There comes a point in our lives where we all need medical treatment. Although doctors receive a lot of credit for performing life-saving acts of service, nurses are often the unsung heroes in so many of these stories. Nurses are there to perform all those tasks that ensure a doctor can do their job properly. From the patient's perspective, they are there to offer reassurance and care at a highly stressful time.
Choosing to be a nurse is a challenging career path, and a physically demanding job that requires a person to work long hours. It also requires a great deal of emotional investment when taking care of sick people on a daily basis. With that being said, there are fewer vocations in the world that are more rewarding than a career devoted to serving others in their time of need. If you are considering pursuing a career in nursing by completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or you are looking to hire a nurse to take care of an elderly relative, here are five essential qualities that any good nurse should demonstrate:
Balance
Nursing is a high-stress job. Nurses take care of people during their darkest hours, and it's important to be patient and empathetic. However, it is equally important that nurses don't let the stress of the job affect their personal life. This requires one to be highly equipped in both their private and professional lives. Balance is not necessarily a skill that comes naturally, but one that can be developed on the job.
Communication
Dealing with people day in and day out requires a nurse to have excellent communication skills. However, nurses also need to be able to liaise with doctors, social workers, and admin staff on a regular basis and convey important information clearly and discreetly at times. It is therefore important for a good nurse to have both good written and oral communication abilities.
Attention to Detail
The medical field is one where every small step matters, and overlooking something relatively minor can have dire consequences. Nurses need to have a sharp eye for detail. Whether it's about reading a patient's chart properly or remembering the details of a particular case, they can't take anything for granted.
Quick Problem Solving Abilities
Having the ability to mitigate a problem and to think on one's feet in an emergency are key qualities that any good nurse should possess. Preempting a problem will come with experience. A nurse should always be prepared with solutions when speaking to a patients' family or communicating with doctors.
A Sense of Humor
Nurses deal with sad situations every day, and that isn't easy. With that being said, they also help alleviate stress for their patients. Nurses should be able to mix elements of fun and humor into their daily work to take the edge off. After all, it's a combination of professionalism and lightheartedness that will keep one going through the tough times.
Being a nurse is by no means an easy feat. The skills required to do the job well are numerous. However, job satisfaction can also be tremendous for a person with the right personality to deal with the stress of the job. Without a doubt, the world can do with more nurses, so if it's a career path you choose to pursue, we wish you the best of luck.
