3 answers
Janisa
Student
Magnolia, Arkansas
1
Question
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What are the most important non medical lessons that a nursing student must learn upon entering a professional environment of nursing and patient care? #Spring25
I will be an incoming freshman pursing a BSN. Nursing school is intended to provide you with the medical aspects and patient care components of the field. I want to be prepared for this as well as other obstacles that might come my way in order to be a more well rounded healthcare worker.
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3 answers
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
160
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
Healthcare is very complicated, and it is wonderful that you already recognize there are aspects that are not just learning anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology...
Communication is at the heart of nursing. Practicing how to actively listen to understand what patients need and how to explain things in a way that feels supportive and respectful are key. It is a great help to speak more than one language (if this interests you, it is wonderful to become a certified interpreter as it is super helpful to the team).
Ian is correct in pointing out that business aspects of healthcare are necessary evils. We all must learn best practices that optimize efficiency and quality. I am a pediatric intensivist who consults on "Lean Healthcare" based on the Toyota Management System. You may find you enjoy becoming expert in process improvement.
You could also consider getting education in hospital administration. I know some fantastic nurse researchers. So, learning research techniques and biostatistics could be of interest.
Communication is at the heart of nursing. Practicing how to actively listen to understand what patients need and how to explain things in a way that feels supportive and respectful are key. It is a great help to speak more than one language (if this interests you, it is wonderful to become a certified interpreter as it is super helpful to the team).
Ian is correct in pointing out that business aspects of healthcare are necessary evils. We all must learn best practices that optimize efficiency and quality. I am a pediatric intensivist who consults on "Lean Healthcare" based on the Toyota Management System. You may find you enjoy becoming expert in process improvement.
You could also consider getting education in hospital administration. I know some fantastic nurse researchers. So, learning research techniques and biostatistics could be of interest.
Susana Appiah
MIDWIFE
98
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Susana’s Answer
Hello Janisa, thanks for the question.
That’s a powerful mindset to have going into nursing school—being clinically sharp and emotionally wise will make you an outstanding nurse. Below are some of the most important non-medical lessons every nursing student should learn as they prepare for real-world patient care:
1. Communication is Everything
Clear, respectful communication with patients, families, and the healthcare team prevents errors and builds trust.
Tip: Practice active listening—sometimes what a patient doesn’t say matters just as much as what they do.
2. Emotional Resilience
You’ll witness pain, loss, and tough moments.
Learn to process your emotions without shutting down or becoming overwhelmed.
Tip: Journaling, counseling, or debriefing with trusted peers can help keep you grounded.
3. Time Management & Prioritization
Real nursing = 8-12 hours of nonstop juggling.
Learning to prioritize care (ABC: Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and delegate when needed is key.
Tip: Use tools like the SBAR method and checklists to stay focused.
4. Humility and Lifelong Learning
You won’t know everything—and that’s okay.
Ask questions. Own mistakes. Be teachable.
Tip: The best nurses are the ones who never stop learning—even decades into their careers.
5. Advocacy
Sometimes, you’ll be the only voice a patient has.
Stand up for patient safety, dignity, and rights—even when it’s uncomfortable.
Tip: Know your hospital's chain of command and your scope of practice.
6. Cultural Competency
Every patient brings a unique background, belief system, and set of values.
Tip: Approach care with curiosity, not judgment. Ask respectfully about cultural practices.
7. Teamwork & Conflict Resolution
Nurses work in multidisciplinary teams—there will be disagreements.
Tip: Learn how to communicate assertively and resolve issues without ego.
8. Compassion Without Burnout
Compassion is essential—but boundaries protect you.
It’s okay to care deeply and still say no, take breaks, or step away when needed.
Tip: Practice self-care like it's part of your job—because it is.
That’s a powerful mindset to have going into nursing school—being clinically sharp and emotionally wise will make you an outstanding nurse. Below are some of the most important non-medical lessons every nursing student should learn as they prepare for real-world patient care:
1. Communication is Everything
Clear, respectful communication with patients, families, and the healthcare team prevents errors and builds trust.
Tip: Practice active listening—sometimes what a patient doesn’t say matters just as much as what they do.
2. Emotional Resilience
You’ll witness pain, loss, and tough moments.
Learn to process your emotions without shutting down or becoming overwhelmed.
Tip: Journaling, counseling, or debriefing with trusted peers can help keep you grounded.
3. Time Management & Prioritization
Real nursing = 8-12 hours of nonstop juggling.
Learning to prioritize care (ABC: Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and delegate when needed is key.
Tip: Use tools like the SBAR method and checklists to stay focused.
4. Humility and Lifelong Learning
You won’t know everything—and that’s okay.
Ask questions. Own mistakes. Be teachable.
Tip: The best nurses are the ones who never stop learning—even decades into their careers.
5. Advocacy
Sometimes, you’ll be the only voice a patient has.
Stand up for patient safety, dignity, and rights—even when it’s uncomfortable.
Tip: Know your hospital's chain of command and your scope of practice.
6. Cultural Competency
Every patient brings a unique background, belief system, and set of values.
Tip: Approach care with curiosity, not judgment. Ask respectfully about cultural practices.
7. Teamwork & Conflict Resolution
Nurses work in multidisciplinary teams—there will be disagreements.
Tip: Learn how to communicate assertively and resolve issues without ego.
8. Compassion Without Burnout
Compassion is essential—but boundaries protect you.
It’s okay to care deeply and still say no, take breaks, or step away when needed.
Tip: Practice self-care like it's part of your job—because it is.
Ian Hodge
CEO, Healthcare Consultant
5
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Ian’s Answer
This is a very insightful question. The greatest stressor for practicing nurses (or any clinician) is that healthcare is more of a business than it is healthcare. There is constant conflict between the quality of patient care and the business side related to policy, regulation, and reimbursement. The goal for hospital administration and medical providers is to find the balance every day. At the end of every day, we must ask ourselves if we did what was right for the patient. Did we provide the very best care to this patient today? The answer may vary from day to day but it doesn't mean you are not a good provider if the answer is negative.