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What are the required skills to become an RN (registered nurse)

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Tonya’s Answer

This is a hard question to answer because there are so many possible answers depending on how you view it. There's technical skills like being able to place an IV, do sterile dressing changes or remove central lines which are more likely to be the "required" skill, but there's so many others that make you successful. There's people skills, which are critical for communicating to patients, family members and other members of the healthcare team. It's useful to have a working knowledge of psychological techniques to compassionately share difficult information or deescalate tense situations without losing your cool. Critical thinking is a terribly important skill to develop. I've see more mistakes made because people didn't stop for a minute to question things like why the Midodrine (a medicine to increase blood pressure) an MD ordered shouldn't be given to someone on a Nitroprusside drip (medication to lower BP). Organization is a critical skill. It is really difficult to manage your responsibilities without it.

I think the best skill you can have in nursing isn't really a skill...humility; recognizing that nobody, including you (or me) can know everything and that there's no shame in verifying/doublechecking/confirming your understanding of WHY something is being done. Being unafraid to ask, "why" can save lives.
Thank you comment icon Thank you!! Njeri
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Jean’s Answer

Njeri, I think the most asset for a nurse is compassion and the willing to help others. You also have to have good communication skills and technical skills as well. To be able to think outside the box is a great asset. Also, there are always policies and procedures that need to be followed in each institution that you are employed by. Learning those will help you and your patients. Good luck!
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