 If your shyness is weighing you down and stifling your ability to live up to your nursing potential, have hope. There are things you can do to vanquish it for good. 

<div>
  As a travel nurse, taking on a new assignment in a new locale every 8 to 13
  weeks can spark anxiety in even the most self-confident and outgoing
  professionals.If you are shy, this anxiety is more pronounced, particularly in
  social situations such as mingling with co-workers, asserting yourself with
  doctors, and communicating with patients&mdash;which pretty much encompasses
  all aspects of your job. If your shyness is weighing you down and stifling
  your ability to live up to your nursing potential, have hope. There are things
  you can do to vanquish it for good.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Recognize your shyness for what it is.</h2>

<div>
  According to psychology experts, shyness in social situations can stem from a
  fear of being judged negatively by others. Whatever the root of that
  fear&mdash;biology (DNA), social environment (upbringing), or a traumatic life
  experience&mdash;shyness recedes when you:
</div>

<ul>
  <li>Stop fixating on what people think of you.</li>
  <li>
    Realize that although negative judgement exists it doesn&rsquo;t have to
    affect you.
  </li>
</ul>

<h2>Tackle your shyness head-on.</h2>

<div>
  When shyness wells up and threatens to tie your tongue or twist your words,
  stare it down and plow right through it. More often than not, the fear you
  have about speaking up dissipates during the experience.In fact, the less you
  focus on your inward emotions, the more socially confident you will
  become.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Concentrate on your job.</h2>

<div>
  As a nurse, it&rsquo;s your duty to care for people and save lives. To do
  that, crossing the shyness line is critical. The discomfort you feel when
  performing in front of co-workers or defending your opinions in group
  settings, must be pushed aside in order to take care of your patient&rsquo;s
  needs.Remember this and live by it.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Pump yourself up with positive thoughts.</h2>

<div>
  Every day, throughout the day, think: &quot;I am smart. I can do this.&quot;
  Or come up with some other words or phrases that replace your uneasiness with
  self-assurance.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Establish a script with patients.</h2>

<div>
  If your shyness prevents you from talking to patients, try greeting them with
  questions that express your caring and concern, such as: Do you have any
  questions I can try to answer for you?&quot; Or, &quot;Can I get you anything
  right now?&quot; Usually patients are waiting for (and craving) this
  interaction. Once you get them talking, they usually want to keep chatting.
</div>

<h2>
  Show up early for your shift to get a chance for one-on-one time with
  co-workers.
</h2>

<div>
  Having brief conversations with different staff members on a regular basis is
  a great way to establish connections without feeling pressure to keep the
  conversation going. To help the chit chat flow, stay on top of local news and
  pop culture topics. Creating a casual familiarity with each of the people on
  your team will make it easier to contribute in a group setting.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Practice outgoing body language.</h2>

<div>
  Despite your shyness, keep your head up, stand tall, and look friendly. An
  agreeable stance radiates outward to your peers and can also diffuse the
  anxiety you harbor within.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Thinking of a career in travel nursing?</h2>

<div>
  Or getting ready for your next travel assignment? Cross Country Nurses can
  take you there. As a leader in healthcare recruitment, Cross Country Nurses is
  one of the most trusted staffing companies in the industry. For over 30 years,
  we&rsquo;ve been placing experienced nurses at more than 2,500 prestigious
  healthcare facilities across the U.S. and the Caribbean. Call our expert
  talent acquisition specialists at 800-530-6125 or
  <a href="/sites/ccn/travel-nursing-jobs">browse our available jobs</a> and
  apply online today.
</div>




How a Generally Shy Nurse Can Become an Outstanding Travel Nurse