Develop these core skills for a thriving nursing career
Only a small number of occupations could match the purpose and mission of front-line health care professionals and the last few months have just underscored the value of a nursing career.
Nurses rely on a variety of skills, moving from technical to soft skills in a moment’s notice. At the heart of every nursing career is a relentless drive to care for those who need help; yet if you want a thriving career in nursing you need to develop seven core skills.
As with all professions, it takes certain skills to make your career more enjoyable and successful. However, being resilient in facing unexpected situations is the core foundation where all your healthcare skills are built.
If you are thinking about a career in nursing, it’s important to have a good overview of the types of skills needed and here are seven that will impact your health care career and keep it thriving.
• Multitasking. Nurses will be the first to tell you that multitasking becomes second nature as you work with patients, take digital notes, observe vital signs and monitor medications.
• Communication. The key in talking with patients, families, colleagues and assisting physicians with updated information is developing strong communication skills. Listening, building rapport, and asking good questions all lead to communication abilities. You’ll also be using your communication skills to simplify complex health issues into relatable terms that patients understand.
• Decision making. Nurses must constantly make decisions by gathering the facts and information to take swift action when faced with critically ill patients.
• Adaptability. One of the hallmarks in nursing care is the ability to change focus from one room to the next without skipping a beat. You could be working with one patient and quickly join a team, adapting to different types of personalities as well medical needs.
• Technology. Understanding how to utilize technology to keep patient records current, staying in contact with physicians and other personnel. As telemedicine becomes more frequent, nurses need to be comfortable with new ways of communicating and recording data.
• Empathy. Demonstrating empathy to patients who are anxious and undergoing medical tests respond well to those who show they care by listening to their concerns. The use of technology will improve research and seamlessly transfer medical records, but it will never replace the human connection of having another person show they care.
• Teaching. Being able to explain concepts, safety issues and new ways for a healthier lifestyle is a major skill when working with diverse populations. Your teaching skills can also be akin to training and as new nurses come on board your ability to teach and mentor is a skill you’ll never outgrow.
One of the exciting aspects of a nursing career are the opportunities to focus on different areas where you can use the skills you enjoy the most. Developing new skills throughout your career energizes the passion and purpose of being a nurse, always ready to help in a moment’s notice.