Characteristics Of Nursing

Nursing as a profession is defined by various characteristics, values, and qualities. These aspects are crucial to all facets of nursing, be it bedside practice, uncovering new research, or advocating for change. The qualities that a nurse possesses distinguishes him or her from the rest of the trade, as it defines the skills and attention to detail he or she must possess. In regards to this, our team was able to explore the various qualities a nurse should have through the creation of a coat of arms. A coat of arms was historically used as a symbolic shield or crest that contained images representing the family or group it belonged to. Through the team’s creation of a coat of arms, qualities were chosen along with their applicable symbols that represented the nursing body. It was mutually agreed upon that a nurse should be compassionate, persevering, trustworthy, knowledgeable, an advocator, and a therapeutic communicator.

Our team believed that compassion was best represented as a heart, as it represents the care and respect that nurses maintain with their patients. Perseverance was represented as running water, as nurses

Nursing was not so much a scholarly profession but rather a person who provided care to patients and connected with them on a more personal level. While doctors were there to diagnose and treat, nurses were there to be a friend, to provide care, to maintain wellness, and to be a support to the family and significant others. In addition, I believed that nurses were only able to work in practicum, with no room for research, advocacy, development, or the many other areas that exist. While I still believe that a nurse, particularly one who works bedside, should work with a compassionate and caring attitude, I have come to realize that there are many other attributes that make a nurse who he or she