Nursing classes will require an indepth knowledge of science, especially biology and chemistry. Biology skills will include a knowledge of living tissue, cells and organisms both in plant and animal life. You will also need to understand how these organisms interact with each other, as well as with the environment. Chemistry skills will require comprehension of composition, structure and properties of substances, as well as how they interact, how they are produced, how to dispose of them and, very importantly, the signs of adverse reactions.
Nurses will be required to communicate daily with patients and their families, as well as with doctors and other medical professionals. It is important to have the skills necessary to clearly relay information. Listening skills are equally important. Nurses must be able to fully understand orders given by doctors to ensure they carry out correct treatments and procedures. They must also be able to listen to their patients as they list symptoms, as well as read patient body language, to fully diagnose a situation. Written communications skills are necessary to document patient charts.
A nurse must be able to assess a situation and make a decision based on what she sees. Critical thinking skills include assessment techniques and the ability to determine which of several treatment methods will best rectify the situation. This requires the ability to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. It is also important to be able to predict possible outcomes before they happen so that you are well-prepared to react quickly and effectively.
The medical field continues to make great strides in technology and a nursing candidate will need above average skills in computer applications, especially nursing specific applications. These include bedside charting and computer-activated medicine dispensing software programs. Additionally, nursing students need to master email, basic Windows applications and the ability to search databases.
A nurse must always be motivated to want to help people. Continually striving toward improvement is key to keeping step with the ever-changing medical field. A nurse must be able to show compassion, as well as stay calm when he is faced with a crisis. High quality customer service skills must also be a part of the nursing education.