Top 10 Nursing Traits

Top 10 Nursing Traits?

I thoroughly endorse 8 of them (but 6 and 9 should be properly rewarded) but would issue a strong caution about 7 and 8 (which really should be combined into one). There is little or no evidence (as opposed to assertion or assumption) to support the view that all or most nurses are perfect or even excellent intuitive decision makers. For example most studies show that requiring nurses (and of course doctors!) to follow evidence-based protocols/scoring systems/nomograms leads to higher quality care. The trait that is needed in both professions is the meta-cognitive one of the ability to carry out fairly intuitively what I call a 'Value of Analysis Analysis', deciding, in this particular case, whether or not their 'quick' intuitive judgment/decision is likely to be optimal. It may be or it may not be. Their own performance in the past should be an input into their judgement. Fortunately I think that many experienced nurses (and doctors) do possess this ability but it is important to recognise it for what it is and not over-romanticise about 'reflection-in-action'