Strongest Asset(s) for Nursing

Carolanne · Dec 26, 2003

I agree 100% -- the ability to care, to show genuine concern for patients and their families and a certain warm feeling that you get in your heart when you've helped someone. Most anyone can be taught to give meds and take vital signs, but I think the word nurse describes a much deeper emotion that ties up the whole package.

Erin RN · Dec 27, 2003

I probably would have said empathy when I was school but now that I have been out for over a decade, I would have to say objectivity. While it seems like a no brainer, it is not always so easy. As you gain experience and learn sometimes it is easy to jump to conclusions based on past experience..now mind you that can be a good thing at times but not so good at other times. Tolerance is also an asset for a nurse...in your practice you will run across many individuals that do not live their life the way you think they should and no amount of education is going to change that so you do the best you can. These pts will probably neer look up at you and say, Thank you..You also learn to be tolerant of fellow staff including MDs. In critical care areas, especially, when things get hopping sometimes personalities clash and the walls close in..learning to take the high road is not only essential to your own well being but also to your pts.

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Tinuviel · Dec 27, 2003

I totally agree with empathy. I also think logic and judgement are also excellent qualities in nursing. Many of the RN's I have worked with are absolutely brilliant in thier "book knowlegde", however a couple of times they havent been very logical in common sense decisions, but then again, that can happen to anyone after working 15 hour shifts !! I also think organization is important as well, and the ability to time manage your many duties while on the floor.

NursePru · Dec 27, 2003

I think empathy and multi-tasking abilities!

nursecompassion · Dec 27, 2003

Knowledge,Compassion, Empathy, Reliability, Ambition, and the ability to encourage and motivate other employees to do their best by setting positive examples.

There are so many things I think are important, I just don't know what to pick.

jules

RDH2RN · Dec 29, 2003

Originally posted by nursepru
I think empathy and multi-tasking abilities!

So, then, being a MOM already helps! Right? LOL

Angel

bluesky, BSN, RN · Dec 29, 2003

Originally posted by RDH2RN
So, then, being a MOM already helps! Right? LOL

Angel

I know THAT'S right :)

stressgal, RN · Dec 29, 2003

empathy, as well as vigilance

LauraLou · Dec 29, 2003

I think the assets that will help me in nursing are empathy, attention to detail, good communication skills and patience.

Rapheal · Dec 30, 2003

Crtical thinking. Being able to plan for care based on the knowledge you have about your patient and what should be looked at, what is a concern.

See alot of experience nurses who will look at you with a blank face when you ask them what is the patients' H&H when they are admitted for a GI bleed, or ask them why are we not asking for an order to hold scheduled PM insulin on a patient who has had

blood sugars under 50 every morning for 3 days. These nurses are good, caring people, but have not developed this type of thinking. It is a crucial element in nursing and it's importance should be emphasized. And I should add that critical thinking IMHO is developed, and I have made some mistakes(and probally a blank face of my own) by not having the experience to anticipate patients' potential needs.

suzy253, RN · Dec 30, 2003

Definitely empathy and critical thinking. With me it is also curiosity/persistence. When I started clinicals and was faced with many unfamiliar things, I would seek out my instructor and ask questions....lots of questions. I would go home and look up particular diseases in my textbooks to learn more.