a healthcare provider holding a patient's hand

Have you had a really good nurse - one who made you feel well cared for? Have you ever had a nurse who clearly was not as proficient, patient, caring or as helpful as they could have and should have been?

When I served on a community advisory board for a nursing program, the hospital administrators and nurse managers emphasized that nurses who had worked in food service or customer service made the best nurses. They had experience working in high stress and busy environments and had experience dealing with customers. Nursing is, after all, fundamentally healthcare customer service.

Students should do an honest appraisal of their interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. Are you patient with other people? Can you keep your cool in stressful situations? Are you able to give people great service even when they aren't treating you well?

During the workshops I would share that at one time I wanted to be a nurse or doctor, but realized that emotionally, I knew it would be too much for me to see people in pain, to lose patients and to see families lose loved ones. This realization made me decide that I could help people in other ways that wouldn't compromise my emotional well-being.

For those of you who think this is still the field for you, read on to see what other traits are important for nurses to possess.

Empathy: Nurses must be able to understand and empathize with their patients' emotions and experiences, showing compassion and kindness in their care.
Communication skills: Effective communication is crucial in nursing for conveying information clearly to patients, families, and other healthcare professionals, as well as for active listening to understand patients' concerns and needs.
Critical thinking: Nurses need to be able to analyze situations, assess patient conditions, and make quick and accurate decisions to provide the best possible care.
Adaptability: Nursing can be unpredictable, and nurses must be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances, patient needs, and healthcare settings.
Attention to detail: Nurses must pay close attention to detail to ensure accuracy in administering medication, recording patient information, and carrying out medical procedures.
Patience: Nurses often work with patients who may be in pain, distressed, or confused, requiring patience and understanding in providing care and support.
Physical stamina: Nursing can be physically demanding, requiring nurses to be on their feet for long hours, lift and move patients, and perform other tasks that require strength and endurance.
Cultural competence: Nurses work with diverse populations, and cultural competence is essential for understanding and respecting patients' cultural beliefs, values, and practices in delivering culturally sensitive care.
Teamwork: Collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, therapists, and social workers, is essential in nursing, requiring strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
Professionalism: Nurses must maintain professionalism in all aspects of their work, including integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct, to uphold the trust and confidence of patients and colleagues.

These qualities and traits contribute to the holistic and compassionate care that nurses provide to patients in various healthcare settings.