What skills does a nurse need in today's setting?

[alabama2]

I am just starting to take pre-reqs and will be applying to an accelarated BSN program. I am working on my application and would like to know what skills a nurse in today's world needs and see how these skills match up with the classes in the program. I am particularly interested in specific skills that will allow me to become a good nurse, what do you think these are?

[shock-me-sane]

critical thinking is super important. as are communication skills.

empathy, determination, good boundaries are going to be important in the working world.

now i am only a second year nursing student, so take it with a grain of salt. i can't speak to how well your classes are going to prepare you for these things. but i would say that speech class really helped me get a bit more comfortable about speaking in front of other people with confidence.

as far as your application. get awesome grades in your pre-reqs and volunteer at a hospital so you have some experience to put in your essay. also that will give you access to see things first hand.

[RebeccaJeanRN]

That's easy to answer: How about 6 arms, 4 heads, perfect feet, a love of paperwork, multi-linguistic talent, and the ability to turn one's sense of smell on & off at will ?

[RebeccaJeanRN]

Seriously, skills that will help you to be a good nurse: integrity (even when it hurts to admit a mistake), a good work ethic (procrastination will kill you in nursing school as well as on the job), a good sense of prioritization coupled with the self discipline to follow thru on it (meaning the ability to do the thing that MUST be done right now, when things are all around you that you'd RATHER do), an appreciation of the meaning of confidentiality, respect for people and the inevitable human weaknesses that contribute to the physical states we end up in, and lastly a good aptitude for math & science are a definite plus.