Nursing skills such as, analytical, communication and teamwork skills are essential for nursing. Both students and nurses must consistently refine these skills throughout their courses and careers to improve healthcare processes and patient care. Keeping in mind these essential nursing skills provides a pathway forward to becoming competent nurses.
Nurses must possess a set of critical nursing skills to provide high-quality patient care and work as a team with fellow healthcare staff. University of the Incarnate Word’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track prepares students to become competent nurses through online coursework, hands-on simulation labs and clinical rotations, helping them learn necessary nursing skills.
Below are the top five nursing skills students should hone as they study and prepare for nursing careers.
1. Analytical Skills
Analytical skills are one of the most vital skills of a nurse. Nurses must gather information quickly by communicating with patients and fellow healthcare staff, as well as assessing a patient’s condition and medical history.
Additionally, nurses must assess current processes and detect areas for improvement for the benefit of their patients and coworkers.
2. Problem-Solving Skills
Nurses are problem solvers. They must calmly assess the situation and call upon their expertise to find the most appropriate solution. Nurses must make tough calls, such as optimizing resources and determining which patients require the most urgent care.
3. Leadership Skills
Nurses who want to advance their careers should start honing their leadership skills. Leadership skills are essential nursing qualities for supervisors, clinical nurse specialists and other advanced roles. As leaders, nurses must inspire team members to improve processes, make sound decisions and be skilled in conflict resolution.
Are you curious about the career opportunities a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) leads to? Here are 8 career options.
4. Communication Skills
Communication skills are an essential part of what makes a good nurse. Nurses must communicate clearly to patients and their families about medical procedures, medications and how to perform at-home. Communication is crucial in identifying allergies and medical history to avoid adverse reactions to the patient’s treatment plan.
Communication doesn’t stop at patient care. Nurses communicate with fellow staff and physicians to work together and ensure processes run efficiently.
5. Teamwork Skills
Teamwork is foundational to nursing. Nurses must work together with physicians to ensure patients receive appropriate care and avoid errors. There will be many patients with complicated cases, requiring nurses to collaborate across departments.
Teamwork can also combat burnout. You must be able to work together to alleviate stress and help provide the best possible patient care.
Do you want to earn your BSN on an accelerated timeline? Read more to learn what to expect in an ABSN track.
Expand Your Skills with UIW’s ABSN Track
Earning a BSN is quickly becoming the preferred pathway for nurses beginning their careers. According to the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey, over 70% of registered nurses in the U.S. workforce possess a BSN or higher degree.
Students enrolled in the University of the Incarnate Word’s Accelerated BSN earn their BSN in as few as 16 months. Through the ABSN track, students acquire knowledge and skills that will serve them when taking the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) and during their nursing careers.
Contact an admissions counselor today to take the first steps toward earning your BSN and expanding your nursing skills.