Whare are some of the people skills you need as a RN?

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What are some of the people skills you need as a RN? Any RNs you work with that lack people skills??? How are they like?

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Listening...

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Specializes in Medical Surgical Orthopedic.

You have to be able to not take things personally.

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Specializes in Cardiology, Research, Family Practice.
You have to be able to not take things personally.

LOL, Ditto! Besides that one, you need all the others too! :lol2:

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Well considering they do a lot if not most of their work WITH people I'd say not taking things personally, being able to make or be fine with small talk and not get angry if asked repetitive or remedial questions.

Let's see what other contributors say...

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Specializes in Obstetrics.

People skills and social skills are vital for nurses. Colleges and universities do a wonderful job of preparing nursing students to practice professional nursing, BUT there are a couple things that are impossible to teach. The first is to really care about people. No one can teach that. It must come from deep within. The second thing is that no one can prepare nurses for the incredibly difficult social situations that arise. We care for people from every country and culture. We care for the homeless, people struggling with addictions, anger, and abuse. Nurses must have a heart and with experience and support from mentors and staff, we learn to be REAL nurses.

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Specializes in WOC, Hospice, Home Health.

The ability to keep a straight face when someone tells you they "just spinkle a little cocaine into their cigarettes"

Seriously though, Keeping a straight, nonjudgemental face during interviews/taking histories/talking to family is one of the most valuable skills, no matter the setting. 'Cause people are crazy out there. And you need to be able to gain their trust to be an effective nurse, imo.

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-Good listening skills

-Thick skin (don't take things personally)

-Poker face

-Professionalism

-Compassion

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Specializes in hospice, ortho,clinical review.
You have to be able to not take things personally.

I find the best way to do this is to have empathy. Understanding they may be crabby b/c they're in pain and/or scared.

I'm really lucky too b/c on this unit you can share a good sense of humor without losing any professionalism. That really helps to balance out the other stressful parts.

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People skills and social skills are vital for nurses. Colleges and universities do a wonderful job of preparing nursing students to practice professional nursing, BUT there are a couple things that are impossible to teach. The first is to really care about people. No one can teach that. It must come from deep within. The second thing is that no one can prepare nurses for the incredibly difficult social situations that arise. We care for people from every country and culture. We care for the homeless, people struggling with addictions, anger, and abuse. Nurses must have a heart and with experience and support from mentors and staff, we learn to be REAL nurses.

That was really beautiful, jizzo.:flwrhrts::hrns&wlcm:

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Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

Patience

compassion

sympathy

empathy

recognition of one's own humanity

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