Emotional Skills and Competencies of a Nurse

Emotional skills and competencies of a nurse

Introduction

The idiosyncrasy of the nursing profession and the basis of their activities are founded in the interpersonal relationship between the nurse and the patient. This relationship derives emotional involvement inevitably greater or lesser degree in extending the other activities on that patient (Xavier, 2012). Nursing as a profession is highly demanding one, where you are surrounded by patients needing care. Interpersonal relationships are a key for nurses on daily basis. To become a successful in their profession, they not only require the necessary license and training, but they must possess emotional skills and certain competencies that can kick start their career (Vahedi et al., 2009). Nursing being a very physically, mentally, psychologically and emotionally very demanding profession requires dedication and commitment at all time. They must be able to control their emotions and make wise decisions as they are directly involved in the care of the patient. Hence, understanding the behavior, emotion, attitudes of the patients are the key (nursing.jhu.edu).

Discussion

Apart from the medical treatment, patients need emotional support as well. Nurses skills in being caring, non-judgmental is vital. A nurse has to deal with patients with all sorts of background and all walks of life, children, adults and elderly. Hence, treating each individual may be different. Depending on the work situation, a nurse may be dealing with patients who are sick, who physically disable, injured are who emotionally and mentally unstable. Therefore, empathizing with the patients is necessary, and the nurse should not be too involved or feel connected to the conditions of the patients, as he/she is responsible in giving the patient best care possible and making him healthy and stable again. Too much sympathy can affect the performance of the nurse and the treatment and care provided may not be rational then. Nurses having these characters are said to emotionally intelligent (nursing.jhu.edu).

Intellectual Skills

The intellectual level in nurses must be high, as the nurse is responsible in gathering and maintaining patient's information and delivering it to the physician. He/she must be able to multitasking, be organized and smart and must be adaptable to the conditions of each patient. A nurse has to collect the information and the patient's history and the course of treatment provided to him and has to manage various drugs and equipment (Taft, n.d.).

Self - Awareness

An important characteristic in emotionally intelligent nurse is of ...