The Core Characteristics Of Nursing As A Career

Like many of us, choosing nursing as a career was brought on by past experiences that made me appreciate the field and its merits. My mother was an obstetrician-gynecologist in China. I grew up having spent lots of time in her hospital. The medical field really appealed to me. Nevertheless, my mom thought that being a teacher was a better career choice for me. As a result, I worked as a high school teacher till my husband and I came to the U.S. to pursue our post-graduate education. I started my retail business in Madison, Wisconsin after I got my master’s degree in Organization Development. My life appeared to have nothing to do with my childhood medical dream. However, things changed when both of my sons were diagnosed with Autism. The successful

I believe that nursing should be a holistic approach, dealing with a patient’s body, mind, and soul. It is definitely a physically demanding job, but equally as important is the demand for emotional input. My past academic performance, as well as my personal qualities, provides the foundation for my career. A core characteristic of a successful nurse is teamwork and the ability to act as the liaison between the patients and the doctors. Besides working well in a team, it is also important to seek out help when necessary. Another vital quality is the understanding of diversity and the importance of acknowledging and honoring, rather than judging or ignoring, what makes people different. Critical thinking allows nurses to take action and make referrals. Nurses must be able to obtain autonomy through critical thinking skills that arm them with the ability to respond to the constant changes and needs of a patient in their charge. As nurses build on practical knowledge, gain experience and continue educational endeavors, the intellectually disciplined process allows the nurse to recognize possible patient problems. Lastly, the saying, “Measure twice, cut once” goes a long way when discussing safety in nursing. Regardless of how stressed or overwhelmed a person might feel, it is imperative to pay attention to detail to avoid sentinel events or near misses. These are the crucial qualities that I hope to attain as a nurse and important goals to conform to throughout my years as a registered