Important Traits and Qualities You Need To Find When Looking For A Company Nurse

These days, nurses don’t only work in hospitals and clinics; they can be found in schools, offices, and beyond. Whilst they may serve different functions, the end result will always be the same: to promote their patients’ wellbeing. 

When companies actively seek new staff, they have a host of different considerations to think about. If a person is only good at technical knowledge, they may be low in people skills. Alternatively, a nurse may have a heart full of compassion, but be incompetent and disorganized. Perhaps you are preparing to interview people for your nursing vacancies. This article has been written to help you know what to look for. 

An All-Rounder

The ideal employee will need to have a good balance of skills. The professionals behind this website point out that some nurses have to provide 24/7 care. They may need to work at centralized call centers. Excellence in customer service may therefore come into play as well as patient care. The clients’ experience has to come first. When helping the elderly this may include helping them do what they most love. 

Qualifications And Experience

These things usually come together during training. Be sure to check the qualification certificates. Also request references from the person’s previous employers, to ensure their suitability. 

The onboarding and training process may be easiest if your chosen candidate already has plenty of relevant experience. This would mean they’ll be familiar with most of the practices and procedures, as well as the medical terminology. 

A People Person

Nurses are literally called caregivers. This makes it a priority that they are friendly and kind to people, and are willing to serve. 

As well as being technically proficient, they need to be empathetic. The patients may be talking about personal and sensitive issues, and this can make them very vulnerable. It’s important that they feel understood, and that the nurse possesses excellent listening skills. 

A Communicator

It’s important that your employee can speak as well as listen. They may need to explain complex medical phraseology in words that patients and employers can understand. 

In wider terms, the nurse may also be required to speak to external bodies and organizations. If a person is unclear in their communication it will only lead to misunderstanding and inefficiency.

Organization

Nurses need to balance two things: patient care and time. It’s essential that they can complete all their tasks without appearing too rushed or preoccupied. They need to know when to make something or someone a priority, and when to request assistance or delegate. 

Attention to detail lies at the heart of a nurse’s skills. They need to assess each situation and to document it correctly. All forms and procedures need to be implemented fully. This may require the nurse to have computer skills as well. 

Problem Solving And Critical Thinking

These attributes go hand in hand with decision-making. A nurse needs to summarise a current situation and quickly decide on the best course of action. 

When this is done competently, the nurse will be acting as an advocate for both the patient and the employer. 

Stamina

Nursing can draw upon a person’s physical and emotional capacity. When they walk in the door they have to leave their personal issues aside and focus on the patients. There may be physical lifting to do and lots of walking and standing. 

Added to that is a challenging combination of working unsociable hours, being tired, and dealing with difficult people. It can be both stressful and emotionally draining, especially when human suffering is involved.  

A Learner

No nurse has ever ‘arrived;’ they will always be on a learning journey. The Covid-19 pandemic has been a colossal example of this. Practices and policies change over time too. The ideal nurse will be happy to take refresher courses and to learn new things. 

It may be that there are extra qualifications you would like them to gain whilst working. If so, it’s essential that you ensure they’re prepared to do this.  

Leadership

In one sense, every nurse is a leader. They are an advocate for their patient, and an ambassador of their employer. This reiterates the need for an all-rounder who is professional, responsible, and personable. 

As we have discovered, being a nurse is no small task. You will need to spend time interviewing people and reading their documentation and references. If a good choice is made, you will have gained an employee who will benefit not just your company, but every patient they come in contact with.