12 Ways An Introverted Healthcare Worker Might Act With Their Peers

Introverts are often misunderstood because they tend to be more reserved than others. This can lead people into thinking that introverts are not friendly or want to socialize. However, this is not the case. Introverts experience the world differently than others and have so much to offer which makes them great employees. An Introverted healthcare worker might act with their peers in a way that is different, yet thoughtful and subtle.

1. They Offer to Help

Introverts have strong observation skills. They are able to observe their mind and body and quickly acknowledge their own needs. Introverts are often able to observe other people’s needs, too. An introverted coworker might pick up on subtle clues if someone is overwhelmed or stressed and offer to help.

2. They Bring in Snacks for Everyone (But Probably Won’t Take Credit)

Despite what most people think, introverts do like people! They will often show their appreciation for others by doing small acts of kindness, like bringing in a box of donuts or pizza to share with coworkers. Don’t expect them to take the credit for it, though. Introverts often take the humble road by not telling others of the kind acts that they do.

3. The Introverted Healthcare Worker Offers Their Shoulder and Their Ears

One way that introverts interact with their peers in the healthcare environment is offering a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen to. Introverts are great listeners and therefore can offer solid advice. However, introverts tend to feel emotionally drained easily because they try to be completely present around others. It is important that people ask introverts before venting if they have the capacity to listen or if they should talk another time.

4. Lunchtime is Alone Time

If you find that your introverted co-worker friend chooses not to eat with you at lunch, don’t be alarmed. Introverts are like sponges – they open their minds and hearts to soak in a lot of stimulation all day from co-workers, supervisors, and their patients. Like a sponge, they often soak in too much and need an opportunity to decompress. An introverted healthcare worker might not have a lot of opportunities to decompress through the day. They might decide that lunchtime is the optimal moment to let go and refuel.

5. No Superficial Convos for the Introverted Healthcare Worker

It is true, introverts tend to be the thinkers, philosophers, and day dreamers. If you’re expecting to only have superficial conversations about the weather, work gossip, or celebrity crushes, you might be highly disappointed. Introverts are not superficial people and will often stimulate others into thinking about things deeper. They might discuss healthcare politics, big life questions, and have idea breakthroughs during a casual conversation.

6. They Share Their Negative Emotions

An introverted healthcare worker is in touch with their emotions. They feel strongly and this might be a burden and a blessing at work. On one hand, introverted healthcare workers probably connect strongly with their patients. On the other hand, they also probably take home work, feel the weight of the world on their shoulders, and express their emotions often to co-workers.

7. The Introverted Healthcare Worker Enjoys the Simple Things

They say it is the simple things that matter the most. This is 100% true for the introverted healthcare worker. Simple things like helping an introverted person organize their desk, sharing a snack with them, complimenting their scrubs can have an introverted person smiling all day.

8. They Prefer Groups of 2, but No More Than 3

For the introverted healthcare worker, 2 is company and 3 is a crowd. Introverts have difficulty being around more than a few people because they have a limited capacity to take in stimulation and information from others before feeling drained. A lot of this is due to the fact that they are always observing, listening, and being present. An introverted healthcare worker might talk to two employees just fine, but need to step away if someone else tags along.

9. Quiet (Most of The Time) During Team Meetings

Healthcare team meetings usually consist of too many workers cramped in a small room. For the introverted healthcare worker, this is not an ideal situation. However, due to their observation and listening skills, these employees are quick to come up with solutions, notice things that others don’t, and make big connections. An introverted person might not speak 99% of the time during the meeting, but when they do speak, it is always to share something extremely valuable with the team.

10. They Are Passionate and Want to Share Their Ideas

The introverted healthcare worker thinks critically and logically about the issues facing people at their job, in their community, as well as the world. They often are able to see ways in which systems can be improved and spend a lot of time reflecting on how to implement these ideas. A co-worker might see an introverted person come to life when talking about their next passionate goal. This might include seeing unfamiliar behaviors from the introverted employee like talking quickly and speaking to superiors in order to accomplish their goals.

11. The Introverted Healthcare Worker Does Not Go to Events

You probably won’t find an introverted healthcare worker at an off hour work event. If you do, they are probably to themselves or talking to one other person away from a large crowd. Work events are loud, crowded, and with too many stimulations to count. This is not ideal for an introvert.

12. They Go From Co-Worker to Friend

Introverts do not need to be loud or the center of attention to quickly turn their co-workers into friends. Introverted healthcare workers have a unique set of traits that make them an essential friend to have in any healthcare setting. They are loyal, great listeners, and a reliable person to go to during stressful moments. Before you know it, the introverted healthcare worker will be your closest friend on the job!

Are you an introverted healthcare worker? We want to hear about how you manage to be introverted on the job! Share your experiences in the comments below.

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