Common Personality Traits for a Family Nurse Practitioner
3 Min Read
Education, skill, and personal character traits all play a big role in forming a good nurse. For a family nurse practitioner (FNP), personality is especially important because it can shape how your patients view you as a healthcare provider. Since FNPs often develop long-term relationships with patients of all ages, much of your success depends on your demeanor.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the need for nurse practitioners will rise 31 percent by 2024.1 This encouraging nurse practitioner outlook means that nurses who have strong training and the right character qualities will be in high demand over the coming years. Sacred Heart University’s Family Nurse Practitioner Program is helping fill that need. You can also achieve the FNP from the RN to Bachelor to Master of Science in Nursing online program.
SHU understands that nursing isn’t just about medical knowledge, but it’s also about caring for and respecting the whole person. SHU’s educational philosophy prepares nurses to use both their mind and their heart in caring for patients. Through this program, you’ll recognize that the following character traits are essential for a nurse, and they can open the door to a lasting, positive experience for both you and your patients.
Nurse Practitioner Personality Traits
Compassionate
Patients want a healthcare provider who listens to their concerns, shows empathy for their pain and suffering, and works diligently to find a solution to their problems. As a nurse, you’ll often be the first person who can help solve the patient’s ailment and lessen some of their suffering. Demonstrating compassion and care helps put patients at ease and also increases their trust in you.
Good communicator
As you deal with a variety of patients from all walks of life, you’ll quickly realize that not everyone has the same level of knowledge and understanding, especially when it comes to their health. Good patient communication is important, especially when you need to convey crucial health information in a way that the patient can understand while you help them navigate a new or difficult situation.
Detail-oriented
A FNP fulfills a variety of very important roles, including reviewing the patient’s medical history, examining, diagnosing, treating, and educating the patient. To manage all these duties, the FNP must be detail oriented. As a nurse practitioner you must be organized and pay close attention to detail, especially because that detail often impacts how you care for your patients.
Confident
Since the nurse practitioner outlook looks positive, many FNPs can expect to be the patient’s primary health care provider. In this role, you’ll be asked to interpret medical information, analyze data, and think critically. If you aren’t confident in your decisions, patients may become uneasy. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be afraid to consult a second opinion when necessary; however, it is essential that you can work independently and make important decisions while your patients feel comfortable under your care.
While some of these character traits are innate, many are developed and strengthened with a quality education. SHU’s MSN FNP online program specialization helps you hone these skills while giving you the training necessary to become a competent and confident family nurse practitioner. Take advantage of the positive nurse practitioner outlook and take your education to the next level. For more information about the program, click here or call 877-791-7181 to speak with an admissions advisor.