12 Professional Nurse Skills: Definition and Examples

By ResumeCat Editorial Team
Updated June 7, 2023

As a professional nurse, you are expected to have certain skills. These skills include being able to communicate effectively, being able to work well under pressure, and being able to think critically. This article will provide definitions for each of these skills so that you can better understand what is expected of you.

Communication

Communication is a critical skill for professional nurses. They need to be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare providers. Nurses must be able to explain medical procedures and treatments, provide emotional support, and listen to patients' concerns. Good communication skills can help nurses build trust and rapport with patients, which can improve patient outcomes.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally about a situation or problem. It involves making judgments based on evidence, rather than emotions or personal biases.

As a professional nurse, critical thinking is essential in order to make sound decisions that will best benefit your patients. Often times, nurses are faced with complex situations where they must weigh multiple options and choose the most appropriate course of action. In order to do this effectively, nurses need to be able to think critically.

Compassion

Compassion is the ability to empathize with others and feel compassion for them. It is an important quality for professional nurses, who need to be able to understand and care for their patients.

Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to be aware and understand your own emotions and the emotions of others. It is important for professional nurses to have emotional intelligence because they need to be able to effectively communicate with patients and families, understand and empathize with their feelings, and provide the best possible care.

Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are the skills that you use to interact with other people. This can include communication, empathy, and teamwork. As a professional nurse, you will need to be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, and other healthcare providers. You will also need to be able to work well as part of a team.

Organizational skills

Organizational skills are important for professional nurses because they need to be able to keep track of patients, medications, and appointments. They also need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of the healthcare team.

Patience

Patience is the ability to remain calm and collected in difficult or challenging situations. As a professional nurse, you will often be faced with stressful situations, and it is important to be able to remain patient in order to provide quality care for your patients.

Physical stamina

Physical stamina is the ability to maintain physical activity for an extended period of time. This is important for professional nurses because they often have to stand for long periods of time, as well as lift and move patients.

Resilience

Resilience is the ability to recover from or adjust easily to difficult situations. As a professional nurse, you will encounter many difficult situations, and being resilient will help you cope with them.

Self-awareness

Self-awareness is the ability to be aware of and understand your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is an important skill for professional nurses because it allows them to provide better care for their patients by understanding their own emotions and reactions. Additionally, self-awareness can help nurses avoid burnout by recognizing when they need to take a break or seek support.

Stress management

Stress management is a skill that professional nurses need in order to cope with the demands of their job. Stress can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health, so it is important to be able to manage it effectively. There are a number of different techniques that can be used to manage stress, and it is important to find one that works for you.

Time management

Time management is a skill that is essential for professional nurses. They need to be able to manage their time efficiently in order to provide quality care for their patients.

How to improve professional nurse skills

As the healthcare industry continues to grow and evolve, so too must the professional nurses who work within it. In order to provide the best possible care for patients and keep up with the latest advancements in medical science, nurses must continually strive to improve their skills.

There are many ways in which professional nurses can improve their skills. One of the most important is by staying current on new developments in nursing care. This can be done by reading nursing journals, attending conferences and seminars, and taking continuing education courses. Keeping up with the latest research and developments will help nurses to provide the best possible care for their patients.

Another way to improve professional nurse skills is by networking with other nurses. Sharing information and best practices with colleagues can help everyone to improve their skills and knowledge. Additionally, networking can also help nurses to build relationships with other professionals who may be able to offer advice or assistance when needed.

Finally, professional nurses should always be open to feedback from patients, families, and other members of the healthcare team. Learning from mistakes and taking constructive criticism can help nurses to improve their skills and better serve their patients.

By taking steps to continually improve their skills, professional nurses can ensure that they are providing the best possible care for their patients.

How to highlight professional nurse skills

As a professional nurse, you can highlight your skills in a number of ways. First, you can list your nursing credentials after your name on your resume or CV. This will show potential employers that you have the necessary education and training to be a professional nurse. Second, you can highlight your clinical skills by listing any relevant experience you have in a healthcare setting. Finally, you can showcase your communication and interpersonal skills by writing a cover letter that demonstrates your ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

On a resume

When listing your professional nursing skills on a resume, be sure to include both your clinical skills and your interpersonal skills. Highlight any specialties or areas of expertise, as well as any awards or recognition you have received. Be sure to list your professional nursing licenses and certifications, as well as your membership in professional nursing organizations. Finally, don't forget to mention your education and training, including any advanced degrees or special programs you have completed.

In a cover letter

In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your skills as a professional nurse. Include your experience in the field, as well as your education and training. Be sure to detail how you can be an asset to the organization you are applying to.

During an interview

When you are interviewing for a position as a professional nurse, it is important to highlight your skills. You should be able to speak confidently about your clinical skills, your ability to work with patients and families, and your commitment to patient care. Be sure to provide specific examples of your work that demonstrate your skills. If you have any specialties or areas of expertise, be sure to mention them. Finally, be sure to express your interest in the position and why you would be a good fit for the organization.