Do you have to be "super smart" to be a nurse?

mattsmom81 · Jan 31, 2003

The saddest coldest nurses I have worked with have super book smarts but zero heartfelt compassion and very little common sense. To care about others, remain professional, and survive intact in this profession is sometimes like walking a tightrope.

Being smart enough emotionally and intellectually to learn and grow, knowing when to say "NO" and how to keep healthy boundaries is essential but no, you don't have to be 'super smart' to be a nurse. Semi smart helps tho.

tattooednursie, LVN · Jan 31, 2003

Gee! I hope not!!!! I'm screwed! I do realize that I need to brush up on the ol'math shills before nursing school though.

Agnus · Jan 31, 2003

Average intelligence.

Smart, absolutely. The ability to put seemly unrelated knowledge and information together and use it to draw an conclusion. As well as understanding your own thought processes in doing this, aka critical thinking, aka independent thinking. The ability to intelligently defend your position.

Perserverance. Those who do not make it are easily disheartened.

School takes time every second of every day that you have.

Takes energy. Take care of your health. You need to to get thought school and then later to work.

SeptSue · Jan 31, 2003

All these years I always wanted to be smarter. Yet, in my job my co-workers and supervisors often complimented my work. I've been offered jobs because people said they liked the way I worked. What does supersmart mean? You have to care about people (your patients, your co-workers, just about everybody), you have to know what you're doing (and know when you don't know - so that you'll learn ongoing), and be able to listen/understand. I'm still trying to be smarter.

Sally_ICURN · Jan 31, 2003

If I or someone close to me were a patient in the hospital dependent upon the services of a nurse, I would want a nurse who is proficient in their field. It doesn't necessarily mean one has to be "super-smart," it means someone who is ethical, has my best interest in mind, is able to recognize subtle changes in my condition, and who realizes that they don't know it all but knows where to turn to find the answer.

We all know the Nurse is the primary caregiver in patient care. We are the six senses for the doctors, some have a seventh sense. It is more often than not that a patient's course is based on our findings and observations--both objective and subjective.

We must NEVER underestimate our important contribution.

~Sally :cool:

SandyB · Jan 31, 2003

Good study skills and test taking ability to get thru school. Caring, compassion and good coping skills to name a few, once you are out of school and working.

NurseGirlKaren · Feb 1, 2003

So many good replies. Yes common sense, yes reasonable intelligence.

Regarding some of the dolts that I worked with in a previous job, a friend of mine (who still works there) says "that's fine, they can keep their jobs, they're here to make me look good!!!"

BeachNurse · Feb 1, 2003

Good study skills and motivation are needed in nursing school...but to become a nurse you don't need to be "super smart". A combination of knowledge and common sense make you a GOOD nurse.

Teshiee · Feb 1, 2003

To be honest you must have common sense. I have had nursing students who made straight A's but didn't have a clue when it came to the clinical setting. I am not saying all students who makes A's are dingy but common sense is either you have it or you don't. Other than studying you will be fine.

mumseyllama · Feb 1, 2003

It's such a pleasure to have folks want to go into nursing. It scares me that most of us are getting on in years.

While you certainly need to be intelligent you don't need to be a whiz in calculus and organic chem. I think it's a shame there isn't more humanities involved in nursing programs since they make you a much broader,more compassionate person.

Nursing is a wonderful profession with great flexibility and opportunity to learn in so many different fields. And once you're hired your institution will pay for your continuing education!

I've been in psych for 18 years, am thinking of entering an OR internship and, despite its many pitfalls, find nursing a great place to be.

litepath · Feb 1, 2003

Woo hoo~~123!! Whats that mean?? IQ is what intelligence tests measure..a quotient. That high IQ tells you, you will probably do well in your pursuit of subject matter in school, but it doesn't clue you in on whether your dexterity skills, critical thing skills,or interpersonal skills are intact. And though those skills can be learned it still requires determination, desire and love.

...I like alot of the info given in these posts, but one of the sentiments that sticks out is Emotional intelligence!! You have it, your body is full of it, but can you access it?

School is the right time to expose any weaknesses you have. Become aware of those weaknesses, if any, and ask for guidance from peers or especially teachers. In the same light, capitalize on your strengths, help others with these strengths.

Don't forget, everyones a teacher, the student has to be ready!

Good Luck~~

Chiaramonte · Feb 1, 2003

I agree that dedication, hard work, and pure determination is more important than worrying if you're smart enough.

If you make the committment the rest will come in time.