Nursing remains one of the most popular career choices within healthcare and has several features which attract people to it. This includes good rates of pay, a bright job outlook and the amazing satisfaction working in this sector provides.
If you are thinking of becoming a nurse or switching careers into nursing, it is also worth noting how critical certain skills are for people in this industry. It is important to develop these skills to excel in nursing and to offer the best care to patients.
But how can you do this, and which skills are we talking about?
How do aspiring nurses pick up the skills they need?
Before we take a closer look at the top skills successful nurses need to develop, it is worthwhile thinking about how you can go about it. The best way is to earn a nursing focused academic qualification. This not only helps you develop the skills you will need but also means you have the required qualifications to work in nursing.
The distance ABSN program at the University of Indianapolis is one course that is popular with aspiring nurses. With 100% online coursework and an accelerated 15-month timescale, this program is the ideal starting point for anyone looking to get into the industry.
It also arms graduates with all the knowledge needed to forge an outstanding career in nursing. So, what are the top skills nurses find most useful in their role?
Communication skills
As working as a nurse involves dealing with people, excellent communication skills are valuable. This will help you talk to patients in an engaging manner and ensure you pass information onto them in a clear, concise way.
Good communication is also important in terms of colleagues, as it means you can foster better teamwork with them and pass on patient updates in a way they understand. Nurse leaders also need excellent communication skills, so they can clearly explain tasks or new guidelines to their team.
IT skills
IT skills are something any aspiring nurse should try to develop. Modern nursing has undergone a digital transformation in recent years, and this means professionals within it need to be able to work with the latest technologies. From e-mail to electronic patient notes and the latest smart beds, it is essential that any would-be nurse is tech-savvy.
Calmness under pressure
Any role you fulfil in nursing will be busy and often have a lot going on at the same time. One top skill to work on therefore is being calm under pressure. This will not only enable you to think logically in stressful situations but also help you avoid making mistakes.
This skill will also help you deal with challenging situations in a calm, professional manner. If you combine this with excellent organizational skills, you should be in a good position to thrive in nursing.
Top skills for aspiring nurses
The above details the most crucial skills any would-be nurse should possess to succeed. If you can work on them before moving into the industry and continue to refine them as you progress in your career, you should find they come in very useful.
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