Health professionals: What makes a great nurse?
Asked by Well la-di-da
I'd like to hear from people already working along side nurses. What makes a great nurse? I know from a patient stand point it has a lot to do with patience, kindness, knowledge, etc. Does the same go from a professional stand point? Speaking from a work setting point of view, what qualities set some nurses apart from others? Please be specific if you can!

Best Answer:
A good nurse knows her duties - she has the skill to care for her patients and to rapidly and accurately access any changes in their status. A Great nurse - never forgets that being a nurse does not mean that you are above answering a call bell or taking a patient to the bathroom. A Great nurse believes in being hands on with her patients and doesn't feel the need to delegate everything out to other people. A great nurse never sees herself as above of better than the people around her -- every member of the health care team is important and should be treated with respect. A great nurse advocates for her patients. She goes to bat for them when she thinks a doctor is wrong and she is diligent in seeing that all decisions made for her patient are in their best interest. Finally, a great nurse is color blind, unaware of religion, doesn't care about sexual orientation, or any of the other things that might cause a prejudice in the care of the patient. All people are seen as on equal ground when under their care - and if there is something they cannot handle the professionally request that patient be assigned to someone can care for them properly.
15 years as an RN
Answered by Susie D

a nuse must know their duies as well as a DR because they can stop a DR from making mistakes
Answered by red top

Professionalism, good work ethic, good attitude, ability to deal with pressure from both patients, other nurses, and doctors, and an easy smile. I am a nurse recruiter. Skills can be learned, and, if a nurse has the above-mentioned qualities, the skills WILL be learned because she/he will have more of a chance to learn them by keeping a job. You just can't teach anyone work ethics, professionalism, or good attitude, and that's the downfall of many very skilled nurses.
Answered by Love My Hubby - Hate His Mom

A good nurse is an organized one. One who has empathy and sees a patient as an individual human being and not just a "PATIENT." A great nurse will advocate for his/ her patient and correct the doctor if he/ she makes a mistake, and will herself admit if she has made a mistake as well.
Answered by LANEY

1) Honesty 2) Ethics 3) Being on time 4) Avoiding personal phone calls, texting, etc. on company time. 5) Cleanliness of person 6) No over the top makeup or perfume 7) Spring in your step and smile on your face 8) Genuine interest in the field 9) Don't talk about personal problems on the job or have to leave too much due to home life drama 10) Willingness to learn and at least TRY to do new things.
Answered by keepcm

patience, kindness, knowledge, etc is the key. When people write letters to the DON or CEO it is never about the nurses abilities or technical skills. It is always about how they were treated. Customer service is the most important!
Answered by David W

Ive got the perfect site for you, they describe everything brilliantly. They look many aspects and requirements of jobs. So heres the link, and you choose which type of nurse you are considering. good luck!
Answered by Charlie Glebby