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What knowledge and skills are required for nursing or the medical field?

Hey there I have always wanted to do something in the medical field since elementary school. The reason to me wanting to do something in the medical field is because I’ve always wanted to be able to help people who need it.Do any professionals have advice?

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Morgan’s Answer

Hi,

If you want to work in the healthcare field, I would recommend becoming a CNA/PCT first.. This is what I did, and I highly recommend it. It will open your eyes to the healthcare field. Becoming a CNA, helped me determine what path was best for me in the healthcare industry. By doing this, you can also see what specialty you like.
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Gina’s Answer

Hi Natalie! It's great that you want to become a healthcare professional. You'll need to learn many skills and gain knowledge, but most of this happens during your studies. If you decide to become a nurse, the nursing program you choose will teach you everything you need to know. To get a head start, consider getting CPR certified, taking a first aid class, and learning about emergency preparedness. Classes in human anatomy, biology, public health, and community health are also helpful for understanding the healthcare field better.
Thank you comment icon Hey! Im very grateful for your time and assistance on the advice given to me. This will truly help me in the future to pursue my career. Again thank you for your advice that will help me achieve this goal of mine. Natalie
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Carol’s Answer

Natalie to become a great nurse it takes a special person, dedication, and patience. Just pay attention, write/ take notes, and communicate with your peers.
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Ashlyn’s Answer

Good morning and thank you for asking this question! I am a PA of 14 years. 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.

Some other tips are involvement in the medical field on some level before applying--the more diverse your experiences are, the better. Some examples are:
-Athletic trainer
-CPR/BLS certification
-Shadowing various health professions
-Mission trips
-Local volunteering in a health-related setting such as a free clinic, Healthcare for Homeless clinics, or mobile medical care units
-Certified Nurse Assistant
-Patient Care Technician
-EMT

Ashlyn recommends the following next steps:

See what options are available at your school. I was able to obtain athletic trainer experience and shadow many providers through my high school.
Look for jobs that will support training--For example, right out of high school I was hired by a long-term care facility that provided CNA training. Later when I moved to the hospital, they were willing to give me the bridge training to be able to do Patient Care Tech work
Reach out to your local community such as friends, family, church, non-profits, medical clinics for shadowing opportunities
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Cheri’s Answer

Hi Natalie

It's great that you want to work in the medical field. To prepare, focus on building a strong background in math and science during middle and high school. Try to take classes like Biology, Chemistry, and advanced math in high school.

You might also want to take a Red Cross CPR or First Aid class. This will teach you basic healthcare skills and how to handle emergencies, giving you a glimpse into the roles of medical professionals.

High school is also a good time to develop "soft skills" needed in healthcare, such as communication, problem-solving, compassion, and the ability to listen and observe. No matter what area you choose, you will need to empathize with others and sometimes put your feelings aside.

A career in healthcare can be very rewarding. Keep exploring its various aspects and opportunities.
Thank you comment icon HelloI sincerely appreciate your time and guidance. This guidance will help me in the future for my career. Now I will prepare and know what to do for my future. Natalie
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Susana’s Answer

It's awesome that you've known since elementary school that you want to help people in the medical field! Some key knowledge and skills required for nursing or other medical careers, along with advice from professionals:

Knowledge and Skills for the Medical Field
1. Medical Knowledge

Anatomy & Physiology: Understanding the human body and how its systems work is foundational for any healthcare job.

Pharmacology: Knowing how medicines work, their side effects, and how to safely administer them.

Medical Terminology: Being familiar with terms and jargon used in healthcare to communicate effectively.

Pathophysiology: Understanding diseases and conditions that affect the body, how they develop, and their symptoms.

2. Clinical Skills

Vital Signs Monitoring: Knowing how to measure and interpret things like heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature.

Injections and IVs: Nurses and other healthcare professionals often need to administer medications via injections or intravenous lines.

Wound Care: Dressing wounds, cleaning, and preventing infection.

Basic Life Support (BLS): Having the ability to perform CPR and assist in emergency situations.

3. Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving

Assessing Patients: Being able to observe, listen, and evaluate patients to detect symptoms or changes in condition.

Decision-Making: Knowing how to prioritize care, especially in emergency situations.

Adaptability: Quickly adjusting to new situations or challenges, especially in fast-paced environments.

4. Communication Skills

Listening: A key skill in healthcare to understand patient needs, family concerns, and doctor's instructions.

Clear Communication: Being able to explain medical information to patients and families in a way they can understand.

Empathy: Showing care and understanding, which helps build trust with patients.

5. Interpersonal Skills

Teamwork: Healthcare workers often collaborate with doctors, nurses, and other professionals to provide the best care.

Patience: Especially when dealing with sick or upset patients, patience is important.

Cultural Competency: Understanding and respecting different cultural backgrounds and practices in healthcare.

6. Technological Skills

Medical Equipment: Familiarity with equipment like defibrillators, ventilators, and diagnostic tools.

Electronic Health Records (EHR): Many healthcare systems use digital records, so knowing how to input and retrieve patient data is essential.

Professional Advice for Aspiring Healthcare Workers

Stay Curious and Keep Learning: The medical field is always evolving with new technologies, treatments, and research. Be prepared to continue learning throughout your career.

Gain Hands-On Experience Early: Volunteering or shadowing healthcare professionals can give you a better idea of the work environment and what the job truly entails.

Develop Strong Emotional Resilience: Helping people in pain or distress can be emotionally challenging. Building mental resilience will help you handle tough situations.

Don't Rush the Process: Becoming a healthcare professional takes time and dedication. Stay focused on your education and career goals, but don’t rush the journey.

Take Care of Yourself: Healthcare workers often experience stress and long hours. It's important to maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout.

Network: Connect with professionals in the field through internships, volunteering, or school activities. Networking helps you gain insights into the profession and can open doors for future job opportunities.

Empathy is Key: Remember, at the heart of healthcare is the patient. Being compassionate and patient-centered will make a huge difference in your effectiveness as a healthcare provider.

Nurses and other medical professionals often emphasize how rewarding the job is, especially when you see the impact you have on people's lives. If you’re motivated by helping others, this field might be a great fit for you!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day Natalie! You shall need biology, chemistry, mathematics and English as fundamental prerequisites. In medical or nursing school, you will branch out into more specialized areas such as anatomy, biochemistry, medicine, pathology, and physiology. In personal attributes, you should be unselfish, have plenty of empathy, good communication skills, and attentiveness to details and directions. Carrying a notepad does help, especially when numbers are involved! Remember to keep a little bit of your resources in reserve, because these may be needed! Do not go without fluids, food or rest! Avoid sequential double-shifts of work, 'doing favors for pikers!'
GOD BLESS!
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