Manual Dexerity

[Big_Mike]

Do I need to have good manual dexerity skills to be a registered nurse?

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

To get through nursing school - yes.

[Cat365]

Maybe depends on what you want to do as a nurse. Also on what you consider "good" dexterity. I can't do majic or card tricks. Does that make mine not good?

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Not necessarily to work as an RN -- you would absolutely need it if working in NICU or vascular access (placing IVs or PICC lines all day). But in other areas like public health, maybe charge nurse in LTC, manual skills aren't so important.

As meanmaryjean said though, you will likely be practicing manual skills like injections, IV med administrations and insertions, catheter insertions etc. while in nursing school.

What do you mean by "good?" As Cat alluded to, you don't need the extreme dexterity that an illusionist has... but Parkinsonian type tremors would be a problem.

[Big_Mike]

Good dexterity that of a plumber or mechanic?

[Orion81RN]

Good dexterity that of a plumber or mechanic?

Im an RN. I have no clue what kind of dexterity it takes to be a plumber or mechanic.

As for myself, I've always had a slight tremor in my hands. Barely perceivable to others unless I drink coffee on an empty stomach. I can still manage to insert IVs, which, for me so far, has been the task that has required the most dexterity.

I was nervous going into the program not knowing if my slight tremor would affect injections and venous access. I'm very happy to say it hasn't.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I don;t know those pill packs will mess you up! Do I peel, pop, cut? I have to wear gloves to keep from shredding my fingers!

[kaylee.]

You need "average" manual dexterity to do nursing skills, so good in this sense means good working condition. There is no special qualities required.

I am comparing this to things that require some degree of innate talent...like Chopin or doing brain surgery...things very few can master...

Not so much...nursing motor tasks are in the "almost all can master" category, like typing...

[Cat365]

You need "average" manual dexterity to do nursing skills, so good in this sense means good working condition. There is no special qualities required.

I am comparing this to things that require some degree of innate talent...like Chopin or doing brain surgery...things very few can master...

Not so much...nursing motor tasks are in the "almost all can master" category, like typing...

I don't think it's that high. I personally am a very bad typist.