5 Characteristics of a Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses Should Have These 5 Personality Traits

• Critical Thinking Skills
• Emotional Stability
• Well-Organized
• Oriented to Detail
• Physical Stamina

Nursing is an in-demand profession, and knowing the five key characteristics of a registered nurse could help a person decide if this is the right career path for their skills and aptitudes. A person who wants to become a nurse should have all of these characteristics. Some of these characteristics of a successful registered nurse come naturally, while others can be honed or practiced for continuous improvement.

1. Critical Thinking Skills

Registered nurses must be able to efficiently evaluate patients and know when to contact a physician about a patient’s health status. They should also recognize when a patient needs a referral to a specialist or another type of healthcare professional, such as a respiratory therapist or occupational therapist. Nurses should also be aware of when to take corrective actions for a patient’s health status versus when to perform watchful waiting.

2. Emotional Stability

In a day’s work, a registered nurse will have to deal with a lot of stress. They might care for a patient who just received a diagnosis of a terminal illness. They might have to tell the family of a patient that the person is terminally ill or severely injured. Nurses may have to deal with irate patients or family members. Nurses also need to manage their feelings around human suffering. Dealing with emergencies can be overwhelming, and nurses must know how to manage the resulting emotions and stress.

3. Well-Organized

Almost all nurses care for multiple patients at the same time. They have to collect and maintain a lot of information on those patients. Nurses also have to keep supplies organized and available so that patients can receive optimal care. Many nurses supervise patient care associates and nurses’ aides, and they need to be organized about the delegation of patient care activities.

4. Oriented to Detail

One small error could lead to an adverse patient outcome, which is why a registered nurse has to be oriented to the details of their work. For example, medications need to be given in a certain way, such as with fluid or in specific time intervals. Some medications must be given on an empty stomach, and others must be given with food to avoid nausea. Nurses also have to keep track of a patient’s vital signs, such as their pain level and understanding or awareness of their circumstances.

Related Resource: 20 Best Affordable Colleges for RN-BSN Online

5. Physical Stamina

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical stamina is another one of the five key characteristics of a registered nurse. Nurses must be able to lift patients into and out of chairs and beds. They also need to turn patients to help them avoid bed sores and blood clots. Nurses must be able to work long shifts, which may last for 12 hours or longer. During this time, the nurse will be on their feet.

Many children dream of becoming a registered nurse when they grow up, and the aging of the American population and the increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases and disabilities means that there will be a strong demand for registered nurses well into the future. These are not the only important traits or qualities of a registered nurse, but they are essential to personal and professional success and satisfaction for this occupation. A person who has each of these five characteristics of a registered nurse is likely to do well in this career.