7 Qualities the Best Nurses Have in Common
Nurses are frequently lauded as some of society's most caring and admired employees. In fact, nurses took the top spot as the nation's most trusted profession for the 17th year in a row in 2019!
Nursing would not have earned such a high reputation if it were not for the hard work of individual RNs who strive to make a difference every day. It takes a special type of person to be a nurse, and the best nurses share many characteristics.
7 Things the best nurses have in common
We spoke with nurses from various specialties to learn what motivates them as they spend their days caring for others. If you're wondering if you have what it takes to join the ranks of this prestigious profession, take a look at the traits, qualities, and skills that the best nurses share.
1. They are sympathetic.
Empathy is the ability to understand the emotions of others. “Great nurses have empathy for their patient’s pain and suffering in order to provide compassion and comfort,” says Sheri Harper, vice president of nursing at Action Health Staffing. “Expressing empathy helps build patient trust calms anxieties, and increases patient satisfaction,” Harper says.
Empathy, on the other hand, does more than just make people feel good: it can actually affect patients' health outcomes! Empathy has been linked to better patient care, with the journal Health Affairs writing that “by attempting to recognize and empathize with patients, providers improve the odds of successful health outcomes for them.” With such potential benefits, it's no surprise that this trait is common among the best nurses.
2. They are excellent communicators.
“Excellent communication skills are at the heart of nursing,” says Harper. “It is one of the most important aspects of the job, and it entails both speaking and listening.” On a daily basis, nurses must share complex medical information with patients and families. They frequently serve as healthcare translators, explaining complex topics in simple terms—and, on occasion, breaking bad news to patients in a caring manner.
This is no easy task, but the best nurses are able to provide excellent patient care by utilizing their written and verbal communication skills. “Study after study has demonstrated that good communication between nurses and their patients has numerous advantages. It can help nurses act as patient advocates and often results in better patient outcomes,” Harper says.
3. They are convincing.
Nurses do not always convey information that patients want to hear. They may have to persuade a patient of the best course of treatment, educate them on how to manage an illness, or teach them the importance of taking their medications.
As a result, this skill is regarded as one of the most important soft skills for nurses. This ability to demonstrate to others a different but factually sound way of thinking is useful in a variety of healthcare settings, from patient education in a clinic to making the case for additional treatment in a home care setting.
4. They have exceptional problem-solving abilities.
Nurses never know what to expect when they walk into their workplace each day. There could be an emergency, a complicated case, or a mystery illness with no known cause. With so many variables to deal with throughout the day, it's no surprise that complex problem solving is a required skill for nurses.
“No matter where you nurse, multiple problems will arise at the same time. It's up to you to stay calm and find appropriate solutions at that point,” says Jocelyn Nadua, registered practical nurse and care coordinator at C-Care Health Services. The best nurses can think on their feet and remain calm while making quick decisions.
5. They pay close attention to detail.
Patients cannot be cared for on autopilot. Nurses are in charge of reviewing and updating patients' medical histories, taking vital signs, and monitoring their ongoing conditions. None of this is possible without meticulous attention to detail.
“Paying attention to detail can sometimes mean the difference between life and death,” says Harper. “Nothing can be left to chance, from correctly reading a chart to remembering complex details of the patient's case.” If you are constantly noticing the little things in life, you should be proud of yourself for sharing this trait with great nurses.
6. They enjoy learning.
Of course, in order to care for their patients, all nurses must have the necessary training and medical knowledge. There are numerous routes to becoming a nurse, but they all include some type of nursing school and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
With so much coursework to complete, as well as additional skills specific to various nursing specialties, aspiring nurses should have a natural curiosity about the medical field and a love of learning. Because of medical breakthroughs and new technology, the healthcare field is constantly changing, making continuing education more important than ever. Some of the best nurses are those who are eager to learn more about this subject.
7. They are concerned about people.
Last but not least, the best nurses genuinely care about their patients. This may seem obvious, but not everyone who decides to become a nurse is aware of it. Because of the positive job outlook and earning potential of registered nurses—the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a 2018 median annual salary of $71,730 and projects RN employment to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028—this medical career may entice those who are only interested in the money.
However, entering this profession for the wrong reasons is not a wise decision. Nursing is a demanding profession that requires you to be completely invested in caring for patients in order to navigate the ups and downs of your job. “As rewarding as nursing can be at times, it can also be exhausting. Every day is long, and you're constantly confronted with new challenges,” Nadua says. The best nurses are those who can maintain their motivation by genuinely wanting to help their patients.
Related: The Most Interesting Facts about Nursing: Test Your Knowledge
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