Demand for nurses is rising across the United States. There were more than 3 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide in 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Also, BLS projects the number of RNs to increase 7% between 2019 and 2029.
Those who want to pursue healthcare career opportunities may want to consider nursing roles. Before you kick off your job search, you need to know which qualities are necessary to become a great nurse.
Want to Become a Great Nurse? Here Are 5 Qualities You Need
You won’t become a great nurse overnight. Instead, the best nurses constantly search for ways to develop or improve. They also possess the following qualities:
1. Empathy
Great nurses see patients for who they are. Rather than see a patient as someone in need of medical assistance, the best nurses dedicate the time, energy, and resources necessary to learn about each patient as an individual. They understand a patient’s perspective and find out why he or she is seeking out medical help. That way, these nurses can work with a patient to help him or her achieve exceptional results.
2. Emotional Stability
Working as a nurse is often like riding a roller coaster. There are many highs and lows in a given workday as a nurse. Through it all, the best nurses remain emotionally stable. These nurses know what to do if they feel overwhelmed and find safe, healthy ways to manage their emotions. This ensures nurses can stay focused on what’s most important: providing effective patient care.
3. Flexibility
There is no telling when an emergency will arise for a nurse. Regardless, the best nurses know what to do in a critical situation. The best nurses can shift from one task to another without notice. They are well-equipped to focus on the task at hand, complete it successfully, and move on to the next one.
4. Respect
The best nurses are respectful of patients and their families. They also treat their peers and superiors with respect. Great nurses want to provide top-notch patient care. By being respectful of others, they can help patients achieve optimal results. Plus, they can contribute to work environments where mutual respect reigns supreme.
5. Physical Stamina
The physical demands of working as a nurse can be significant. The best nurses can work long hours, many of which are spent on their feet. These nurses are physically able to handle the rigors of working in healthcare. Furthermore, they know how to take care of their physical health.
Want to Become a Great Nurse? Accurate Healthcare Can Help
The qualities mentioned above are must-haves for those who want to become great nurses. Of course, help is available to those who want to develop or enhance these qualities to land a nursing job.
Accurate Healthcare can help you pursue a wide range of nursing jobs. We partner with leading healthcare organizations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. In doing so, we can keep you up to date about the top nursing jobs as soon as they become available. To learn more, please contact us today.