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Every hard working nurse needs to have a set of skills beyond what can be taught in medical school. In the nursing profession, strong personal skills are just as important as qualifying technical skills. Soft skills, often referred to as personality skills, are personal skills every nurse needs to be able to do their best. Patients are often scared, unstable, and in great need of guidance. By combining these soft skills with a strong work ethic, nurses can help their patients feel truly cared for.
- Teamwork
Nurses must be able to work well with others and enjoy being part of a team. Hospitals employ hundreds of staff members that work around the clock in rotating shifts, so it is important for nurses to be able to work with a variety of personality types. Through being genuine with colleagues and being there when co-workers need support, nurses can work as a team to conquer any situation that is handed to them.
- Professionalism
Professionalism is something nurses cannot work without. Through carrying out the duties of their job professionally, nurses positively represent the reputation of the healthcare institution they work for. An unprofessional nurse may lead patients to feel that they aren’t getting the care they need. A hardworking, efficient, and conscientious nurse will enhance the respect and integrity of the profession of nursing as a whole.
- Effective Communication
Being able to communicate clearly is essential in nursing. Nurses with the ability to express themselves to patients, doctors, and colleagues effectively will be able to collaborate well with others to achieve better outcomes and patient satisfaction. Spoken and written communication skills are necessary for nursing when it comes to properly exchanging critical information. Taking the time to communicate with empathy and understanding can make all the difference in the world when speaking with patients facing difficult challenges.
- Flexibility
The demands of a nurse’s shift constantly change with the medical situations at hand. Nursing and many other healthcare careers require far beyond the typical 9-to-5 work schedule. Flexibility is a vital quality for nurses to have, as they need to be open to covering extra shifts or staying later than expected at the drop of a hat. A nurse also needs to be open to learning brand-new medical skills. Through being able to work outside of their comfort zones, nurses can grow in their profession and bring needed comfort to their patients.
- Problem Solving
Solving problems is what nurses do best. Patients and co-workers alike depend on nurses to be ready with a solution for any problem that may arise. Having exceptional problem-solving skills enables nurses to be able to handle a high-pressure work environment that will expose them to many unexpected tasks. A nurse that is able to assess any situation with quick thinking and a strong sense of focus will be successful in safely providing quality care.
- Confidence
The last thing a patient dealing with an unstable medical issue wants to see in a nurse is a lack of confidence. Patients and co-workers alike need to feel confident in the abilities of every nurse on staff. Regardless of experience, nurses should carry themselves with confidence. Nurses that come off as incapable of handling serious medical issues can place patients, fellow staff members, and their employment at risk. Through being strong enough to keep a positive outlook through thick and thin, a confident nurse will help increase staff productivity, keep up with daily tasks, and save precious lives.
Nursing school may educate nurses on how to perform the best medical care for their patients. However, nurses who are truly caring and emotionally intelligent really shine. Remembering the importance of the six soft skills listed above can enable nurses to do right by their patients, their co-workers, and the career they have worked hard to achieve.
