What Skills and Qualities Are Essential to Be an LPN?

Empathy

As an LPN, you will work with vulnerable people who are looking for answers. Empathy is an essential quality to have. It will help you connect with your patients and make them feel safe.

Compassion

As a licensed practical nurse, seeing patients as more than their diagnosis is especially important. Every person you encounter wants to be heard and respected. This should be honored regardless of their background, monetary class, or health condition. 

Communication Skills

You are in a unique position as you are the link between the patient and the rest of the health care team. You are a front-line health care provider! Communicating with your team and with patients is critical to maintaining a patient’s health.

Time Management Skills

Keeping track of all your tasks, patients, and meetings can seem overwhelming. Balancing it all is important, though. If time management does not come to you naturally, use a small notebook or planner to keep up. 

Initiative

Nurses are professionals. They are responsible for their own practice, and they need to set goals for themselves and their patients. That requires initiative.

Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking skills are important in the workplace. These skills give you a chance to study the patient in front of you and make informed decisions. They also allow for a better response to working under pressure. 

Learn More About Being an LPN

At CynaMed, we know how important it is to have the right skill set for your job. Therefore, we are offering nurses plenty of resources to help them advance in their healthcare careers. Give us a call today at 412.325.3420 to learn about becoming an LPN and sharpening your skills. Or, if you already are an LPN, at CynaMed, we can help you find a job that suits your needs. Reach out to us!