3. Qualities of a nurse
• Acronym- Qualities
• Q – Quietness
• U – Understanding
• A – Alertness / Ability to inspire confidence
• L – Loyalty / Love for the fellow men
• I - Inspiration
• T – Technical competence
• I – Intelligence and common sense
• E – Empathy
• S – Sympathy
4. the standard of something as measured
against other things of a similar kind; the
degree of excellence of something.
• Intelligence
• Caring nature
• Empathic attitude
• Detail oriented
• Emotionally stable
• Adaptable
• Hardworking
• Quick thinker
• Physical endurance
• Good judgment
• Good communication skills
5. Caring
. Many nurses who choose the nursing career path
prioritize job security, are interested in using it as a
starting point for another career, or have a lack of
alternative ideas/options.
But as a nursing quality, caring makes all the difference
to patients.
A nurse showing a natural tendency to truly care about
how their patients feel (and in turn, how well they
perform their job) will have a significant impact on their
success in the nursing field, which makes caring a key
indicator of a nurse’s success.
6. While it may seem like a given, most people
assume that all nurses enter the field because
“caring” is one of their leading qualities—but
this shouldn’t necessarily be an assumed
nursing characteristic
7. Communication Skills
Strong communication skills are critical characteristics of a
nurse. A nurse’s role relies on the ability to effectively
communicate with other nurses, physicians, disciplines
across other units, patients, and their families.
Without the ability to interpret and convey communication
correctly, medical errors are more likely to occur, patients
often feel neglected or misinformed, and the entire unit will
feel the impact.
By prioritizing and practicing communication skills, nurses
will provide safer care and benefit their patients, their unit,
and the entire hospital/health system—not to mention, their
long-term career.
8. Empathy
With nurses caring for perhaps thousands of patients
throughout their careers, it can be all too easy to become
desensitized or remember what it was like to be a
“nonclinical” person.
A characteristic of a good nurse is one that shows
empathy to each patient, making a true effort to put
themselves in their patients’ shoes.
By practicing empathy, nurses are more likely to treat
their patients as “people” and focus on a person-centered
care approach, rather than strictly following routine
guidelines. When patients encounter these characteristics
of a good nurse, it makes their care experience that much
better.
9. Attention to Details
Nurses are undoubtedly under immense pressure as they
balance receiving orders from physicians with using their
own knowledge skills and critical judgement to provide the
highest quality patient care. Add to this combination caring
for multiple patients simultaneously, and the risk for human
error can seem almost inevitable.
A good nurse knows the stakes are high and that unlike
in most other industries, they’re responsible for peoples’
well being and more importantly—their lives. Having a
strong attention to detail is one of the nurse personality
traits that can easily and quickly determine how
successful they’ll be in their role.
10. Problem Solving Skills
Problem-solving can be defined as a self-oriented cognitive-
behavioral process used to identify or discover effective
solutions to a special problem in everyday life.
Nursing is concerned with the psychological social spiritual
and physical aspects of the person rather than only the
clients diagnosed medical condition.
While clinical knowledge and training is taught throughout a
nurse’s education, on the job training is the most effective
way to help shape a nurse’s problem solving skills. And
although years of experience can help hone this skill, some
naturally possess better problem-solving skills as part of their
qualities and traits of a nurse.
11. Focus of nursing is on the needs, patterns,
responses, strengths or deficits of the whole
person interacting with the environment. Nursing
is assisting the client (individual person, family,
groups or community) solve his/her health
problems. Problems are the unmet basic needs,
barriers in normal human responses, health
status or self care deficits. These may be the
actual or potential threats to enjoying sense of
well being
Data Collection , Data Interpretation ,Defining
problem, Plan , Goal Setting , Identify Solution ,
Implementation, Evaluate and Revise Process
12. Contd…
Problem solving skills are essential to nursing,
as nurses generally have the most one-on-one
time with patients and are often responsible
for much of the decision-making related to
their care. Even seemingly small decisions can
have major impacts and cause adverse patient
outcomes if incorrectly made.
13. Qualities of a nurse
Good physical and mental health-
• The physical demand on nurses is perhaps one of the most
underestimated aspects of their careers. Within one shift, a nurse
lifts an average of 1.8 tons (roughly the weight of a hippo) with
patient lifting and adjusting. Additionally, studies have found that
nurses walk an average of 4-5 miles per shift.
• In an average 12-hour shift, nurses exercise a unique
balance of physical and emotional stamina that few other
industries encounter. Effectively managing this skill is what
makes a great nurse. This extremely important skill impacts
nurses, their coworkers, and of course, the patients. Having
sufficient stamina is one of the most important qualities of a
great nurse.
• Sound physical, mental and spiritual health will influence
everything which is done by the nurse.
14. • Nurses are on their feet all day, sometimes
12 or more hours at a time, and are often
required to assist patients with activities that
require physical strength Personal
appearance will have a strong influence upon
the work and relationship.
• A neat and clean, pleasant appearance should
always be practiced.
15. Qualities of a nurse
• Intelligence and common sense- Intelligence
nurse can identify the problems earlier and
provides holistic care to the clients by using
common sense
• Technical competence-Technical competence
allows the nurse to provide skilled, holistic
nursing care to the clients admitted with
various health problems
16. Critical Thinking
Strong willingness to learn is an important skill in a good nurse,
putting that knowledge into successful practice requires an ability to
think critically—especially in high-stress situations. A nurse with
highly functioning critical thinking skills is one of the most important
characteristics of a professional nurse.
Intellectual process of actively and skillfully
conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or
evaluating information gathered from, or generated by,
observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or
communication, as a guide to belief and action
Critical thinking is the ability to make informed decisions by evaluating
several different sources of information objectively.
17. example
I had a patient that was scheduled to go to get a pacemaker placed at 0900. The physician
wanted the patient to get 2 units of blood before going downstairs for the procedure. I
administered it per protocol. About 30 minutes after that second unit got started, I noticed
his oxygen went from 95% down to 92% down to 90%. I put 2L of O2 on him and it came up
to 91%. But it just sort of hung around the low 90s on oxygen.
I stopped. And thought. What the heck is going on?
I looked at his history. Congestive heart failure.
I looked at his intake and output. He was positive 1.5 liters.
I thought about how he’s got extra fluid in general, and because of his CHF, he can’t really
pump out the fluid he already has, let alone this additional fluid. Maybe I should listen to his
lungs..
His lungs were clear earlier. I heard crackles throughout both lungs.
OK, so he’s got extra fluid that he can’t get out of his body. What do I know that will get rid
of extra fluid and make him pee? Maybe some Lasix?
I ran over my thought process with a coworker before calling the doc. They agreed. I called
the doc and before I could suggest anything, he said “Give him 20 mg IV Lasix one time, and
I’ll put the order in.”
I gave the Lasix. He peed like a racehorse (and was NOT happy with me for making that
happen!). And he was off of oxygen before he went down to get his pacemaker.
18. Contd..
The ability to apply clinical guidelines and best
practices depends on a nurse’s ability to think
critically. While this skill can be improved over
time, it’s often something that comes more
naturally to some nurses than others.
19. Time Management
Balancing multiple patients, stressful care settings, and
competing priorities requires ability to implement effective
time management.
Nurse should be able to concentrate on the most critical
issues first, which isn’t necessarily the patient/family
that’s demanding the most.
Setting time aside for selfcare is also a crucial component
to time management.
20. Leadership
A quality of a good nurse that will become more and more valuable in
the growing nursing field is the ability to successfully lead.
While most nurses approach their careers with patient care in mind,
many will unexpectedly transition into leadership roles. Unfortunately,
it’s all too common for this promotion to arrive without adequate
training or sufficient support/mentorship.
However, if a nurse recognizes that their role isn’t perhaps the right fit,
knowing when/how to voice that concern is equally as admirable as
thriving in the role.
Exercising leadership skills in any role/level of the organization shows
a willingness to grow and adapt at one’s own pace. Mentorships from
nursing leaders can also teach invaluable lessons on how to become a
great nurse.
21. Qualities of a nurse
• Dependability and adjustability (flexibility)
Indepenent e.g. initiating intake and output recording. Interdependent e.g.
educating client about the therapeutic nutrition in consultation with the
dietitian. Dependent e.g. maintains intravenous therapy, carrying out doctors
order on medication
Nurse will depend on other health team members. Eg.
Depends on physicians orders and also adjust with the
situations and the personal.
People are unpredictable at the best of times, but
become even more so under stress, so a nurse’s typical
workday will require flexibility and adaptability.
22. Qualities of a nurse
Confident and Ability to inspire confidence-
Because of self confidence she is able to take
decisions and provide holistic care.
-Nurse with positive attitude and proper
explanations, with patience and maintaining
confidentialities of the client’s personal matter,
can inspire confidence on the patients and
family members
23. Qualities of a nurse
• Emotionally stable- Nurses feel the joy of seeing a new
baby born as well as the pain of losing a long- term
patient. Emotional stability is crucial to deal with the
wide range of emotions nurses must endure.
24. Qualities of a nurse
• Resourcefulness- Nurse should have rich
experience and adequate knowledge so others
can take correct suggestions from her and also
economy of time, material and energy
• Tact and poise- It is one of the important
qualities of a nurse where she will be able to
maintain stability and control the emotions
25. Qualities of a nurse
• Genuineness, honesty- Nurse should be
honest and humble.
• Loyalty - Not talking bad about institutions or
organizations where you are working
• Non possessive warmth and dignity-
Maintains dignity while giving care to the
client without imposing her feelings on the
client.
26. Qualities of a nurse
• Cooperation- She works cooperatively with
health team members is an effort to give good
nursing care even when there is conflict or
misunderstanding
• Professional responsibility-Nurse is
responsible for the care and treatment and
rehabilitation of the client
27. Qualities of a nurse
• Punctuality – The day begins with punctuality.
Nurse should adhere to correct timing in every
aspects of her life
• Impartial- No partiality to be shown towards
religion, colour, creed, language, background,
even when the personal prejudices are wrong.
Give respect to all the patients
28. Qualities of a nurse
• Gentleness and quietness – Withthis quality
she can handle the patients gently and
develops trust in clients and able to solve the
problem with quietness
• Polite, obedience and humble- With this
quality nurse develops rapport and gains trust
of the patient
29. Qualities of a nurse
• Generosity and sympathy- Sympathy means to feel
with others. Handle the patient gently. Speak to the
patient with respect and courtesy even when he
rejects your efforts in treatment and care.
• Accurate and empathy- Empathy means being able
to understand another’s needs and feelings putting
yourself in that situation and feeling
30. Qualities of a nurse
• Good listener – Listening to the patient’s feelings,
problems and understanding is one of the
important qualities that a nurse must possess.
• Self-discipline- there will be certain rules and
regulations for the way in which nurse’s lives and
works
• Accountable- she is liable to her course of action.
She has a duty of care according to the laws. She
is accountable for initiating any nursing care.
31. Sense of Humor
To derive satisfaction from such a mentally and
physically exhausting career, nurses that can find time for
a laugh are typically more successful in their roles.
Having a good sense of humor also helps spread positivity
to other nurses, patients, and their families.
A good sense of humor is not only a characteristic of a
nurse leader, but reminds patients and their families that
“nurses are people, too” and ultimately increases their
trust and openness with sharing feedback and concerns. In
especially stressful times, patients and their family
members are appreciative of any efforts (no matter how
small) to help bring a bit of cheer.
32. Qualities of a nurse
• Devotion and dedication- with this quality she
can provide optimum patient care without her
personal interests
• Selflessness- Patient service above personal
gain.
• Hard working -Nursing is a never ending job. It
is unusual for a hospital or medical canter to
be overstaffed, which of course means more
workload on each nurse in the unit.
33. Qualities of a nurse
• Immediacy in communication/ action- Nurse
must communicate immediately the
information to the client’s and family members
about treatment and diagnostic procedures
which are ordered by physicians. Sometimes a
fraction of second may mean difference
between life and death.
• Decision making- A nurse must be able to look
at a patient’s current state and accurately
assess what is needed, especially during
emergencies
34. Qualities of a nurse
• Sensitive confrontation- Should express the
disagreement of the client’s deeds
sometimes without arguments
• Good workmanship- A nursefull fills her
duties and responsibilities by coordinating
with other members of health care team.
35. Qualities of a nurse
• Courage- It means to be a brave. A
commitment to the profession and
competence in one’s own knowledge and
ability to practice nursing often will help to
give courage when it is needed. The
professional nurse must learn not to be afraid
at any situation met in practice.
36. Qualities of a nurse
• Courtesy – Nurse must be courteous and
understanding with patient’s relatives even when
they seem to interfere with nursing care.
• Concreteness in communication- nurse should
give information clearly and in the client’s
understanding level, ie client’s language
• Good administrator- Because of this, nurse
executes and evaluates the junior nursing staff
