Top Characteristics of A Great Nurse
As many of you know, a career in Nursing is extremely challenging, but very rewarding as well. For the last 20 years, the Nursing profession has consistently been ranked as the most trusted, honest, and ethical by Gallup.
Because Nursing is ranked so highly, it takes a special kind of person with a certain set of qualities and skills to be a Great Nurse.
Some of those characteristics are:
GOOD COMMUNICATION TO… EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Communication skills are necessary in almost every career, but in Nursing it’s one of the most important aspects of the job. It can literally be the difference between life and death.
A great Nurse must be able to effectively communicate with fellow Nurses, Doctors, patients, and their families. If not, patients can feel neglected, medical errors can occur and the entire unit will be impacted.
Emotional Stability
Nursing can be mentally taxing and experiencing traumatic events often takes a toll on you. Emotional stability is a trait that can be practiced and strengthened. It is a necessary characteristic for a Nurse to be successful in this career.
To provide ultimate care, Nurses must have the ability to control their emotions so they can accomplish the present task or emergency.
Ideally, you should have the tools to cope with your feelings and seek assistance if you need it.
Culturally Competent
Everyday Nurses care for patients from cultural backgrounds of all kinds. A culturally competent healthcare provider improves patient satisfaction and overall care by understanding and acknowledging a patient’s language, customs, and beliefs.
Team Player
A great Nurse not only focuses on their own workload, but understands that they’re a part of team that does whatever is necessary to ensure that all patients are taken care of. A strong team has each other’s backs.
Wants To Learn
The healthcare field is always evolving and requires continuing education throughout. There are plenty of opportunities to learn from experienced Nurses, preceptorships, mentoring programs and continuing education units (CEUs).
Flexibility
In healthcare, emergencies happen all the time which may require Nurses to work weekends, holidays and overtime, often without much notice.
Many Nurses like the fact that each day is different. You never know what challenges will arise. With that in mind, Nurses often wear many hats and must adapt easily.
Sense of Humor
In a career filled with challenges, you have to find the humor in the craziest situations and laugh whenever you can, with discretion of course. A good sense of humor can alleviate stress and help spread positivity to others. You are human and you need some feel good vibes to get through difficult times.
Organized
Often, times can be hectic on a unit. It helps to know where everything is and be able to easily access information and tools you need. An organized Nurse prioritizes their tasks as things change throughout their shift.
Time management is also a key organizational trait. You must stay on top of when medications are administered, the correct dosage of each med, and when patients need to be fed, bathed, etc.
