Nursing is a challenging major that requires mastery of difficult content that includes not only nursing science but also the applied sciences of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and fluids & electrolytes.

But just as important is the inner character and aptitudes that the student needs to possess to embody the values and virtues becoming of a healthcare professional.

As I reflected on my own observations with students in the programs were I have taught, I would like to share five questions that every prospective student should be asked to reflect upon to determine if nursing is truly the best fit for them before they pursue a major where they may not be successful or satisfied in.

But for those students who have been accepted to your program, these questions can help them identify any weaknesses so they can address them early on and make them a needed strength to increase the liklihood that they will be successful!

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Though I have identified many more questions that I would ask of my students to communicate what it takes to be a successful nurse, the following five questions are a great place to start.

I would encourage every nurse educator to incorporate these questions and more on the first day of nursing orientation in the fall.

It is important to note that I am not making any judgments or assumptions of my students but want to provide the opportunity to pursue needed reflection.

Question #1: Why do you want to be a nurse

Motivation matters. Encourage your students to dig deep and look within. Students know what the expected and “right” answer is…”because I want to care for others.” But is this really true for them?

Encourage honest reflection. What gets you really excited about nursing? The ability to care for others or making good money in a job that is recession proof, portable, with numerous opportunities for overtime?

These questions will help guide students to honestly determine their primary motivation.

Why is this important?

Studies have shown that the caring, patient centered engagement of the nurse has a direct correlation to patient safety and better patient outcomes.

In other words, when the nurse is focused on what they get out of nursing (salary, benefits, etc.) and the patient is secondary, patient safety and outcomes can potentially be impacted.

Question #2: Do you easily identify with the feelings of others?

How students honestly answer this question is one of the strongest predictors if nursing is truly a good “fit” for them.

Do your students easily identify and feel the pain and difficulties of others? Or are they aloof and indifferent? This is the essence of empathetic caring.

Caring has traditionally been viewed as the essence of nursing practice and the most important characteristic of a nurse (Leininger, 1988). The essence of caring is that you recognize the value and worth of those you care for and that the patient and his or her experience MATTERS to you as a nurse (Benner & Wrubel, 1989).

Caring is central to nursing practice. “Nursing can never be reduced to mere technique…the nature of the caring relationship is central to most nursing interventions” (Benner & Wrubel, 1989, p.4).

Question #3: Do you enjoy and find fulfillment in serving others?

Though nursing is different than working in a service industry that depends on tips, the same principles of serving, making the patient (customer) the center of everything that you do and anticipating needs all translate to the essence of what it means to be a highly engaged nurse in practice.

The ability to serve must also be present regardless of how the patient may respond to you. This is why maintaining empathy is so important to nursing.

The essence of nursing is serving others in a time of need. It involves doing whatever is needed to ensure that their needs are fully met. Serving others is not highly valued in our culture yet it is the essence of the attitude of the professional nurse and should be something you obtain satisfaction in doing.

Question #4: Do you possess a strong work ethic?

Nursing is hard work. Being a student can be even harder. To get through nursing school successfully you must embrace the hard work required and be willing to do what is needed without taking shortcuts to get by or expecting a degree because you paid for it.

In addition to being a hard worker, the nurse must also be prompt and punctual. Being on time for class and clinical as well as for work are essential components of professional behavior.

Question #5: What are you willing to give up to make school a priority?

Are your students willing to make needed short-term sacrifices for long-term gain? This is the mindset that will help students be successful while in nursing school.

If your students are willing to do what is needed to make nursing school a priority, they will not only make it through the program, but more importantly,  will be the best nurse they can possibly be.

Each of us have 168 hours in a week. No more, no less. There is no way to purchase additional hours in life if you find yourself short. Something has to give. For some students this dilemma is represented by the amount of hours they work while in nursing school.

Have your students keep track of the time spent on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or other avenues of social media.This is one area that if excessive needs to be pared down.

An additional area to consider is the amount of hours worked each week. Though some students must work in excess of 30 hours a week to support their family or have other obligations, but if it is possible students should be encouraged to work less than 30 hours a week, while no more than 20 hours a week should be a goal.

In Closing

Just as the Marines are famously known as looking “for a few good men,” the nursing profession is also looking for a “few good men and women” who are highly motivated, engaged individuals who are passionately committed to care and serve others.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ employment projections, registered nursing (RN) is listed among the top occupations in terms of job growth through 2022.

This is an opportunity for many to enter the nursing profession and make a difference in the lives of patients and their families as well as increase gender and ethnic diversity.

By encouraging your students to reflect on these questions at the beginning of nursing education, you will help them identify any weaknesses so they can address them early on and make them a needed strength and their success not only in academia but in their years of practice that follow!

Comment Question:
What questions have you used with your students to help them see the essence and what is important to become a professional nurse?
Comment below and let the conversation begin!

References

Benner, P. & Wrubel, J. (1989). Primacy of caring: Stress and coping in health and illness. Menlo Park, CA: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.

Leininger, M. (1988). Leininger’s theory of nursing: Cultural care diversity and university. Nursing Science Quarterly, 1, 152–160.