With the health care industry growing by leaps and bounds, nursing has become a lucrative career. Nevertheless, it is a very challenging profession. Nurses tackle numerous challenges every day, and it takes a great deal of fortitude to cope with the growing demands of this career.

Regardless of your education and qualification, the actual test of your skills will be when you begin working. A good nurse must have a positive attitude and the ability to administer the right medical care and support to patients.

Read on to learn more about the essential qualities of a good nurse.
Compassion

Patients in pain, distress, or grief often turn to medical personnel for support. Good nurses must have a lot of empathy to provide comfort to patients in their hour of need. Patients find valuable relief in the cheerful optimism and energy of a nurse. Your reassurance will go a long way in helping patients cope with their condition. It also adds a human touch to the impersonal atmosphere of a hospital.

Excellent communication skills
Nurses act as a liaison between doctors, patients, and their family members. Since you spend more time with patients, you should have excellent interpersonal skills. Nurses should be able to support the patient’s needs and communicate their relevant concerns to the doctor. A capable nurse can allay a patient’s fears and concerns and set them at ease by passing information in a timely and sensible manner.

Endurance

Nurses work long hours and handle various physically tiring and mentally draining tasks. When this is an ongoing process, it can be immensely exhausting. Nevertheless, nurses should have the endurance and stamina to cope with their various responsibilities. You should be able to rise to any challenge and put the needs of your patients first.
Motivation and ability to manage responsibilities
A nursing qualification offers a wide variety of career options. You can work in busy hospitals, provide home care, work at small clinics, or be a healthcare trainer. Some of these roles will suit your personality more than others. So, it is necessary to identify your strengths and choose work that best suits your personality and goals. Your work should be satisfying and motivating so you can give it your best.

Critical thinking abilities

Good nurses not only diligently address problems, but they also anticipate and prepare for it in advance. You will most likely face several tricky and unexpected situations during your career. When dealing with emergencies, time is of the essence. You should be able to think on the go and come up with practical, scientific solutions that can effectively address the problem.
Professionalism
Healthcare providers must respect and treat patients with dignity and respect. Regardless of a patient’s attitude or behavior, you should always be professional in your interaction. Maintain integrity and follow the rules when administering care or medication. Even if you disagree with the management or your peers on certain aspects, remember that you represent the organization that employs you. So, handle all your responsibilities with utmost professionalism.