4 answers
Antonia
Student
Grayling, AK
3
Questions
Asked
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What qualities make a great nurse?
I'm working on becoming a nurse.
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4 answers
destiny tuck
Certified Nursing Assistant
2
Answers
Lafayette, Tennessee
Updated
destiny’s Answer
Hello! There are a lot of qualities that can make you a good nurse! The main thing is that you are EDUCATED about your field. Another thing is you need empathy. When working in healthcare these people need extra attention and help. Having empathy will make them feel better and feel more comfortable. You need to be caring and just be there for them.
Linda Corn
RN, CWOCN
13
Answers
Spokane, Washington
Updated
Linda’s Answer
Qualities to make a great nurse:
Compassion, empathy, listening, perseverance, wanting to learn all you can, learn people skills, how to talk to people. I was a waitress first, then a nurse assistant in a nursing home. It all helped to prepare me.
Learn to prioritize. Nursing school has to come first. Pray your way through and have supportive people in your life. Being in a study group
helped when I finally got through chemistry in college-pre-req for nursing school.
Compassion, empathy, listening, perseverance, wanting to learn all you can, learn people skills, how to talk to people. I was a waitress first, then a nurse assistant in a nursing home. It all helped to prepare me.
Learn to prioritize. Nursing school has to come first. Pray your way through and have supportive people in your life. Being in a study group
helped when I finally got through chemistry in college-pre-req for nursing school.
Karin P.
Lecturer
378
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Antonia,
Of course you need to be competent and know your "stuff". You also need empathy, patience, great people skills and communication skills. You'll need a certain level of assertiveness while being "likeable".
If you work in a hospital, you'll most likely work shifts. So, the ability to adjust to all kinds of schedules and work long shifts and night schifts is important too.
Also important that you are able to leave work at work, i.e. that you have a professional distance and don't let suffering and death, which are part of the job, interfere with your own personal life.
Good luck!
KP
Of course you need to be competent and know your "stuff". You also need empathy, patience, great people skills and communication skills. You'll need a certain level of assertiveness while being "likeable".
If you work in a hospital, you'll most likely work shifts. So, the ability to adjust to all kinds of schedules and work long shifts and night schifts is important too.
Also important that you are able to leave work at work, i.e. that you have a professional distance and don't let suffering and death, which are part of the job, interfere with your own personal life.
Good luck!
KP
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3811
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Antonia,
How Can You Become an Exceptional Nurse?
To evolve into an exceptional nurse, a blend of technical expertise, personal traits, and social skills is crucial. Here's a list of the key attributes that can transform a good nurse into a great one:
Empathy: An outstanding nurse is one who genuinely cares about their patients' well-being. They should be able to offer emotional support to patients and their families during tough times, demonstrating understanding and empathy.
Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is a must for nurses. They should be adept at active listening, explaining things clearly, and sharing complex medical details in a way that's easy for patients to comprehend.
Critical Thinking: Quick assessment of situations, making informed decisions, and taking appropriate actions are key skills for nurses. They should be capable of critical thinking, problem-solving, and adapting swiftly in a fast-paced setting.
Technical Expertise: An excellent nurse should have a solid base of medical knowledge and stay updated with the latest healthcare advancements. They should be skilled in various medical procedures and capable of applying this knowledge in practical scenarios.
Teamwork: Nurses need to work in harmony with other healthcare professionals like doctors, pharmacists, and therapists. Effective collaboration, information sharing, and contributing to a unified healthcare team are crucial.
Time Management: With multiple patients to attend to, nurses need to prioritize tasks effectively. They should manage their time wisely, delegate tasks when needed, and ensure patient needs are addressed promptly.
Resilience: The nursing profession can be physically and emotionally taxing. A great nurse needs to be resilient, capable of handling stress, and maintaining a positive outlook even under challenging circumstances.
Professionalism: Nurses should uphold professionalism in their interactions with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. This includes respecting confidentiality, adhering to established protocols, and demonstrating a strong work ethic.
Patience: Patients may have different levels of understanding or cooperation, and some may be in significant pain or discomfort. An exceptional nurse should be patient and understanding, offering support and guidance to help patients navigate their healthcare journey.
Adaptability: With the healthcare field constantly evolving, nurses need to adapt to new technologies, treatment methods, and organizational changes. They should be open to learning and ready to embrace change.
Referenced Authoritative Titles
American Nurses Association: "The Nurse of the Future: Core Competencies for Advancing Nursing Practice": This report provides insights into the core competencies that nurses should have to offer high-quality, patient-centered care in the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
Johns Hopkins Medicine: "What Makes a Great Nurse?": This article offers real-life examples and anecdotes from experienced nurses, supplementing the list of qualities that distinguish exceptional nurses.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing: "The NCLEX® RN Exam Content Outline": This outline ensures that the list of qualities includes the essential technical knowledge and clinical skills that are tested on the NCLEX-RN exam, a requirement for registered nurse licensure in the United States.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine.
How Can You Become an Exceptional Nurse?
To evolve into an exceptional nurse, a blend of technical expertise, personal traits, and social skills is crucial. Here's a list of the key attributes that can transform a good nurse into a great one:
Empathy: An outstanding nurse is one who genuinely cares about their patients' well-being. They should be able to offer emotional support to patients and their families during tough times, demonstrating understanding and empathy.
Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is a must for nurses. They should be adept at active listening, explaining things clearly, and sharing complex medical details in a way that's easy for patients to comprehend.
Critical Thinking: Quick assessment of situations, making informed decisions, and taking appropriate actions are key skills for nurses. They should be capable of critical thinking, problem-solving, and adapting swiftly in a fast-paced setting.
Technical Expertise: An excellent nurse should have a solid base of medical knowledge and stay updated with the latest healthcare advancements. They should be skilled in various medical procedures and capable of applying this knowledge in practical scenarios.
Teamwork: Nurses need to work in harmony with other healthcare professionals like doctors, pharmacists, and therapists. Effective collaboration, information sharing, and contributing to a unified healthcare team are crucial.
Time Management: With multiple patients to attend to, nurses need to prioritize tasks effectively. They should manage their time wisely, delegate tasks when needed, and ensure patient needs are addressed promptly.
Resilience: The nursing profession can be physically and emotionally taxing. A great nurse needs to be resilient, capable of handling stress, and maintaining a positive outlook even under challenging circumstances.
Professionalism: Nurses should uphold professionalism in their interactions with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. This includes respecting confidentiality, adhering to established protocols, and demonstrating a strong work ethic.
Patience: Patients may have different levels of understanding or cooperation, and some may be in significant pain or discomfort. An exceptional nurse should be patient and understanding, offering support and guidance to help patients navigate their healthcare journey.
Adaptability: With the healthcare field constantly evolving, nurses need to adapt to new technologies, treatment methods, and organizational changes. They should be open to learning and ready to embrace change.
Referenced Authoritative Titles
American Nurses Association: "The Nurse of the Future: Core Competencies for Advancing Nursing Practice": This report provides insights into the core competencies that nurses should have to offer high-quality, patient-centered care in the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
Johns Hopkins Medicine: "What Makes a Great Nurse?": This article offers real-life examples and anecdotes from experienced nurses, supplementing the list of qualities that distinguish exceptional nurses.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing: "The NCLEX® RN Exam Content Outline": This outline ensures that the list of qualities includes the essential technical knowledge and clinical skills that are tested on the NCLEX-RN exam, a requirement for registered nurse licensure in the United States.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine.