Advertisement
|
Ten Essential Skills for a Nurse |
We look at some of the essential skills that nurses need to have to achieve a great career.
|
Nursing is a profession that requires a very specific set of skills, some that are taught in nursing school, others that are innate to the individual. If you want to become a nurse, its vital that you have the following skills to be successful:
1. Communication. Nurses must be able to read, write, speak and comprehend the primary language of the community in which she works. To serve as a health care professional, a nurse has to be able to communicate effectively patients and with the other members of the health care team.
2. Observation. To work effectively as a nurse, you’ll need to be able to observe demonstrations in complex procedures by teachers, physicians and other nurses, and accurately observe patients so that you can assess and evaluate patients’ conditions. You’ll need to use your judgment and all of your senses to adequately care for patients.
3. Intelligence. As a nurse, you’ll be required to calculate, analyze, evaluate and apply a wide array of information. You’ll be required to do complex problem solving, and remaining alert and attentive in class and at work is essential.
4. Motor skills. In addition to using high-tech equipment, nurses gain a lot of diagnostic information from patients through touch. You’ll need the hand-eye coordination necessary to carry out diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, as well as examining patients and executing medical procedures.
5. Social skills. Nurses need to have “people skills” – you’ll have to be emotionally healthy, compassionate and honest, and be able to use good judgment where the health and welfare of your patients is concerned. Nurses also have to be able to work well with others, as having a good relationship with co-workers is paramount, and be able to handle stress, make decisions under pressure and adapt to change and uncertainty while caring for patients.
6. Physical skills. Nursing involves a lot of walking and standing, and you’ll sometimes be required to maneuver patients in or out of bed, into chairs, onto gurneys and even up off the floor. You’ll need to e able to lift upwards of 100 pounds, as well as stoop, squat, kneel, reach above shoulder level, twist and bend. You’ll use your hands for a wide variety of tasks, and you’ll need to be able to communicate – through word, touch and body language – with patients who may be in pain or otherwise unable to easily comprehend what you’re saying.
7. Written skills. Nursing school involves writing a number of essays and taking written exams. Once on the job, you’ll be expected to write down patient information on charts, make notes about medications and patient behavior, leave easy-to-comprehend notes for nurses on other shifts and make labels for files, storage and other uses. A very basic ability to write is essential – the better your skills, the better nurse you’ll be.
8. Computer skills. Most of patient information these days is stored inside a computer. Your ability to feel comfortable with the equipment and use it properly is essential.
9. Adaptability. Health care is a constantly changing field, and your ability as a nurse to change and adapt to the new procedures available in the industry is very important. In fact, it could mean the difference between life and death for your patients.
10. Safety skills. Patient care is about carefully following instructions so as not to further hurt the individuals you are attempting to treat. Medical procedures can sometimes be dangerous, and your ability to recognize the risks and take the necessary safety precautions will help you, your patients, and your coworkers.
Nursing is an amazing field, and the lives you change as a nurse will forever become a part of you. If you're interested in the field, and you have these skills, you'll make an excellent addition to the profession.
|
|