5 answers
Izabella
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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What are the most important skills healthcare clinic staff need to provide quality patient care?
I am a middle schoolerwanting to work in the healthcare clinic, I am looking forward to being a nurse. But I’ve been wondering if it’s going to be really hard are there any worst parts about being a nurse? How long would I need to be in school to be able to work as a nurse? Do they get really good pay? How do I make sure the patients feel well?
If there are any retired or working nurses that can answer this question that I ask?
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5 answers
Susana Appiah
MIDWIFE
98
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Susana’s Answer
It's amazing that you're already thinking about becoming a nurse and providing quality patient care! Here are some important skills healthcare clinic staff, including nurses, need to provide great care, along with answers to your questions:
Important Skills for Healthcare Clinic Staff
Communication Skills: Being able to clearly explain things to patients and their families, as well as listen carefully to their concerns, is essential for building trust and providing good care.
Empathy and Compassion: Patients need to feel that the healthcare team cares about them. Showing kindness and understanding helps make patients feel better, both emotionally and physically.
Attention to Detail: Nurses need to carefully monitor vital signs, medications, and patient history. Small errors can lead to big problems, so being detail-oriented is crucial.
Critical Thinking: Nurses must quickly assess a situation and make decisions, especially in emergencies. Being able to analyze situations and think on your feet is very important.
Time Management: Nurses often juggle many tasks. Being organized and able to prioritize effectively ensures patients get the best care in a timely manner.
Technical Skills: Nurses and clinic staff use medical equipment and technology. Being familiar with these tools and using them correctly ensures patient safety.
Teamwork: Healthcare workers often work together to provide the best care. Knowing how to collaborate with others, including doctors, patients, and other nurses, is essential.
Challenges and Worst Parts of Being a Nurse
Nursing can be tough, but it’s also very rewarding. Here are some challenges:
Long Shifts: Nurses sometimes work long hours, even up to 12-hour shifts, and can be on their feet for most of the day.
Emotional Strain: Nurses deal with people who are in pain, distress, or even death. This can be emotionally draining, especially when you form bonds with patients.
Physical Demands: Lifting patients, moving heavy equipment, or being on your feet all day can be physically exhausting.
Stress: Nurses often have to deal with many patients at once and make quick decisions. The fast-paced environment can lead to stress.
Dealing with Difficult Patients: Sometimes patients or their families can be upset or difficult to manage. Handling these situations with care can be tough.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse?
Nursing School: To become a registered nurse (RN), you typically need to complete a 2-4 year program:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Typically takes 2-3 years.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Typically takes 4 years.
After graduation, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed.
Some nurses also choose to go back to school for advanced degrees (like a Nurse Practitioner) which can take additional years.
Do Nurses Get Good Pay?
Yes! Nurses make a good salary, and it can vary depending on where you work, your experience, and the level of education you have. In the U.S., nurses typically earn between $60,000 - $100,000 a year on average, with those in advanced roles or specializations earning more. Nurses working in cities or high-demand areas may also earn higher pay.
How to Make Patients Feel Better
Listening to Them: Let patients talk about how they feel. Sometimes just listening can make them feel understood.
Comforting Them: Offering a kind word, a smile, or reassurance can make a huge difference in their emotional state.
Explaining Things Clearly: Patients can feel anxious if they don't understand what’s happening. Make sure they know what's going on and why.
Be Attentive: Checking in on patients regularly shows that you care, and it can help prevent problems before they arise.
Advice from Nurses
Some working or retired nurses would likely agree with this advice:
Don’t Rush the Journey: Becoming a nurse takes time, and it can be challenging at times, but the reward is worth it. Take your time to learn and grow.
Take Care of Yourself: It’s easy to focus on caring for others, but you also need to take care of your own health, mentally and physically.
Always Be Learning: Medicine is always changing, so be open to learning new things and improving your skills.
Important Skills for Healthcare Clinic Staff
Communication Skills: Being able to clearly explain things to patients and their families, as well as listen carefully to their concerns, is essential for building trust and providing good care.
Empathy and Compassion: Patients need to feel that the healthcare team cares about them. Showing kindness and understanding helps make patients feel better, both emotionally and physically.
Attention to Detail: Nurses need to carefully monitor vital signs, medications, and patient history. Small errors can lead to big problems, so being detail-oriented is crucial.
Critical Thinking: Nurses must quickly assess a situation and make decisions, especially in emergencies. Being able to analyze situations and think on your feet is very important.
Time Management: Nurses often juggle many tasks. Being organized and able to prioritize effectively ensures patients get the best care in a timely manner.
Technical Skills: Nurses and clinic staff use medical equipment and technology. Being familiar with these tools and using them correctly ensures patient safety.
Teamwork: Healthcare workers often work together to provide the best care. Knowing how to collaborate with others, including doctors, patients, and other nurses, is essential.
Challenges and Worst Parts of Being a Nurse
Nursing can be tough, but it’s also very rewarding. Here are some challenges:
Long Shifts: Nurses sometimes work long hours, even up to 12-hour shifts, and can be on their feet for most of the day.
Emotional Strain: Nurses deal with people who are in pain, distress, or even death. This can be emotionally draining, especially when you form bonds with patients.
Physical Demands: Lifting patients, moving heavy equipment, or being on your feet all day can be physically exhausting.
Stress: Nurses often have to deal with many patients at once and make quick decisions. The fast-paced environment can lead to stress.
Dealing with Difficult Patients: Sometimes patients or their families can be upset or difficult to manage. Handling these situations with care can be tough.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse?
Nursing School: To become a registered nurse (RN), you typically need to complete a 2-4 year program:
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Typically takes 2-3 years.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Typically takes 4 years.
After graduation, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed.
Some nurses also choose to go back to school for advanced degrees (like a Nurse Practitioner) which can take additional years.
Do Nurses Get Good Pay?
Yes! Nurses make a good salary, and it can vary depending on where you work, your experience, and the level of education you have. In the U.S., nurses typically earn between $60,000 - $100,000 a year on average, with those in advanced roles or specializations earning more. Nurses working in cities or high-demand areas may also earn higher pay.
How to Make Patients Feel Better
Listening to Them: Let patients talk about how they feel. Sometimes just listening can make them feel understood.
Comforting Them: Offering a kind word, a smile, or reassurance can make a huge difference in their emotional state.
Explaining Things Clearly: Patients can feel anxious if they don't understand what’s happening. Make sure they know what's going on and why.
Be Attentive: Checking in on patients regularly shows that you care, and it can help prevent problems before they arise.
Advice from Nurses
Some working or retired nurses would likely agree with this advice:
Don’t Rush the Journey: Becoming a nurse takes time, and it can be challenging at times, but the reward is worth it. Take your time to learn and grow.
Take Care of Yourself: It’s easy to focus on caring for others, but you also need to take care of your own health, mentally and physically.
Always Be Learning: Medicine is always changing, so be open to learning new things and improving your skills.
Ashlyn Smith, MMS, PA-C, DFAAPA
Physician Associate
6
Answers
New River, Arizona
Updated
Ashlyn’s Answer
Good morning and thank you for asking this question! I am not a nurse but am a medical provider. The greatest skills are empathy and active listening. I have found that these two things are the most powerful tools to developing trust and ensuring that patients return and are more likely to follow recommendations. I also find that I learn more from patients when we have this kind of trust. Best of luck!
Thank you, Ashlyn!
Izabella
Kazi Rubayee
Oriental medicine health professional, Acupuncturist, Holistic health practitioner
82
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kazi’s Answer
Great having a career in healthcare.
Education: start with associate then BSN, MSN. Also you need technical like computer literacy ,and soft skills. Communication skills, empathy, patient care also crucial.
Good luck,
Education: start with associate then BSN, MSN. Also you need technical like computer literacy ,and soft skills. Communication skills, empathy, patient care also crucial.
Good luck,
Thank you for replying!!
Izabella
babitha asha
Internal medicine physician
15
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
babitha’s Answer
Two skills are especially important:
1. Empathy and Compassion – The best healthcare workers don’t just “see” patients, they feel for them. This means listening without judgment, treating each person as you would your own family, and imagining yourself in their situation. When you approach care from that perspective, every decision is guided by kindness and respect.
2. Knowledge and Competence – Caring hearts must be paired with capable hands. Strong clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and up-to-date medical skills are essential to making the right decisions for patient health and safety. Continuous learning ensures you can adapt to new treatments and standards of care.
1. Empathy and Compassion – The best healthcare workers don’t just “see” patients, they feel for them. This means listening without judgment, treating each person as you would your own family, and imagining yourself in their situation. When you approach care from that perspective, every decision is guided by kindness and respect.
2. Knowledge and Competence – Caring hearts must be paired with capable hands. Strong clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and up-to-date medical skills are essential to making the right decisions for patient health and safety. Continuous learning ensures you can adapt to new treatments and standards of care.
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
160
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
I am delighted that you are interested in being a healthcare provider when you grow up. Yes, it can be a challenge becoming a nurse, a physician, a physical therapist, a pharmacist, an occupational therapist, a lab technician, a radiology technologist... but I can't think of any career worth pursuing that doesn't require some hard work and sacrifice. The satisfaction of knowing you get to help people because you invested that time and effort into learning your trade is worth it. Also, despite many taking on significant debt to get through professional school, ultimately the salaries are high enough to pay that off in several years and end up a bit stronger financially than most who do not choose to go through it.
There are levels of nursing, so I can't answer your question directly. Good thing is that you can keep on learning and growing throughout your life, or choose to stop at whatever rung in the ladder you feel is right for you. I strongly urge you to go to college, as it offers you a vast array of possibilities that are hard to attain without that degree. I still think that being in college was one of the most fun, wonderful parts of my life.
Your last question is about knowing if patients are well. The most important answer to that is how people describe their well-being. Even when we can't identify a clear cause, if a patient expresses pain, anxiety, malaise, exhaustion, or any other symptom, we take it seriously, and try to keep problem-solving to find causes and offer treatments that are based in science. Of course, during nurse and physician training we learn a lot of physical examination skills to help discern what is truly scary/urgent versus something we can take more time to understand.
Nurses are not allowed to order most diagnostic tests - that's the physician's job. If you were to train to become a physician assistant or nurse practitioner, you would be able to order such tests under a physician's supervision. We all know how expensive tests are, so try hard to use them wisely.
Best of luck to you.
There are levels of nursing, so I can't answer your question directly. Good thing is that you can keep on learning and growing throughout your life, or choose to stop at whatever rung in the ladder you feel is right for you. I strongly urge you to go to college, as it offers you a vast array of possibilities that are hard to attain without that degree. I still think that being in college was one of the most fun, wonderful parts of my life.
Your last question is about knowing if patients are well. The most important answer to that is how people describe their well-being. Even when we can't identify a clear cause, if a patient expresses pain, anxiety, malaise, exhaustion, or any other symptom, we take it seriously, and try to keep problem-solving to find causes and offer treatments that are based in science. Of course, during nurse and physician training we learn a lot of physical examination skills to help discern what is truly scary/urgent versus something we can take more time to understand.
Nurses are not allowed to order most diagnostic tests - that's the physician's job. If you were to train to become a physician assistant or nurse practitioner, you would be able to order such tests under a physician's supervision. We all know how expensive tests are, so try hard to use them wisely.
Best of luck to you.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Izabella