Some of the most important qualities of a nurse when caring for patients include attention to detail, critical thinking, communication and empathy. Marquette emphasizes key nursing qualities for Direct Entry MSN students and encourages students to learn and grow into the best nursing version of themselves.
Nursing is a rewarding and demanding profession, requiring a keen mind and a compassionate demeanor. Whether at the bedside or leading a care team, success in nursing hinges on a set of core qualities, such as critical thinking, communication, and attention to detail.
Marquette University’s Second Degree Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing program is dedicated to educating practice-ready nursing professionals and emphasizes these nursing qualities throughout each student’s time with the program.
Learn more about essential qualities of a nurse and about how Marquette can help you cultivate them through our curriculum of online or in-person coursework, nursing skills labs and clinical simulation, and clinical courses.
Key Personal Attributes in Nursing
Clinical knowledge is more necessary than ever in today’s nursing environment, but it isn’t enough for a nurse to stand out. So much of the nursing field revolves around the connections you will make with patients, the ways in which you advocate for them, and how well you think on your feet in emergency situations. These are some of the most important nursing qualities that you should keep in mind when practicing as a licensed RN.
1. Critical Thinking
Nursing is a nonstop role, filled with minute-to-minute snap judgments on patient care scenarios and plenty of problem-solving. A strong analytical skillset is necessary to be able to take in each piece of information as it comes and make choices on the fly.
In a patient care context, minor symptoms or variables can often indicate a deeper issue. Being aware of small changes in a patient's mood or condition, especially in a triage situation, can make a world of difference.
Marquette DE-MSN students gain clinical knowledge and skills under guidance from our professors and apply them to both simulated and real-world patient care scenarios. Those who have honed this skill will be able to thrive, producing the best possible patient outcomes.
See how key nursing qualities translate to nursing leadership skills.
2. Compassion and Empathy
Every day, nurses come across patients and family members from all walks of life dealing with incredibly stressful situations. Working so closely with patients, nurses need to be compassionate as they communicate and administer care. A successful nurse shapes their approach to meet each person’s needs while remaining efficient.
3. Cura Personalis (Care for the Whole Person)
Cura personalis is a Latin phrase meaning "care for the whole person." A nurse's job is to care for the health of a person; however, caring for the person means caring for them in mind, body, and spirit while promoting effective and compassionate care.
A guiding principle at Marquette, cura personalis helps nurses connect more deeply with patients and honor each person’s dignity. When patients need help, they are often in positions where they feel diminished, embarrassed, or weak. Nurses can help heal the body and respect patients' emotions by treating them with empathy.
4. Strong Communication
Just as nurses must be able to clearly communicate with each patient they treat, they also facilitate communication between their fellow health care professionals. This can mean conveying information to patients and their families who may have little knowledge about their treatment. Nurses must share information with the patient in a way they understand without omitting vital details.
Nurses must also effectively communicate with each other and other medical personnel. For the sake of the patient, decisions should be made through collaboration according to the latest information. If you are a natural communicator, nursing will ensure you put those skills to use.
5. Courageous Leadership
Health care environments can be fast paced, especially in a hospital setting, and urgent needs can arise at any time. This is why nurses must act as leaders willing to step in and take charge of a situation. Acting with decisiveness and confidence can help the health care team quickly address issues and provide patients with the best care possible.
Many patient care circumstances can be high-stakes and emotionally charged. Still, nurses must help lead patients and families through the treatment process, even when it seems frightening.
6. Advocacy for the Vulnerable
Self-advocacy is never easy and can be very difficult for patients in pain or experiencing health issues. A nurse involved in a patient’s treatment has the ability and responsibility to advocate for their best interests.
Nurses are among the professionals who spend the most time with patients, often building relationships and becoming familiar with their concerns and everyday needs. Nurses also work with physicians, patients, and families to ensure patient needs are met and promote the best possible outcome. In this context, advocating for each patient has a marked impact on quality of care.
7. Attention to Detail
Across a range of care scenarios and specializations, nurses need to be ready to complete detail-oriented tasks on a regular basis. Attention to detail is a significant factor in keeping patient care safe and consistent across tasks like:
- Administering medication
- Assessing patients
- Assisting in medical procedures
- Updating medical information
Nurses who keep track of the small details while keeping the big picture in mind ensure consistent care. As you complete clinical courses as a direct entry MSN student, you will learn under experienced professionals and further develop your caregiving abilities.
8. Commitment to Social Justice
While the health care field is constantly changing and developing, systemic issues can result in variations in the quality of care each patient receives. For example, identifying conditions and differences in treatment for women and people of color may be under-researched.
From caring for patients beyond their symptoms alone, to standing up for those who need an advocate, furthering social justice is a set of concrete day-to-day actions. Maintaining this commitment is among the most important qualities for those who care for patients in mind, body, and spirit.
9. Flexibility and Resilience
With nursing’s fast pace and stressful scenarios, remaining adaptable and cool under pressure is one of the most essential qualities of a nurse. Being able to respond quickly and rationally to a high-stakes patient care scenario requires a high level of flexibility and resilience.
Being flexible in changing scenarios will serve you well both academically and professionally. These inherent skills can be developed as you gain confidence in labs and clinical courses. With practice, you can remain adaptable and be ready to take on whatever new situation may arise.
10. Time Management and Organization
Nurses are under some level of time pressure between administering care, documenting medical information, and coordinating with the patient care team. Organization and the ability to complete tasks on a tight timeline will go a long way to prevent stress and burnout on a day-to-day basis.
Before taking the NCLEX-RN and becoming a nurse, students in Marquette’s Direct Entry MSN program will need to complete a master’s-level curriculum in five or eight semesters. To successfully complete the program and earn an MSN degree, organizational, and time management skills are a must.
Want to prepare for a Master’s degree in nursing? See how you can get started.
11. Lifelong Curiosity
Being a lifelong learner is essential in any field, but continuing education is particularly important in nursing. New practices and techniques are always being developed, and always learning means staying engaged in your career. The curiosity to continue learning and keeping up to date on the latest nursing skills and techniques is vital to standing apart within the profession.
12. Self-Care
Every nurse who wants a lasting career in the field needs a self-care routine. The everyday challenges that accompany nursing can start to accumulate, and avoiding self-care makes burnout much more likely.
Remember that you are your own biggest advocate and take the time to care for yourself during your off hours. Whether through exercise, meditation, or staying connected with others, cultivating strong self-care skills can help you thrive.
Developing Nursing Qualities Through Education
Marquette has a long history of excellence in nursing education with leading clinicians and researchers. Professors at Marquette University’s Direct Entry MSN program try to encourage and emphasize these top nursing qualities in every student. Beyond these qualities, our mission and message develop even more qualities to help stand apart as a future nursing leader. The difference in Marquette-educated nurses can be defined by:
- Advocating for the vulnerable
- Caring for the whole person
- Championing social justice
- Leading courageously
- Thinking critically
Become the Nurse You Want to Be With Marquette
Marquette’s Direct Entry MSN program doesn’t just teach clinical skills. It develops thoughtful, courageous, and compassionate nursing leaders ready to make a difference. If you recognize these qualities of a nurse in yourself, or are ready to work on further developing them, you might be ready to take the next step.
Contact a Marquette DE-MSN admissions adviser today and begin the conversation about a future career in nursing.