In your opinion what makes a great nurse?

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What kind of attributes should he or she have? If you were hiring a nurse what kind of person would you look for? What makes you successful as a nurse? What is you motivation for helping others?

Sorry, I'm just nosey! Ilike to understand peoples reasoning for becoming RN's. Thanks! God Bless!:)

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Someone who takes PRIDE in their work!

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Specializes in ER, Rural Nursing, Public Health.

Patience.... and LOTS of it

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Specializes in tele, stepdown/PCU, med/surg.

A great nurse is someone who worries about their patients and tries to make sure that everything is being done for them that can be done.

Of course my last couple of shifts have been psycho and I have to do everything as fast I can (trying to be safe).

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a great nurse aspires to the highest standards of care.

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A great nurse is one who finally gets to the point where he/she can see past all the hundreds of tasks at hand, to the patient as another human being, and talk to them as such. It's someone who finds just a little more to give deep down, remembers to keep a sense of humor, and doesn't take themselves too seriously. A great nurse is someone who takes care of the serious stuff in a skilled manner, then sits down and paints X-mas decorations with one of her patients. And a great hospital nurse begins thinking about teaching/discharge planning with the patient and family upon admission. (Big pet peeve of mine-sorry!)

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Thankyou guys! This is really interesting!:D

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Wow - you guys have done a great job! What a good list. The only thing I could think to add is a sense of humor - this will never let you down.

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Let me add something else...a great nurse can be an LPN also!

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Specializes in MS/Tele/Urgent Care.
Let me add something else...a great nurse can be an LPN also!

THANK YOU!!! My husband and I are both LVNs. We work our butts off, just like everyone else on the floor!! A great nurse can be over shadowed by anyone on the floor staff. A great nurse is one who appreciates and respects all staff - licensed and non licensed-, and their pt's. Give a pt a little respect and see how different they will treat you. A great nurse doesn't treat pt's like annoyances in their shift. In some way shape or form, that pt is a paying customer.

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A great nurse doesn't treat pt's like annoyances in their shift. In some way shape or form, that pt is a paying customer.

I totally agree! Many times our patient sat surveys come back with comments like "the nurse acted as if I was bothering her".

A great nurse understands that the patients are the reason we're there, and does not feel "bothered" when they ask for something!

A great nurse sees the bigger picture, and always demonstrates a kind, caring attitude toward her patients.

A great nurse cares about her coworkers, and is always willing to help when needed.

A great nurse stays calm and focused when the unit is going crazy.

And of course, clinical expertise is important too.

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A great nurse doesn't have time to gossip, back stab, or sit at the desk complaining about her job..... he/she is out DOING their job!

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