What Kind of Nurse Are You (When the Shift Gets Real)?

Introduction 

Nursing can bring out the best—and the most stress—in all of us. When things get hectic, how do you respond? This short personality quiz will help you uncover your nursing style under pressure, highlight your strengths, and offer a fresh perspective on areas you might 

be overlooking.

Whether you’re calm, chaotic, or somewhere in between, this quiz is your chance to reflect, reset, and refocus. Let’s find out who you really are—when the shift gets real.

Instructions

1. Answer each question as honestly as possible. 

2. Choose the response that best fits how you typically behave during a typical shift. 

3. Tally your answers to find your result at the end.

Questions

1. When a new patient is added to your already full assignment, you:

A. Take a breath, regroup, and prioritize.

B. Feel annoyed but dive right in.

C. Worry about missing something important.

D. Go with the flow—it always works out somehow.

2. Your coworker is struggling and clearly overwhelmed. You:

A. Ask what you can do to help and stay present.

B. Take over without asking—someone’s gotta fix it.

C. Feel emotionally drained just watching.

D. Tell yourself it’s not your problem today.

3. How do you really feel walking into your shift?

A. Calm and ready.

B. Like you’re stepping into battle.

C. Anxious before you even clock in.

D. Numb—it’s just another day.

4. When you make a mistake, your first instinct is to:

A. Reflect, learn, and move on.

B. Beat yourself up and vow to never mess up again.

C. Panic and feel like a failure.

D. Shrug it off and pretend it didn’t happen.

5. How do you typically care for yourself during a 12-hour shift?

A. You schedule mini mindfulness breaks or check in with yourself.

B. You don’t—who has time for that?

C. You try, but guilt creeps in.

D. You don’t think about it until you crash at home.

6. The biggest compliment you often get is:

A. “You make people feel calm and seen.”

B. “You’re a machine—you get it done.”

C. “You’re so caring—I don’t know how you do it.”

D. “You’re chill, even when it’s wild.”

Results Key

Mostly A’s: The Mindful Nurse

You lead with presence, compassion, and emotional intelligence. You understand the power of pausing and prioritizing your own well-being—an example to others. Keep deepening your mindfulness with tools that nurture your growth.

”The Art of Mindful Nursing Primer” will strengthen your already solid foundation.

Mostly B’s: The Fixer

You’re the go-to nurse when things get chaotic—fast, focused, and high-achieving. But beware: your “get it done” attitude can lead to burnout. Your strength is your drive, but mindfulness can help you pace yourself and protect your peace.

You’ll benefit from the reflection exercises in “The Art of Mindful Nursing Primer.”

Mostly C’s: The Caregiver

Your heart is always in the right place—but it’s often running on empty. You absorb the stress and emotions of everyone around you. You need permission to care for yourself the way you care for others.

Let “The Art of Mindful Nursing Primer” guide you to recharge and reclaim balance.

Mostly D’s: The Floater

You’ve got a laid-back style that helps you adapt—but it may also hide stress, fatigue, or disconnection. You deserve to feel fulfilled in your practice, not just survive it.

This book will help you reconnect with your purpose and find your spark again.

Next Step: Embrace Who You Are—And Who You’re Becoming

You don’t need to become a different nurse—you just need to reconnect with the one you’ve always been.

“The Art of Mindful Nursing Primer” is your companion on this journey.

It offers simple, actionable ways to help you:

1. Deepen your self-awareness

2. Strengthen your emotional resilience

3. Cultivate calm, clarity, and connection—no matter the chaos around you

4. Mindfulness isn’t a luxury. It’s your secret to staying grounded, fulfilled, and inspired in your nursing career.

5. Start where you are. Grow into who you’re meant to be.

Call to Action

Want to go deeper?

1. Get your copy of "The Art of Mindful Nursing Primer on Amazon."

2. Discover how small daily practices can create lasting impact in your life, your work, 

and your well-being.

From One Nurse to Another

“Throughout my nursing career, I’ve seen how a simple shift in mindset can change everything—from how we care for others to how we care for ourselves. That’s why I continue to create and share these resources freely—with the hope that they’ll offer you strength, clarity, and support when you need it most. If my work resonates with you, I’d love to stay connected and continue sharing more along the way.” — Michele