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Qualities of a Great Nurse: A Comprehensive List

April 14th, 2021
April 14th, 2021

Nursing is a career that provides constant challenges. Not only are nurses faced with new, stressful situations on a regular basis, but they must also uphold their responsibility of providing care for people in extremely vulnerable, unpredictable states. To handle the physical demands, the emotional anxiety, and the pressure of working in situations, nurses must possess certain personality traits, which we've listed for you below.

While these traits are typically innate, they can also be nurtured and developed through education and experience.

With burnout affecting almost two-thirds of nurses, it’s crucial that these personality traits be cultivated by leaders who understand the demands of the field and are willing to provide the tools and resources necessary for nurses to thrive. 


Essential Qualities of a Great Nurse

Let’s explore the traits of great nurses, why these qualities matter so much to patients and organizations, and how your team can build on their current skills and abilities to be the best nurses they can be. 

A Checklist of Nursing Personality Traits

Do individuals choose the nursing field due to their inherent personality traits, or does nursing choose them? There are certainly characteristics that come naturally to some nurses, which may have influenced their career choice. However, other skills and qualities must be developed, practiced, and honed, especially as nursing roles change and evolve over time. Our list explores the many distinctive personality traits that can be both innate and learned by nurses and healthcare professionals alike.


Compassion and Empathy

Compassion is the cornerstone of nursing, and for many years, it was believed that compassion and empathy were innate traits that a person either possessed or lacked. We know now that, to a certain extent, compassion can be developed and taught, so much so that learning about empathy is now an important part of nurse education.


Strong Communication Skills

Nurses operate in an environment where constant communication is essential — whether with patients, families, peers, or leaders. Because of this, it’s crucial for them to understand how to effectively communicate with different audiences. Remember, communication is a two-way street; to foster excellent workplace communication, it’s important to set clear expectations for new nurses. Being transparent about these expectations will provide a strong example and help them adopt best practices.


Attention to Detail

Overlooking even minor details as a nurse can have a serious and far-reaching impact. If it happens consistently, it can be career damaging and even harmful to others. Equipping nurses with the right tools they need to do their job will help them hone their attention to detail and ensure they don’t miss the small stuff, leading to fewer medical errors and a reduction in preventable mistakes.


Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Nurses frequently love what they do and think of their career as a calling. Even so, they face numerous daily challenges and problems they will need to overcome. These obstacles, whether minor or major, require critical thinking and analysis to solve. This is, fortunately, a skillset that, with commitment and experience, can be developed and grown over time.


Emotional Resilience and Stress Management

As previously mentioned, burnout rates among nurses are disturbingly high, and they’re on an upward trend. The COVID-19 pandemic may have been the catalyst for many nurses experiencing burnout symptoms, but it shone a spotlight on what was a pre-existing condition. Working on skills like emotional resilience and stress management will help nurses avoid extreme burnout and prepare them for everyday challenges and extraordinary situations.


Adaptability and Flexibility

The healthcare field is always changing, and nurses will need to be flexible enough to change with it. In addition to adapting to the unique needs of patients, they will also need to be prepared to meet the evolving regulatory demands of the industry. Being able to “go with the flow” will help them adapt to these changes while maintaining their positivity.


Strong Ethics and Integrity

Ethics are an absolute must in the medical field, and working with integrity is something that will be expected of every nurse. However, within the world of healthcare, not every situation is black and white. Nurses will need to develop their own personal ethical standards and be comfortable speaking up when something feels wrong or off. Building a relationship with leaders based on mutual trust and respect will help them refine their ethics and empower them to uplift other nurses as well.


Physical Endurance and Stamina

Nursing can be an exhausting job, with most nurses working on their feet for their entire shift. Good shoes can go a long way, but nurses will also need to have the physical and emotional stamina to carry them through the most straining times. Nurses should be prepared to lift hefty objects and people, move large mechanical beds, push heavy carts, and walk throughout most of their shifts. While nurses don’t necessarily have to be athletes, they do need to be able to perform these physical duties without putting their physical well-being — or anyone else’s — at risk.


Patience and Perseverance

Meeting the physical demands of a nurse’s job requires perseverance, and meeting the emotional and mental demands requires extraordinary amounts of patience. Nurses must be prepared to compassionately communicate with patients, loved ones, colleagues, and supervisors, and they must stay focused on the job — even in the most challenging of circumstances.


Teamwork and Collaboration Skills

Fortunately, no nurse is an island. Most nurses have supportive teams of peers and leaders they can rely on in their roles. However, some nurses may be resistant to seeking help from others, so developing their collaboration skills is a must. Focusing on teamwork can also help reduce the risk of burnout, especially when nurses feel supported by their supervisors and have colleagues who share their goals.


Dedication to Continuous Learning

Nurses are lifelong learners. For some, this trait comes naturally, while for others, it may require more effort. Fortunately, the need to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain licensure and pursue additional credentials or specialized certifications can foster a continuous desire for knowledge. A leadership team should prioritize career development, recognizing that it not only enhances patient care but also contributes to the organization’s overall success.


Cultural Competence and Inclusivity

Inclusivity in the workplace matters more than ever, and great nurses will need to understand how important it is to be culturally sensitive toward patients, families, and peers. This skill is part emotional intelligence and part professional ethics, as it requires nurses to feel empathy while not exhibiting a preference for one population over another.


Beyond Great: Characteristics of The Best Nurses

While the skills above are essential for any nurse, those who go above and beyond know there’s always room for growth and improvement. Consider some of these other essential skills and personality traits exhibited by nurses who are the best of the best:

Dedication to Nursing: Most individuals do not choose a nursing career without careful consideration or passion for the job. However, it’s easy for that passion to diminish over time. It takes effort to nurture a dedication to nursing, even through the toughest adversities, and those who can are great assets to any nursing team.

Commitment to Patient Advocacy: Nurses often serve as the voice of their patients, advocating for their needs and ensuring that even those who cannot communicate for themselves are heard and supported. A high-quality nursing team is made up of professionals who are deeply committed to prioritizing their patients’ well-being and advocating for their unique needs.

Anticipatory Focus: Nurses must be forward-thinking, proactive, and detail-oriented when it comes to meeting unexpected challenges in the workplace. This includes anticipating and being ready to meet patient needs on a regular basis without second-guessing themselves.

Listening Skills: We’ve already mentioned communication skills, but many people often forget that communication isn’t just about speaking — it’s about listening as well. In fact, for nurses, listening may be the most critical part of effective communication. They must be able to listen to supervisors and leaders but also listen to patients, family members, and colleagues.

Time Management: Time management skills can be developed but may also come from lived experience. Patient care demands time, but it must be split over multiple patients and many other demands. Learning how to balance that time on the job while still maintaining some semblance of work/life balance and self-care is an important skill for all nurses.

Leadership: Defining nursing leadership isn’t always easy, but it is an important trait that helps inspire others while building workplace culture. Some nurses are natural leaders, while others need to develop leadership skills over time.

Humility: There is a fine balance between being humble and being self-conscious. A great nurse must be confident in their abilities without being self-centered or cocky.

Servanthood Orientation: This can be a tricky trait to define, but it seems that most nurses lean toward an attitude of service and work hard to meet the needs of their patients. This is tied to compassion and empathy, as well as professional ethics.

Imagination and Creativity: Nursing may not always seem like a creative job, but the issues and challenges that nurses are sure to encounter will require imagination and creativity to find solutions.

Forward-Thinking: Nurses must be ready for an uncertain future when it comes to the nursing industry. As technology changes, nurses who embrace innovation and are quick to adopt new software and ways of performing their job duties will be the most satisfied and have the easiest experience in adapting to future challenges.


Tips for Developing These Qualities of a Good Nurse

Many of these personality traits are ingrained in the individual, but all of them can be taught, developed, and strengthened. Most of the time, this takes strong leadership from the top and someone who understands that a supported nurse is a great asset. Here are what leaders can do to promote and enhance these characteristics in the nurses on their team:


  • Use a feedforward approach rather than feedback: Instead of focusing on past performance, use a feedforward approach that emphasizes future growth and improvement. This approach is often more constructive and less likely to be perceived as criticism, helping nurses feel supported and encouraged.
  • Encourage open dialogue and listen to nurses' insights: Actively seek opinions and feedback from nurses and create a safe, nonjudgmental space for them to voice their concerns. By genuinely listening to their insights, leaders can address potential issues early and make nurses feel valued.
  • Prioritize a positive work culture: A healthy work culture boosts both retention and job satisfaction. Leaders should foster a supportive and collaborative environment that encourages teamwork, respect, and a sense of belonging among nursing staff.
  • Invest in nurses' career development: Support nurses in pursuing continuing education, advanced training, and specialty certifications. This commitment to professional growth not only enhances nurses' skills but also demonstrates that their long-term career advancement is valued by the leadership team.
  • Implement helpful technology and software: Regularly explore and adopt technology solutions that can improve accuracy, reduce errors, and streamline workflow. By introducing tools that make tasks easier, leaders enable nurses to focus on delivering the best care possible.
  • Offer flexible and accessible educational opportunities: Provide educational resources that accommodate nurses’ schedules and preferred learning styles. When training is accessible and thoughtfully designed, it becomes a positive experience that builds skills without adding unnecessary stress.

How These Qualities Impact Patient Outcomes and Healthcare Teams

The qualities of a good nurse vary by individual, but their significant impact on healthcare facilities and patients is universal:


For Patient Outcomes

Patients benefit greatly from nurses who are well-educated, compassionate, and strong advocates for their needs. When nurses receive support and have their skills nurtured, they become more confident and effective in their roles, leading to significantly better patient outcomes. Additionally, patient satisfaction rises dramatically when nursing skills are developed, demonstrating that patients and their loved ones feel heard, seen, and cared for.


For Healthcare Teams

Nurses usually work together to achieve common goals. When they are supported by a leadership team that understands their needs, concerns, and ambitions, they feel more comfortable and confident in their roles. They also provide support to one another and are more willing to share both the challenges and successes for the benefit of the team. This collaboration positively impacts the workplace environment and fosters a strong culture where standards are upheld, and attitudes remain positive.


How HealthStream Helps Develop Great Nurses

What do all these skills and qualities of outstanding nurses lead to? Confidence. Competency. Not to mention clinical excellence. But it takes effort and commitment — not just from your nurses, but from your organization and your leadership team. Just as you support your team, HealthStream is here to support you. We have a suite of programs designed to train your nurses, improve their competency, and grow their confidence, resulting in better patient outcomes and organizational benefits. To learn how our services can help your nursing staff transform from good nurses to great ones, schedule your demo today.

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