Anyone looking at careers in nursing is probably thinking what hospitals and doctors see most on a résumé are such things as the school the person studied at, the degree or certificate they achieved and any previous work history in a related field. While that is true, what should be on your nursing résumé is people skills, those soft skills you probably have and aren’t even aware of.
What Are Soft Skills?
How many times have you heard someone, yourself included, referred to as a people person? That’s someone with an abundance of soft skills. These include being an excellent communicator, someone who works well with others on a team and someone who gets things done as a natural leader. These are all ‘people skills’ and for the most part they are not something you can learn in school. Most people who have soft skills are either born with this type of makeup or perhaps were raised to be the way they are with others. Some skills, however, can be honed in school, which is why you might want to begin perfecting them while in a position to get the leadership and training may need.
Effective Communication Is a Must
When you are listing soft skills for a nursing résumé, do make sure to mention communication as one of the most important ones. A nurse needs to effectively communicate with patients, but also with doctors, families of patients, any number of technicians and of course administration if the need arises. Being a great communicator is one of the most important skills you can develop. Sometimes it’s a matter of learning to listen to what is being said. If you aren’t hearing what the other person is saying you may miss something extremely important in regards to care.
Being Able to Help Others Communicate
Sometimes a patient doesn’t know how to describe what they are experiencing so it will be up to you to draw it out of them. There is now a way to know what that person needs if you don’t understand what is being said. A good communicator will have the words to bring it out so that it can be dealt with. This is something that may come naturally to you as well. If you find that people talk to you easily and are willing to share their thoughts and feelings, this is a skill you should definitely mention on your nursing résumé. This is what doctors and hospital administration likes to see.
Remember, the school you go to is important; there is no secret in that. However, those are not the only credentials a prospective employer will be looking at. They will want to see what kinds of soft skills you have and also why you feel these skills are important. Once you have begun to understand just how important people skills are in a nurse who deals with patients, sometimes at their darkest hours, you truly have what it takes to be a valuable asset to any healthcare facility.
