When you train to become a practical nurse or PN, you will gain invaluable clinical and medical knowledge. While this training is essential, a well-rounded foundation also includes a set of “soft” skills. Developing these skills intentionally is the best way to prepare for success. Here, Prism Career Institute discusses a few practical nursing skills that can’t be taught in a classroom.
Effective Communication
Communication is among the most important “soft” skills you’ll need. As a PN, you’ll be part of a larger team. Working with and alongside you will be physicians, other nurses, medical assistants, and other healthcare personnel. Clear communication is vital to maintain coordination.
Nurses are also one of the most patient-facing roles in a healthcare facility. As such, you will act as a link between patients and other members of your team. You’ll be educating patients, delivering information, and collaborating with their families. You may even get to know patients personally. In all of these situations, you’ll need to communicate clearly and professionally to avoid misunderstandings. The best PNS are proactive about learning how to interact with patients successfully.
Time Management
Healthcare settings are fast-paced. There are always several things happening of varying levels of importance, and an urgent crisis can arise in their midst at any time. On top of everything, PNs often juggle a wide variety of responsibilities.
Staying organized is essential. If you can’t stay coordinated and manage your time effectively, it’s easy to lose track of your workflow. Forgetting even one minor task can lead to major complications that compound your stress and may put patients at risk. Avoid costly chaos by investing in time management techniques. Flow charts, checklists, and memory aids can help you balance responsibilities and move fluidly between tasks without dropping anything.
Physical Endurance
Stamina probably isn’t the first nursing skill that comes to mind. When entering a career in nursing, however, it’s absolutely vital. PNs often work long shifts – sometimes over 10 hours. Most of those shifts are spent on your feet. It’s easy to become fatigued. Exhaustion makes it difficult to focus, notice details, and make complex decisions – all necessary tasks for a practical nurse.
If you’re considering a nursing career, build up your endurance. This will help you withstand long days of physical activity, including busy shifts and emergencies while staying sharp enough to think critically.
Critical Thinking
Speaking of critical thinking, this skill is used often by PNs. Many people assume that doctors make all major decisions. This isn’t entirely true. While doctors are responsible for the most important decisions regarding a patient’s treatment plan, they can’t be present for everything.
Health concerns can appear seemingly out of the blue. When something goes wrong unexpectedly, there isn’t always time to wait for the doctor’s decision. As a PN, it will be your duty to problem-solve. You’ll need to think on your feet while finding effective solutions for a variety of issues ranging from minor complications to life-threatening emergencies. Many solutions will rely upon your medical knowledge as well as your creative problem-solving skills.
Attention to Detail
Effective decision-making, of course, is impossible without access to all relevant information. This is why attention to detail is so necessary. When everything moves quickly and problems arise without warning, even seemingly minor details can be significant. Constant attentiveness is necessary to effectively address emerging issues, avoid errors with test results, and more.
Attention to detail is also important during patient interactions. If you are present during conversations, listening mindfully, and attuned to nonverbal indicators, you will help patients feel understood. You may also pick up on important information regarding the patient’s care and well-being that might otherwise be missed. Better information leads to stronger decisions and better healthcare outcomes.
Care and Compassion
This attentiveness to patients is the last, but never the least, important skill in a PN’s repertoire. Healthcare settings are intense. Patients and their families may feel stressed, scared, angry, or confused. Those with serious diagnoses may be processing complicated feelings of apprehension or even grief. You will be dealing with all these emotions daily while simultaneously navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.
Though it can be difficult to avoid fatigue, it’s important to hold onto your passion for helping others. This will help you negotiate interactions with even the most challenging patients. It will also help you stay motivated to put in your best effort when work gets tough.
Study Practical Nurse Skills with Prism Career Institute
You can develop all of these practical nurse skills and more at Prism Career Institute. Our practical nursing program is available at campuses in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey. It is taught by outstanding instructors who teach from real-world industry experience. Contact us today to learn more about our curriculum or to find out whether you qualify for financial aid.