Advice on how to approach my boss?

Question

I have wanted to become a nurse for a long time. I have never discussed this with my boss as I am fairly shy and until recently was overweight and shy. I have now lost some weight and feel more sure of myself and the fact that I would like to pursue nursing as a career.

My boss is a nurse herself and it is actually a nursing home where I work but I am a secretary and not on the care side at all.

I need my reference to apply for my nursing diploma to be a nurse who I know so she would be ideal for a reference. Also although I have bad points such as shyness etc, she does know all my good points such as never having time off sick and being punctual and using intitiative.

I am just scared to approach her as I feel she may not think me suitable to be a nurse and that she would wonder why I have never mentioned it before. Even though deep down it is something I would love.

Any idea's of what I could say to her to broach this subject.

Thank you very much x

Answer 1

Good for you. Sounds like you've found your calling. you have listed some excellent points in your favor and shyness can be overcome with confidence in yourself. Start that program now by taking the first step and telling your boss about your dream.

You might begin by asking her why she decided on nursing as a career. I'll be her reasons will ring a bell with you. Then you might go on to tell her that you have felt many of the same things and that you have been interested in nursing as a career for some time. Ask her for suggestions as to the best way to proceed and tell her that you have been thinking about starting the necessary training. Ask about her experiences in training and what you should expect. Ask her what strengths, as your boss, she feels you might be able to bring to the job and what areas you could look to strengthen. You might ask if she would be willing to mentor you and then, finally, ask if she would be comfortable providing you a with a reference for your application.

Be brave, you can do this. A calling is not to be ignored. You have a lot to give and the discipline to be a good nurse.

Good luck.

Answer 2

my best advice is to think that u have always known her for long time.start up a conversation and ask her how did u start out being a nurse what did she have to do to become a nurse.then during the conversation add that u were looking into becoming a nurse but that u need a reference then ask where i can i get one.dont be shy when it comes down to it u really dont have nothing to b scared of.ive been embarrassed just telling my male boss i wasnt coming in bcuz of menstral cycle. good luck

Answer 3

Just ask ! wait for a time when you are both not too busy and ask if you can have a word with her. Tell you really feel strongly about it and would really like her help & advice. I'm sure she will be only to glad to help you. As you said you may be shy but if you are commited you can do anything you want to. Don't put it off you will only regret it. GO FOR IT. Make sure you tell your boss you admire the work she does and you would like her to bo your reference I'm sure she will be happy to see you move on. Good luck

Answer 4

Go for it - you sound like you are building confidence, loss of weight can be a great boost. When I joined my company years ago I was frightened of my boss - he is actually great and can be fun to work with.

Nursing is such a good job to be in, confidence not always necessary, just be caring and helpful.

Go for it.

Answer 5

i was a paramedic with houston fire dept for ten years. it sounds like you would be a great nurse. I dont see what relevance your physical appearance has to do with it. Demand for nursing (at least in houston) is at an all time high. I personally know about twenty nurses and they work for agencies and make like 35-40 dollars an hour. You dont really need her but sounds like she would be a wonderfull asset. Just tell her, she can advise you on how to go about it and she can help you study. I was just like you super shy, my friend was in the fire dept and talked me into it and i loved it. I never thought i would get hired but i did. GO FOR IT. do it asap. good luck

Answer 6

Just tell her that you are looking to better yourself in life and would like to become a nurse. Ask her what she thinks of the idea and if she has any suggestions or ideas. Then ask her if she would be a reference.

Answer 7

begin openly to show an interest in the care of patients other than the administrative side...ask questions, mention that you may like it....suggest to her that you would like some advice on how to pursue this avenue as in "where should i start?" or "do you have any recommendations for education?"....start to take classes to achieve this goal...although you are working and seem to like your job other than the fact that its not what you want...dont settle...this is not the only place to work and you dont need her permission or her reference...your credentials will speak for themselves....if she respects you and your work ethic she will be glad to help you....in the mean time, practice being more assertive...good luck to you

Answer 8

You're thinking about this too much, which is common for shy people. You just need to stop by her office and say, "I need to talk to you. I've decided that I would like to start nursing school and wanted to talk to you about your experience. I also wondered if you would be willing to provide a reference for me."

Answer 9

shyness won't stop you bieng a nurse, just talk to your boss there is a good chance she will give you a glowing reference and even potentially keep you in mind as a staff member as a nurse when you finish your training (and possibly part time on basic care during it - good staff are hard to find)

Answer 10

If you dont ask her you will never move foward. Just make sure she is not having a bad day when you ask. If she says no dont get yourself down, ask someone else.

Sometimes employers and bosses are asses because they dont want to lose their lower class employees. It might be best to do it with someone you know less sometimes.