10 Qualities A Good Nurse Possesses
What key qualities define a good nurse?
A good nurse possesses various qualities that enable them to provide high-quality care to patients and collaborate effectively with colleagues. Here are some key qualities that define a good nurse:
Compassion is given by acts of kindness . Empathy requires taking in the emotions of others, feeling these emotions too, and responding with compassion and care.
Compassion and Empathy
1. Compassion:
- Demonstrates genuine concern for patients’ well-being.
- Provides comfort and emotional support to patients and their families.
Compassion is given by acts of kindness, such as offering help, volunteering, or performing random acts like leaving change in a vending machine. Random acts of kindness can increase self-acceptance and social acceptance. Another way to learn compassion is by actively listening. Allow the person to speak without you interrupting (which is one I sometimes need help with). Do not judge; instead, focus on understanding.
2. Empathy:
- Understands and shares the feelings of patients.
- Recognizes the emotional and psychological aspects of patient care.
Empathy takes time and practice. It requires taking in the emotions of others, feeling these emotions too, and responding with compassion and care. Ways to encourage empathy are listening actively, being curious, always asking questions. Acknowledging the emotions you see the other people showing, and accepting the feelings that person is having, means you are trying to see yourself in the shoes of the person in question. This can be hard, take a break if you feel yourself getting angry.
Communication requires more than just verbally responding.
Communication Skills
3. Active Listening:
- Pays close attention to patients’ words and body language.
- Validates patients’ feelings and concerns.
To develop this quality, one should already have empathy and learn to listen actively. Communication skills help you process what you have heard and respond thoughtfully. Empathy helps with understanding the feelings of others, which helps create a conversation. Another way to learn communication skills is to pay close attention to the client’s (and your own) body language. Be aware of what they are saying with their body and what you are saying in turn. It’s important to know your audience and what their needs are, what they are expecting, what they prefer, and what challenges they face. Ask the client for feedback about what you have shared with them. LISTEN to what they say, and respond appropriately. Remember, most of us only listen to make a response, but this is not active listening.
4. Clarity and Conciseness:
- Communicates information clearly and directly.
- Avoids medical jargon when speaking with patients and families.
These skills require time and practice. For clarity, the easiest way is to talk like you would to a child, ensuring you do not use any medical jargon the client or child would not know. If you are writing this, ask the app to check for your writing grade level. It should be at the 3rd or 4th-grade level. Then, ask the client to tell you what they understood you to say.
5. Interpersonal Skills:
- Builds strong, trusting relationships with patients, families, and colleagues.
- Handles conflicts and difficult conversations with professionalism and tact.
As with every client, start building trust at the very beginning of your relationship when you enter the room for the first time. Introduce yourself and why you are there. Ask if they have any questions about what you are going to do. Proceed. Make sure to watch their body language for changes in how they feel. Validate any changes and adjust as necessary.
Ethics is more than following the law.
Professionalism and Ethics
6. Integrity:
- Adheres to ethical standards and practices.
- Maintains honesty and transparency in all interactions.
Professionalism and Ethics can be experienced through various methods, such as practicing accountability and adhering to written guidelines by observing others.
7. Accountability:
- Takes responsibility for actions and decisions.
- Admits mistakes and works to rectify them.
To learn about being more accountable, ensure you are clear in your roles and responsibilities. For example, I split tasks with Courtney, my office manager. Sometimes, I need clarification about what she and I are doing. Every now and then, something gets left out when it is time to do it. I have learned to write down all I am doing and all she needs to do. So now, everything is done.
How well have you retained the clinical skills you learned in nursing school?
Technical and Clinical Skills
8. Clinical Competence:
- Demonstrates proficiency in nursing procedures and techniques.
- Stays current with advancements in medical and nursing practices.
Clinical skills are learned and retained in nursing school. You would have to review the skills you learned in school, including the technical aspects.
9. Attention to Detail:
- Accurately follows protocols and procedures.
- Carefully monitors patients and notices subtle changes in their condition.
This quality requires you to ask questions and follow the checklist to complete all tasks. It also requires you to be detail oriented. If the trim on the building is supposed to be teal and you paint it orange, you would know you have to go back and fix it.
Critical thinking is now part of the NCLEX test.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
10. Critical Thinking:
- Analyzes situations thoroughly and makes well-informed decisions.
- Applies clinical knowledge to solve complex patient care issues.
Critical thinking is now part of the NCLEX test. The case study, with six questions underneath, has all the steps for thinking critically:
Recognize cues - “What assessments are essential for this condition?”
Analyze cues - “These assessments match which condition?”
Prioritize hypotheses - “What conditions do you think fit this condition?”
Generate solutions - “What are your options for solutions?”
Take action - “What action did you take?”
Evaluate outcomes - “Did your treatment help, or make the condition worse?”
11. Problem-Solving Skills:
- Identifies problems and implements effective solutions quickly.
- Adapts to changing situations and patient needs.
As an instructor in fundamentals, I told students in their first year that problem-solving and critical thinking can, and should be learned, just for nursing. But the longer I am around, the more I realize that a few other professions need the same qualities. Critical thinking is taking a look at where you are, and thinking about where that client could go health-wise. It then looks at what you will need, to be able to deal with symptoms and give treatment. Problem-solving is the same thing we use to solve a crossword or a picture puzzle. Does this piece go with this piece? If not, then which one? Does the pattern of this piece match this piece? This is all the same idea: problem-solving and knowing what comes next in conditions and complications.
Are you able to keep up with the demands of your nursing schedule?
Physical and Emotional Resilience
12. Physical Stamina:
- Handles the job's physical demands, including long hours and lifting patients.
- Maintains energy and focus throughout shifts.
Physical stamina is gained by working to strengthen your legs and endurance for standing for long periods, walking for long periods, and lifting heavy objects. You do all these things constantly while working a shift, some repeatedly throughout the change (depending on how many admissions or postoperative patients you receive on your unit). Before starting work as a nurse, consider going to the gym and working with the trainer. You can explain your job, and work with them to develop your stamina.
13. Emotional Resilience:
- Manages stress and copes with the emotional challenges of nursing.
- Maintains composure in high-pressure situations.
Self-awareness, recognizing and acknowledging your emotions, can help you understand that you can regulate them (emotions). Realizing you can grow or having a growth mindset is important for this step. Practicing gratitude can help you find fulfillment in the present and strengthen your resilience. Self-care and expressing emotions can help you unload and release the preoccupying thoughts. Negative thoughts can take over if you let them. Joining communities can help you prioritize your relationships.
Patience and Flexibility
14. Patience:
- Remains calm and composed when dealing with difficult patients or situations.
- Provides thorough and attentive care without rushing.
Reflect on the feelings and behaviors that trigger your impatience. For example, you might get upset when interrupted while doing a task. This happens a lot in nursing, so you need to have patience, not impatience—practice mindfulness. Stay in the now. What is going on right now? Be patient with yourself and practice empathy. Avoid using instant gratification. We come from a world of instant gratification. Wait and avoid the need to get a reward quickly, no matter the consequences. Set realistic expectations and slow down.
15. Flexibility:
- Adapts to changes in schedules, patient conditions, and healthcare environments.
- Works effectively in different settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and home care.
Being flexible in nursing is a must. When going through a shift, your plan for the shift can change with a new admission or a difficult client. If you are a travel nurse, expect to get last-minute instructions on what to do. Expect not to have access to some equipment like a glucometer or plexus. You must be able to work around these. It shows you can do your job with barriers and still do it correctly. Use other nurses as resources.
A nurse team huddle to advocate for a patient.
Advocacy and Leadership
16. Patient Advocacy:
- Advocates for patients’ rights and needs.
- Ensures patients receive the best possible care and treatment.
To learn how to advocate, you must know how to communicate effectively. Be sure to speak concisely. Ensure you understand your subject matter and can say with authority and conviction. Use your active listening skills to comprehend diverse perspectives and respond appropriately. Use networking to build a robust support system and expand your influence.
17. Leadership:
- Guides and supports colleagues, especially less experienced staff.
- Takes initiative in improving patient care and healthcare practices.
This can be learned through mentorship, taking on leadership roles, and seeking out learning opportunities. A mentor can help with the learning process in all of these situations. Find yourself a good mentor, one you know and can trust.
Learning doesn’t stop once you graduate.
Lifelong Learning
18. Commitment to Learning:
- Engages in continuous education and professional development.
- Stays informed about new research, treatments, and best practices.
I always want to learn and am always curious about medications, and new conditions and treatments discovered. Nursing is always a learning profession, especially in the area of drugs.
19. Curiosity:
- Demonstrates a keen interest in learning more about the medical field.
- Asks questions and seeks out new knowledge.
Notice things around you in the world. Ask questions about what you see. Go to museums and wander around grocery stores. Support trying to teach others and model curiosity by exploring the world. Practice active listening. Again, these qualities are interconnected.
By embodying these qualities, nurses provide exceptional care and play a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and healing environment for patients. This unique care can, in turn, contribute positively to their healthcare team.
A good nurse listening to her patient
From the above list, I picked what I believe to be among the top 10 qualities a good nurse should have. If you do not have them, start learning how to get that quality. As you noticed, as I went through how to learn to do them, many other attributes were in learning how to do them. They are interrelated.
1. Compassion
- Explanation: Compassion is fundamental to nursing. It drives the nurse to provide comfort and emotional support to patients, fostering a caring and healing environment.
2. Empathy
- Explanation: Empathy allows nurses to understand and share patients' feelings, which is crucial for building trust and providing patient-centered care.
3. Communication Skills
- Explanation: Effective communication ensures that information is conveyed between the nurse, patient, and other healthcare professionals, which is critical for safe and effective care.
4. Clinical Competence
- Explanation: Proficiency in clinical skills and knowledge ensures that nurses can perform medical procedures accurately and safely, directly impacting patient outcomes.
5. Critical Thinking
- Explanation: Critical thinking enables nurses to analyze complex situations, make informed decisions, and solve problems efficiently, which is essential in dynamic healthcare environments.
6. Attention to Detail
- Explanation: Attention to detail helps nurses accurately follow protocols and notice subtle patient condition changes, vital for early intervention and preventing complications.
7. Emotional Resilience
- Explanation: Emotional resilience allows nurses to cope with the stresses and emotional challenges of the profession, maintaining their mental health and ability to provide consistent care.
8. Patience
- Explanation: Patience is crucial for dealing with challenging patients and situations without becoming frustrated, ensuring that care remains thorough and compassionate.
9. Physical Stamina
- Explanation: Physical stamina is necessary to handle the demands of long shifts, lift patients, and perform physically taxing tasks, ensuring that nurses can sustain their performance throughout their duties.
10. Professionalism and advocacy:
Accountability:
- Explanation: Takes responsibility for actions and decisions. Admits mistakes and works to rectify them.
Patient Advocacy:
- Explanation: Advocates for patients’ rights and needs. Ensures patients receive the best possible care and treatment.
These qualities collectively ensure that nurses can provide comprehensive, compassionate, and competent care. Importantly, they also play a crucial role in maintaining the well-being and effectiveness of nurses in a demanding profession.
A good nurse caring for a patient and teaching a new nurse about a procedure.
How to Cultivate the Top 10 Qualities of a Good Nurse
1. Compassion
Volunteer: Engage in volunteer work to provide care and support to others.
Reflect: After patient interactions, reflect on how you addressed their emotional and physical needs. Identify areas for improvement.
2. Empathy
Active Listening: Practice listening without interrupting. Repeat what you heard to confirm your understanding.
Empathy Exercises: Engage in exercises that put you in your patients’ shoes, such as role-playing scenarios.
3. Active Listening
Focus: When speaking with patients, eliminate distractions. Focus entirely on the conversation.
Feedback: Ask colleagues for feedback on your listening skills and work on the areas they suggest for improvement.
4. Clarity and Conciseness
Communication Workshops: Attend workshops on effective communication.
Practice: Regularly practice explaining medical conditions and procedures in layperson's terms to friends or family.
5. Interpersonal Skills
Team Activities: Participate in team-building activities to improve your ability to work and communicate effectively with others.
Mentorship: Seek a mentor to guide you in developing your interpersonal skills.
6. Integrity
Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your actions and decisions to ensure they align with ethical standards.
Ethics Training: Take part in ethics training sessions or workshops.
7. Accountability
Own Your Mistakes: When errors occur, acknowledge them and take responsibility.
Continuous Improvement: Create a plan for continuous improvement based on feedback and self-assessment.
8. Clinical Competence
Continuing Education: Enroll in continuing education courses to stay current with the latest medical practices and procedures.
Simulation Training: Participate in simulation training to practice and enhance clinical skills.
9. Attention to Detail
Checklists: Use checklists to ensure you follow protocols and procedures accurately.
Peer Review: Engage in peer reviews to get constructive feedback on your attention to detail.
10. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Case Studies: Analyze case studies to improve your problem-solving abilities.
Clinical Rounds: Participate actively in clinical rounds, discussing patient cases and treatment plans with senior nurses and doctors.
How can you develop these qualities?
Tips for Developing These Qualities
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from colleagues, mentors, and patients to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Set Goals: Set specific, measurable goals for developing each quality.
Reflect: Reflect on your experiences daily to understand what went well and what could be improved.
Stay Educated: Engage in lifelong learning through courses, workshops, and reading up-to-date medical literature.
Practice Self-Care: Maintain your physical and emotional well-being to provide high-quality care consistently.
Join Professional Groups: Join nursing associations and groups where you can network, share experiences, and learn from others.
By actively working on these qualities, you will become a more effective nurse and enhance the care you provide to your patients. Share your journey and progress in our Facebook group and engage with fellow nurses to exchange tips and experiences.
To help you, I have placed a nurse quality worksheet to set goals within the insight kit for both the NCLEX and new nurses. All qualities work on this worksheet. You will use one worksheet per nurse quality.
Comment below!
Share your thoughts about the qualities that make you a great nurse! Do you think different qualities should be listed in my top 10?
Please comment in the comment section. Maybe someone else thinks the same thing and is afraid to speak up. Be brave and tell me what you need to know.
Share your answers in the blog comments to learn from each other.
