.
Nursing school is tough but whatever degree you decide to choose will be tough….because its new. I suggest that when you start nursing school that you pace yourself and become very organized. For example, get a planner!! My planner is my best friend lol. Also, try to exercise (helps with stress majorly), eat healthy, and get lots of sleep and take each day one at a time….don’t stress about what is coming up in the week or month just focus on what you need to get done that day.
I think the two year degree you are talking about sounds great! Its a lot faster than the four year degree. From your question, I can tell that you want this very bad, which is another thing that shows me you are going to be successful. I say that you put all of those fears aside and concentrate on your positive qualities (don’t dwell on the negatives) and go for it!! You will love it and I don’t regret that I pick nursing at all. It’s a wonderful career and so many opportunities…and the money isn’t bad either lol!
Kim, thanks for your question and keep me up-dated on what you choose to do. I wish you the best of luck and follow what you want to do! If you ever have anymore question don’t hesitate to hit me up!
Until next time,
Sarah 😉