According to this source, most nurses have exceptional clinical skills they learned through their schooling and education. A competent nurse is knowledgeable about different disease processes and may estimate the adverse effects of drugs verbatim. But, soft skills are often traits that may not be taught. Soft skills are inherent elements of someone’s character and core values – although some folks might just be born with those qualities, others may create and master them. In this post, we’ve gathered together some of the essential skills that a competent nurse has.
Organization and Time Management
These two skills go hand in hand. Possession of organizational skills speaks to the ability to work effectively on the job. Nurses must have good time management skills to complete their regular tasks while maintaining a professional environment through interaction with staff, family, and colleagues. We should not miss the last-minute tasks or schedule changes. As physicians, we must adapt quickly, set new priorities, and organize and manage these changes.
Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. As healthcare organizations become more dependent on technology, it is essential to see that no technology can compensate for your empathy as a nurse. An empathetic nurse can connect with the patient by understanding what the patient is going through. They can acknowledge their patient’s emotional state, listen, and engage the patient with open, unbiased communication. Empathetic nurses can empower their patients to express their feelings, fears, and concerns about their healthcare.
Networking
The healthcare industry is all about collaboration and an interdisciplinary approach. Developing the aptitude of networking and working in groups, and contributing is excellent for career advancement and improves patients’ care levels. Perfecting your media skills will be beneficial, if not only for your patients’ sake but also for your professional career. The nursing world is small. You never know when you’ll apply for a new position, and a former colleague is the hiring manager. Networking can help nurses gain the foundational knowledge they need to take the next step for career advancement.