What Traits Make A Good Nurse?

Let’s be honest; nursing is not the career path for everyone. It is an incredibly demanding role that can be stressful at times. It takes a unique and capable individual to be a successful nurse today. So, what exactly does it take to be a good nurse? The necessary education and basic skills are no doubt important, but what sets good nurses apart from average ones are the intangible traits.

For any future nurses who are reading this, you might be wondering if it is possible to develop the knowledge, skills, and attributes needed to be a respected nurse at the same time. The right skills can be learned in a high-quality degree program, such as the University of Indianapolis online nursing program. Acceptance into their highly regarded curriculum allows the opportunity to develop the qualities of a top-tier nurse in today’s competitive market. On top of the hard skills that are perfected during one’s time in the nursing program, soft skills are also a point of major emphasis.

Part of the job is connecting and interacting with people, whether they be patients, visitors, or doctors. If you cannot communicate effectively, it will put you at a disadvantage. That is why effective communication skills must be one of the intangible skills that nurses possess. It is vital to be able to understand what a patient is experiencing when they are admitted to the hospital, as timely diagnosis and care can save a patient’s life. Nurses also need to ensure that everyone involved in patient care fully understands the health issues at hand so that the right treatment can be applied. On the list of essential qualities that nurses need to master, communication is at the very top.

Another key characteristic that ties in perfectly with being a quality nurse is showing that you care. If you go to a doctor’s appointment and the doctor barely acknowledges you and acts like they have better things to do, you would probably leave and find a new doctor. For nurses and all healthcare providers, showing that you care about your patients will put their minds at ease and build their trust in you. Anyone who is admitted to the hospital is likely nervous and scared, so be sure to demonstrate that you are there for them no matter what.

Branching from caring is empathy to be able to understand your patients’ experience and what they are going through. Making a patient feel like they are not alone in what they are going through will allow them to feel more comfortable with you.

The number of key personality traits that make a good nurse can go on forever. That is why it is important, above all else, to be a decent human being. In a profession where people depend on you for their lives, it is the least you can do. Any great nurse drives to take the best care of their fellow man or woman. At the end of the day, the humanity of a nurse is what is recognized more than any other degree, skill, or characteristic.