What skills and qualities are needed?

[CarolineRn]

I am a student working on a project for school.

What skills and qualities in particular would you consider most valuable for a med-surg nurse? Pros and Cons of the area? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Also, may I have your permission to use your responses and link to your threads?

Thanks in advance!

[bellehill, RN]

Flexibility.

[PamRNC]

A med - surg nurse needs a lot of special qualities:

Flexible, Adaptable,

Able to switch gears quickly,

Inquisitive, Adaptable, Flexible,

Need a strong back, Must practice good body mechanics, Resourceful, Observant,

Studious (translate that as studying important things ie. drug books, policy & procedure, journals, etc)

Assertive (do not read as "know it all"),

Organized, Compassionate,

Have a "Jack of all trades" approach,

Open-mindedness,

Foreign language skills a plus (including the dreaded MD heiroglyphics)

A good listener, Patience,

Strong assessment skills (don't worry they come in time),

Courageous, good verbal skills,

the ability to translate medical jargon into understandable and useful (for the patient/family) pieces of information,

gatekeeper, inventive, inquisitive, flexible, adaptable,

Relaxed, Calm, serene (also takes time to achieve),

able to prioritize, and re-prioritize prn,

Fearless (at least in regards to computers, gadjets and numbers),

I know that there are so many more qualities, and its not like you have to have them all, or even develop them in any particular order. Sorry about the rambling - I'm just a wee bit tired.