Practical nurses play significant roles on medical teams and are committed to providing patients with the highest quality of care. To perform their duties successfully, they must possess specific skills that can be developed in Prism Career Institute’s Practical Nursing program. Here, we discuss the various practical nursing skills students acquire while enrolled in the program and what else they can expect in their pursuit of an exciting career in the healthcare industry.
Communication Skills
As a practical nurse, you spend much of your time working with patients and alongside other medical professionals. Therefore, being an effective communicator is crucial. Anyone who pursues the role must be able to communicate with patients, their families, doctors, and other medical professionals.
Practical nurses use their communication skills to educate patients on their conditions and treatment plans prescribed by the doctors. Additionally, practical nurses must use strong listening skills to effectively comprehend details about a patient’s health. They can then pass this information along to their colleagues with accuracy and precision.
Decision-Making and Problem-Solving Skills
Practical nurses are responsible for critical duties within the medical setting. Their role requires them to manage a wide variety of important medical tasks, such as administering medicine under the direction of the physician and checking vital signs. The duties of practical nurses can also involve working with a medical team to address life-or-death circumstances. This means practical nurses must have the skills and confidence to make quick decisions to ensure positive patient outcomes.
During emergencies, practical nurses are expected to quickly assess the situation and make the right decisions regarding the patient’s health. With effective decision-making and problem-solving skills, practical nurses are equipped to function at their best and deliver an instantaneous response.
Attention to Detail
Anyone serving in the medical space must be detail-oriented. Correct dosages and other accuracies involving treatments are imperative to patient care. Mistakes can lead to dangerous scenarios that can put other’s lives at risk. Practical nurses must ensure all patient information is accurate. Even the tiniest details must be double-checked to make certain medical proceedings go according to plan.
Time Management Skills
It’s common for practical nurses to be asked to manage multiple tasks at a time. To keep up with the constant flow of patients, practical nurses must possess good time management skills. They need to be able to allocate their time wisely to accomplish their tasks promptly.
Time management skills can also be used outside of medical settings. Managing time wisely empowers practical nurses to maintain a healthy work-life balance, allowing them to perform their duties to the best of their abilities.
Teamwork
Healthcare is a collaborative effort. Doctors, nurses, specialists, and other members of the medical staff work together to provide quality care and make a difference. Individuals who choose to become practical nurses must accept being part of a team and contribute to a positive work environment.
Professionalism
As a practical nurse, you not only represent yourself, but you also represent your employer. Individuals in this role are expected to always carry themselves professionally. This skill fosters trust between the practical nurse and their medical employer, as well as instills confidence in patients.
About Our Practical Nursing Program
Practical nursing requires a combination of clinical and soft skills to meet the needs of patients in providing quality care. Anyone interested in pursuing the role of a practical nurse can learn the necessary skills through the Practical Nursing program offered at Prism Career Institute’s Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, campuses.
The program spans 1,560 clock hours in dedicated training laboratories and is led by a team of dedicated instructors with a passion for teaching the next wave of medical professionals. The program lasts approximately 63 weeks for daytime students or 70 weeks for students who choose weekend/evening classes.
While enrolled in the program, students will gain the necessary skills and techniques to qualify to pursue practical nursing opportunities in a wide range of medical settings. Once established in their roles, medical professionals can use their teaching from Prism Career Institute to explore various other professions within the medical field.
Apply Today at Prism Career Institute
Do you have a desire to help others and wish to pursue the role of practical nurse? If so, begin your journey by enrolling in the Practical Nursing program offered by Prism Career Institute. Available at campuses in Philadelphia, PA, and Cherry Hill, NJ, the program educates students on how to become practical nurses by equipping them with the necessary skills. Contact us today for information about the program and how to enroll.