The qualities of a good nurse include being empathetic, knowledgeable, compassionate, motivated, communicative, flexible, supportive, goal-oriented, and assertive. Nurses also need to be physically prepared to stand for long hours, lift patients when needed, and report to locations quickly.
If you’re exploring becoming a nurse, you probably already have some qualities of a great nurse, like caring about others and wanting to make a difference. Some other attributes of a good nurse include:
- Being ethical
- Knowledgeable
- Communicative
- Compassionate and empathetic
- Flexible and adaptive
- Detail oriented
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field or 60 college credits, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, like the one at the University of St. Thomas, Houston, may be an ideal fit. Our students are compassionate, flexible, and empathetic, and our program is dedicated to empowering them to strengthen their qualities and incorporate them into their nursing careers.
What is an ABSN? Learn more about the accelerated nursing program at the University of St. Thomas.
Consider the list below of 13 qualities of a good nurse and see what it takes to excel in this rewarding profession.
1. Ethical
According to a Gallup poll, nursing has been rated the most trusted profession for over twenty years. The poll indicates that nurses continue to be perceived as the most honest and ethical professionals. That title is well deserved. Nurses need to be reliable, trustworthy, and have integrity. After all, they are charged with providing life-changing care to patients. They also need to make ethical decisions.
2. Knowledgeable
Nurses must possess extensive knowledge to care effectively for their patients. Students who graduate from the St. Thomas ABSN program enter the field with a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy, microbiology, and pathophysiology.
They are also taught the skills needed to be capable nurses and have experience practicing these skills in practical situations.
3. Communicative
Nurses communicate with many people during their day-to-day duties. Effective communication—regarding patient statuses to educational information to medication instructions—is vital to your success as a nurse.
4. Compassionate
As a nurse, you’ll treat patients experiencing various challenging situations. When your patients are upset or scared, compassion will be key in making them feel safe and cared for. When interacting with a patient’s family, you must be compassionate to form trusting relationships, build credibility, and offer comfort.
Do you have what it takes to become a nurse? Here are five ways to help you decide if nursing is right for you.
5. Empathetic
Empathy is all about putting yourself in your patient’s shoes. If you were about to head into surgery, it would comfort you to understand what to expect and how to care for yourself afterward. If you were taking a new medication, you’d want someone to make you aware of how it will affect your body. If you suffered from an injury or illness, you’d appreciate being taken seriously and listened to.
Treating your patients with kindness and empathy is vital to providing quality care. Empathy also comes into play if patients lash out because they are frustrated or scared. Putting yourself in their shoes before responding can help you de-escalate the situation and find a solution.
6. Flexible
Nursing is a job that will keep you on your toes. Nurses have to respond to urgent situations, and they’re responsible for wearing many different hats. Nursing is often unpredictable, and conditions can change quickly. Additionally, nurses must be flexible with their schedules to respond to their employer’s changing needs.
7. Attentive to Detail
Nurses must be detail-oriented, from keeping accurate medical records to observing a patient’s behavior. Just as communication is an important trait, it’s just as important that the information being communicated is correct for the sake of safety and efficiency.
8. Creative with Problem-Solving
Nursing requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Specifically, critical-thinking skills are necessary to gather information that may seem unrelated (such as medications for different conditions) and draw rational conclusions. Nurses may have to think quickly under pressure to troubleshoot patients’ needs. Those who work in triage are especially good at critical thinking. They must interpret diagnostic data to determine the next course of action in life-or-death situations.
9. Able to Advocate for Patients
As a nurse, you may find yourself in situations where you need to advocate for your patients. This may be in a family or domestic situation, helping a patient advocate for themselves or navigate the medical system, or even advocating for themselves when vying for a promotion or new position.
10. Assertive
Knowing when to be assertive as a nurse and how to do it effectively without being aggressive is important. For example, you may have to be forceful to ensure a patient follows instructions or a visitor observes visiting hours. A great nurse will be kind but comfortable setting boundaries and being firm when necessary.
11. Goal Oriented
Successful nurses with BSN degrees know what they want out of their career! Having short-term and long-term goals as a nurse is a great way to stay on track. Whether those goals involve advancing your career, earning new certifications or specializations, or just stepping out of your comfort zone as a nurse, having those goals in mind will help you be the best nurse you can be.
Wondering what you can do with a BSN? See 10 nursing specialties you can pursue as a career.
12. Motivated to Be a Self-Starter
Setting yourself up for success as a nurse means being ready and eager to do a great job. Completing necessary tasks without being asked, staying on schedule, and actively seeking professional development opportunities are all ways to be a self-starter.
13. Physically Capable
Nursing is a physically demanding job. You’ll need to be able to work long shifts, lift patients when needed, and move equipment. You’ll also need to be able to report to different locations quickly.
What are the steps to get into a nursing program? See how you can make the transition to nursing school.
Make a Bold Move for Your Future
If you possess the qualities we listed above, now is the time to pursue your dream of becoming a nurse.
Find out if you’re a good fit for the ASBN program UST by contacting one of our dedicated admissions advisors, who will help you take the following steps toward earning a BSN. With three start dates in January, May, and August, there is never a bad time to apply.