Attributes of a great nurse

[Wise Guy]

-What makes a great nurse?

-Who is the greatest nurse you know? Who are they? What are they like? What makes them the greatest nurse you know?

-What makes a bed nurse?

-Who is the worst nurse you know?

I'm sure we all have our own ideas of what makes a great nurse. I'm interested in hearing other people's ideas, opinions, experiences, etc. I've spent a little time in hospitals in my life and i've met some really great nurses (few, unfortunately). I've also met some really ungreat nurses. I want to know what sort of things are important to people in this profession.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Interesting topic. I always ask these questions as part of job interviews. When I am looking for a job, I want to know that my new employer's views on the topic will be similar to mine.

I respect nurses who are both smart and caring. I want nurses who have lots of brainpower -- but also exhibit caring behaviors. In short, I want them to care enough to learn as much as they can to provide the best care possible. It's that combination that I look for -- not sacrificing either one for the other.