What defines a successful nurse?

[purplegal]

In nursing school, there is a lot of emphasis on preparation for the NCLEX. This makes sense, as it is the test that defines whether or not we actually become a practicing nurse. The "best" test takers pass in 75 questions, the minimum available. Then, after passing the test, and applying for nursing jobs, there seems to be an increasing demand for nurses, who, if they do not have them already, to obtain a Bachelor's degree.

However, do these things truly indicate how good of a nurse someone is? For example, I nailed my NCLEX. I passed in 75 questions, finishing in only a few minutes over an hour. I originally graduated from an Associate degree program. I obtained my Bachelor's degree quicker than many of my ADN classmates.

At the same time, though, I do not consider myself more successful than they are. Even though I know some people that had to retake their NCLEX, they are in more advanced, complicated nursing jobs than I am, and are still in their original nursing position. I, on the other hand, started out on a cardiovascular surgical progressive care unit which did not end successfully. I am now working in a very low acuity rehab center, where the main concern seems to be preventing falls. The patient to nurse ratio is fairly high, as sometimes I am the only RN for 13 or more patients, but the tasks to be completed are fairly simple and uncomplicated. Obtaining vital signs, blood glucose levels, passing oral medications, administering eye drops, transfers using lifts/EZ stands, pin site care and wound site care are basically all of the tasks involved. There are no trachs, ventilators, cardiac monitoring, IVs, tubes, etc. Not as many critical decisions are made on a daily basis.

However, one of my classmates, who took a year longer than I did to obtain her Bachelor's degree, has had great success on the unit that I had to leave after only three months. I would consider her more successful than myself. She is able to successfully care for both adult and pediatric patients with cardiac issues, patients with constantly changing heart rhythms, those with pacemakers and LVADs, chest tubes, and IV lines. I would also consider a classmate who, even though she had to retake her NCLEX exam, to be more successful as she is thriving on a thoracic progressive care unit. Additionally, even though I am an RN, there are some LPNs that I do seek help from, as they are very knowledgeable and good about transfers, repositioning, etc from their years of experience. I do not consider myself more successful than them just because my license is "higher" than theirs.

To me, a successful nurse is not necessarily one of those who passed their NCLEX with flying colors, has obtained a higher degree of education, or is even an RN. It is someone who does their job well, and can handle complex, high acuity situations and complicated skills and procedures.

What are your thoughts? Who do you consider to be successful and why?

[Libby1987]

That's a complicated question.

First I have to suggest, maybe obtaining your BSN right away pulled a lot of your focus that could have been 100% directed to learning you first job?

As far as what makes a good nurse, or a good performer in general. It depends on the job and skill set required. When you put in an emotionally mature person with well matched job responsibility, skill set and soft skills, that person is going to succeed. You put a big picture creative type in a position where the minute details are essential, they probably won't perform as well as they would in a problem solving position.