At a hospital or other healthcare centers, you usually see nurses much more than you do doctors. Even though they may not be your main caregivers, nurses assist in a number of ways while you are in the hospital. Because of this, the nurse next to you should have all the skills and knowledge required for the job. That in mind, what skills do highly qualified nurses have? Shall we try and discover?
#1 Exceptional Communication Skills
Good communication is an important trait in a highly qualified nurse. Crossing the bridge between the nurse and the patient is made possible by strong communication. It is believed by the American Nurses Association that it supports mutual understanding and a close relationship between the nurse and patient. Besides prevention of medical errors, informing patients and giving them details they can comprehend is also an essential skill for nurses. In addition to being clearly understood, this also requires being attentive to what patients share and ask about. It requires nurses to join efforts with other medical personnel and specialists.Skillful collaboration with physicians, therapists and other healthcare staff helps to provide excellent patient care. A nurse who provides essential details properly and quickly is usually one who helps patients have the best outcomes.
#2 Adaptability and Critical Thinking
Nurses who are well-skilled can respond to problems that were not expected. It lets them respond in various ways according to the patient’s needs, preserving the high standard of care. Quick thinking demonstrates that a nurse is skilled and able to deal with complex situations. Experienced nurses are able to assess different situations, spot problems and come up with simple fixes. When they must, nurses are able to step outside usual nursing routines and explore new approaches. Quick decision-making is necessary in many situations, so this skill is very important. Those nurses who are flexible and use their critical thinking skills greatly help improve the way patients receive care. Refining and developing the key talents needed in nursing can happen by studying in nursing schools in Columbus Ohio.
#3 Empathy and Compassion
Daily Nurse mentions that having empathy and compassion is key to good nursing care. Qualified nurses do their duties well and also give special attention to patients. They are aware of how illness influences the emotions and mental states of a person and their family. Thus, empathetic nurses are motivated to do all they can to reduce patients’ pain and anxiety. Rather than only providing great medical treatment, they want to encourage trust and work together with patients. Listening, discussing patients’ fears and offering comfort when needed show the nurses’ kindness and medical skills. When a nurse has this kind of compassion, they help with physical problems and also see to the patient’s emotional needs.
#4 Commitment to Continued Education and Professional Development
Further learning and involvement with new advancements suggest that a nurse is dedicated to giving their patients the best care. It can appear as an effort to get qualified with advanced certificates, to take part in workshops or to update academic knowledge. Those nurses who grow their skills and knowledge positively influence the overall quality in healthcare settings. Because nurses are qualified and widely knowledgeable, patients get the support of those who practice established methods as well as the latest healthcare developments. If nurses want to reach a higher level in their profession, going from RN to MSN is a strong choice that allows them to specialize and advance within healthcare. RN to MSN programs are designed to support nurses in reaching family practice, education or administrative fields, so they can excel and introduce changes to their career. Workers changing from non-nursing jobs to work in nursing must be dedicated to more learning than others. The best choice for them are second degree ABSN online nursing programs. Graduates from bachelor’s degrees in any subject are able to enter an online accelerated BSN program to start a nursing career. Marymount University states that these nursing programs include online learning and clinical experiences. Thus, nursing students learn from practical experience before they start working as registered nurses. As your nurse studies from an ABSN program, know they have all the skills needed to support you.
#5 Attention to Detail and Thoroughness
Paying attention to minor details is very important in healthcare. Qualified nurses pay careful attention and are dedicated to checking all details in what they do. Properly gathering information about patients, handling all their drugs carefully and closely observing their condition can prevent mistakes and keep them safe. Nurses have to make sure medication is given correctly and that all important patient signs are tracked properly. When a nurse pays close attention to every detail, patients trust them and it helps make the healthcare environment safer.
Final Thoughts: Why Do All These Traits Matter?
A nursing job error at a Nashville, Tennessee facility cost a patient their life, according to KFF Health News. Often, this happens: the nurse had mistakenly given the patient the wrong medicine. It is said that because she was confused, she reached for the wrong pill. It is therefore obvious that this nurse did not have the right education or experience. As a result, how people and organizations manage these traits or qualities greatly affects sick patients in hospitals. Obviously, a patient does not want to be in pain because the nurse treating them is untrained.
