7 Traits of Super Star Nurses

I was recently asked to make a recommendation for a client, and the CNO sent me a message which said “hopefully you’ll find us a superstar!”

This got me thinking – what is it that makes someone a superstar employee?

Every company has its superstar employees who seem to get more done, get better results, give a better service in a shorter time scale than their colleagues.

I’m very fortunate to have worked with a good number of super star nurses, but what makes a nurse stand out from the rest and take their career to the next level?

Most successful teams have at least one or two employees that rise above the set standard and would create a vacuum if ever they leave. Here are a few of the traits that make them indispensable.

1. They are Self Motivated

Superstar performance is behavioral and motivation related, and nothing to do with having an aptitude for the job.

At the heart of every superstar employee there is a natural motivation towards the type of work that they do. They really enjoy what they do, which helps drive them towards performing to the highest level possible.

Nobody can perform to the high standards that superstar employees do if they don’t love their chosen profession. People who undertake jobs that they don’t really want to do will achieve mediocre results.

However, motivation isn’t something that can be “managed” or “trained” in people. They either have it or they don’t. It is intrinsic, built into them as a result of their upbringing.

[easy-tweet tweet=”Motivation isn’t something that can be “managed” or “trained” in people. They either have it or they don’t.”]

So, remembering that superstar employees are self-motivated, it is important that they don’t become demotivated.

2. They are Conscientious

Super star nurses care about the quality of care they provide to patients…but also care about the companies they work for and they behave as if they are an owner of the company.

Some people take on a task and work just to get it done. Super Star Nurses know that any job worth doing is worth doing well. They document their process on any task or problem and figure out how to make it simpler every time.

In care environments, attentiveness and engagement go along with excellent nursing care. Effective nurses remain vigilant in forecasting needs, managing emergencies, and monitoring patients.

3. They Communicate Effectively

Excellent communication skills are vital if you’re to become a superstar nurse. Nobody remembers a nurse who doesn’t speak to their patients. Being friendly, approachable, confident and sometimes funny will leave a lasting impression on your patients.

Super star nurses also recognize the importance of communicating in a collaborative manner with all members of the healthcare team. They see themselves and everyone else as valuable members (each of them playing an important role) and communicate accordingly.

4. They are Quick Thinkers

A superstar nurse has to be on the ball and on top of things. More often than not, nurses have to juggle multiple tasks at the same time, making sure that each job is done to a high standard and their patients receive high quality care and are happy. Organizational skills, keeping a cool head, and problem solving are all important skills that a superstar nurse possesses.

5. They Inspire Others

The CNO can’t be the only evangelist and inspiration for the team. Super star nurses understand that success happens on multiple levels. They make it a point to uplift others on their team and help everyone increase their performance and improve their morale.

6. They are Lifelong Learners

Nobody has all the answers. Super star nurses never let ignorance stand in the way of progress. When information is lacking, they will do their homework and readily share resources.

The ability to solve problems during frontline caregiving is a critical skill for nurses. Nurses learn this skill in two environments: academic and clinical. Clinical environments differ from academic settings, because the experience that nurses gain when practicing improves their work performance, while simultaneously determining patient outcomes. Unlike academic settings, clinical practice environments present many complex variables and allow nurses to transform theoretical concepts into skills that enhance their ability to deliver care.

[easy-tweet tweet=”The ability to solve problems during frontline caregiving is a critical skill for nurses.”]

People can only grow as far as the information and the support around them will allow. A limited education and professional network will produce limited results.

Super star nurses are able to tap into resources quickly and easily to solve any problem or create nearly any opportunity.

7. They are Advocates for Change

Independent and “outside the box” thinking can be incredibly valuable in the workplace. Sometimes doing things as they’ve always been done doesn’t work when companies want to stay ahead of the curve.

Effective self-advocacy takes thought and effort, not just vocalizing ideas or complaints. Super star nurses know how to consider the company’s position and resources. They can present a viable and executable plan that makes sense and provides a win-win for everyone involved.

Are you a super star nurse looking for a great professional opportunity? Are you looking to learn & connect with other Super Star Nurses?  Make plans now to attend one of my Super Star Nursing Conferences this year!

Thanks so much for reading!

Take care. Be kind. Stay connected.