Even though the continued nursing shortage means there are plenty of jobs available for nurses, there is still stiff competition for the most desirable positions. If you’re about to enter the nursing job market, you’ll need to be at the top of your game if you want an edge over your peers. These are the most important skills and qualities managers look for in registered nurses.
Skills to Work on as a Registered Nurse
1. Flexibility
Though nursing in general requires you to be a Jack-of-all-trades, nurses who adapt easily are in high demand. Hiring managers are usually seeking candidates to fill a specific role, but knowing you are willing and able to accept varied schedules and assignments makes you especially desirable.
2. Float Qualifications
An especially rare quality in nurses is the desire to float to different units. It might shake up your routine a little bit, but cross-training in different departments will widen your skill set and add variety to your resume. Most importantly, it will make you a valuable asset to potential employers.
3. Varied Certifications
Even though nurses learn a lot on the job, you shouldn’t leave your education to chance once you’ve graduated from nursing school. Earning diverse certifications doesn’t just make you a more attractive candidate; your new knowledge will make you more confident and comfortable with your career.
4. Compassion
The difference between decent nurses and great ones boils down to their soft skills. Do you care about your patients? While almost all nurses can answer yes, compassion and empathy are traits that can always be strengthened. Make a special effort to get to know your patients beyond what’s on their chart. As your interest in your patients grows, you’ll have a renewed determination in your work.
5. Interpersonal Skills
As a category that deserves a list of its own, interpersonal skills will define your success in the modern medical field. Since healthcare revolves around complex, interdisciplinary teams, your ability to develop and maintain healthy professional relationships will make you an important asset, rather than a liability.
What are your best qualities as a nurse?
At Expert Staffing, we’d like to help you find a work environment where your abilities will be put to good use. To learn more about exciting temporary, part-time, and permanent nursing jobs in your area, contact us today.
