Introvert or Extrovert? Don’t Shy Away from Travel Nursing Jobs

With new books like Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Just Can’t Stop Talking and others climbing the charts, the introvert is getting a decent amount of attention these days. And it’s about time. 

Loud and gregarious personalities may garner more attention, but still waters run deep, and workers respect their quieter counterparts who perform their jobs with skill and caring. Many writers, artists and other creative types have introverted traits, but introverts can find a home in many different types of jobs--including nursing.

Quieter, more introverted RNs bring a great deal to the profession because they tend to be:

•   Relaxing and calming to be around;

•   Sensitive to the needs of others;

•   Excellent listeners;

•   Able to develop a trusting relationship with patients.

Patients and hospitals alike benefit from both extroverted and introverted nurses. No matter your personality, excellent nursing qualities and good experience translate well in all settings, including travel nursing jobs. 

In fact, travel nursing can help build your confidence as you learn to conquer new situations, meet new people and adapt to different working environments. Many nurses credit their travel nursing jobs with helping them grow both personally and professionally. 

Need some help to get started? Here are a few tips to help you overcome shyness and take those first steps toward a rewarding career in travel nursing.

Tips to help introverts (and hesitant extroverts) succeed at travel nursing jobs:

1.  Accept yourself as you are

Don’t beat yourself up because you are more reserved than others. Susan Cain, the author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, advises shy people to understand and embrace their sensitive natures. While the media seems to train its cameras on the brash and boisterous among us, most everyday people appreciate a gentle approach, particularly when they’re feeling vulnerable while ill or facing surgery.

2.  “Feel the fear, and do it anyway”

Everyone certainly has a degree of uneasiness when embarking on anything unfamiliar, but the simple presence of fear doesn’t mean the adventures should be abandoned. In her book, Feel the Fear, and Do It Anyway, author Susan Jeffers explains that the fear sensation itself stops people from venturing into new situations. Not only can people be afraid of the actual situation, but they can also panic about the physical fear sensation it evokes. 

Jeffers explains that, rather than vanquishing the fear upfront and then going on to the experience, people should dive in and have the experience while harboring the fear. More often than not, the fear dissipates during the experience.

3.  Concentrate on your work, not your social situation

Another way to adjust to a new situation is to just concentrate on the job at hand while minimizing its social aspects. Focusing on the work will not only allow you to be efficient at your tasks, but it will also build up your confidence in those areas, and create a boost in your mood. 

Your confidence in the job you perform should translate into social confidence. 

Professor Bernardo Carducci, director of the Shyness Institute at Indiana University Southeast, believes that the best strategy for overcoming shyness is simply to offer up “service.” Making yourself useful, and following a set “script” over and over will minimize your social discomfort. 

4.  Rely on the support of a good recruitment team

It helps to know that travel nurses are never really alone. When you work with a top travel nursing agency like American Mobile, you have the support of a personal recruiter and a team of professionals that will help match you with the right jobs, prepare you for interviews and advocate on your behalf. We’ll even get you set up in free housing, walk you through new state RN licensing, if needed, and help with relocation. While on assignment with your travel nursing jobs, that personal support is just a phone call away, and a clinical liaison is available 24/7 to help with any on-site issues. 

Further encouragement

Believe it or not, many well-known personalities admit to shyness. Paula Deen, Johnny Carson and even Will Ferrell have claimed to be introverts who feel uneasy in large social groups. They clearly haven’t let their hesitation stop them, and neither should you. The world needs more understanding, kind and sympathetic nurses, and travel nursing jobs are a great way to see the country, sharpen your skills and build your confidence--whatever your personality type.

One way to explore travel nursing is to SIGN UP for American Mobile job alerts. Or CONTACT a recruiter to learn more!

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