Eleven Traits and Characteristics of An Excellent Nurse

Nurses are a crucial part of the healthcare system and play a vital role in providing quality patient care. But that’s not all that nurses do. They are empathetic and cope with intense scenarios at medical facilities that entail debilitating illnesses and injuries. At the same time, they even assist in surgeries if doctors aren’t available or surgeons need extra hands.

Nurses are responsible for patient’s health, safety, and well-being – that’s a given. But apart from hospitals and other healthcare facilities, nurses also work in departments like medication administration and research facilities.

With higher education and experience, nurses can become leaders, which makes them stand out compared to those with primary education and knowledge.

Because of technological advancements, nurses must continue learning to survive in the ever-evolving healthcare industry. As per the BLS, there are an estimated 3.04 million Registered Nurses in the U.S. alone, with an average annual salary of $82,750.

But what sets apart an average nurse from one who is a standout? Here are some qualities.

Eager to learn

A diploma alone is not enough to lead hospitals; nurses need intensive education programs that prepare them for leadership roles within healthcare organizations.

Nurses with MSN degrees are more efficient and effective than those with a BSN degree. They are even more productive because they have additional training and experience.

In this e-Learning era, several degrees and programs are now accessible to advance your practice, especially for nurses interested in Gerontology. After earning a BSN, interested nurses can opt for online adult nurse practitioner programs to enhance career growth and professional development.

Compassion

Compassion is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is the foundation and highlight of the nursing profession. Nurses who genuinely care for others and empathize can put themselves in their patient’s shoes, allowing them to provide better care where patients can open up to them and discuss their issues without holding back.

Patience

Patience is a virtue. It also shows maturity, self-control, and respect for others. As a nurse, it is crucial to have patience while dealing with your patients because they may be hurt or even frustrated.

Patience will allow you to provide them with the care they need and to heal at their own pace without rushing them into surgery or other invasive procedures that could cause more harm than good.

Empathetic

Empathy is the ability to understand and sense the emotions of others. It is a critical component of nursing because it allows nurses to understand their patients better and provide them with the care they need.

As mentioned earlier, empathy also helps nurses connect emotionally with their patients, which can help them make better care decisions. Sure, most nurses develop empathy through training and experience; how nurses use this ability defines good care quality from average care quality.

Analytical Thinking

Analytical thinking is the ability to think critically and logically. Analyzing a situation and thinking systematically while using logic and reason to solve problems are all part of analytical thinking.

As a nurse, you constantly assess your patient’s health history, medication status, and other factors that may affect their health or recovery process. Then, identifying the facts of a situation will allow you to make more informed decisions to ensure your patient’s safety while providing them with quality care.

Effective Communication

When communicating with patients, nurses must listen effectively and respond appropriately.

Research studies have also shown that nonverbal communication is crucial when dealing with patients with cognitive impairments or other physical challenges such as dementia or stroke. Some examples of nonverbal cues include body language (eye contact), tone of voice (speed), gestures (touch), and facial expressions.

Emotional Strength

Emotional strength is a trait that is particularly important for a nurse to have. Nurses need emotional strength because they will be dealing with stressful situations, and there are times when patient care needs to take priority over everything else.

Nurses must develop this trait because it helps them stay calm and focused in stressful situations and work well with others.

Being Non-Judgmental

A nurse must have a non-judgmental attitude toward patients, regardless of their sect, religion, or background. This means that you must listen and understand your patient’s points of view and accept them for who they are.

Lastly, you need to accept your mistakes without getting defensive about them or making excuses for yourself. The best nurses can do all these things: listen, understand, and accept others’ viewpoints on issues without judging them.

Detail-oriented

Detail-oriented nurses know what needs to be done. They are organized, efficient, and can focus on tasks without distraction. They work hard toward achieving goals and meeting deadlines because they do not want to leave anything important. They also have a keen sense of responsibility for their work.

Leadership Qualities

A good leader helps the patient and team with their health issues and provides guidance and direction on how they can achieve their goals.

Leadership qualities are important because they allow nurses to make decisions in the best interest of the patient and team members.

Flexible and Versatile

Flexibility is the key to success in any career, and it is no exception for nurses. This characteristic is significant because of the many diverse jobs within the nursing field. You may find yourself working as an R.N. at one facility, then later transferring to another facility where you are responsible for providing care in a different department or area.

Conclusion

As a nurse, you oversee and manage almost every aspect of patient care. It would be best to consider all aspects of their lives and needs, including the environment in which they live, without being judgemental. As a nurse, you are responsible for ensuring that patients receive quality care without holding back on the fundamentals of your learning and experience.