Common Skills for Nurses that are Needed in the USA

In the dynamic landscape of nursing in the United States, certain skills stand out as essential for healthcare professionals seeking success in their careers. From adept communication and critical thinking to specialized clinical competencies, navigating the nuances of the American healthcare system demands a unique skill set. This article aims to delve into the common nursing skills valued in the U.S., offering insights and guidance to Filipino nurses aspiring to work in the country. As we explore these skills, it becomes evident that adaptability, continuous learning, and a patient-centered approach are not only highly prized attributes but also integral to thriving in the diverse and ever-evolving healthcare environment of the United States.

The U.S. healthcare system places a strong emphasis on providing patient-centered care that extends beyond medical expertise. Nurses play a pivotal role in this approach, requiring a blend of technical proficiency and interpersonal finesse. This article will unravel the key nursing skills sought after in the U.S., shedding light on how Filipino healthcare professionals can hone and showcase these competencies to excel in their American nursing journey.

Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.

Thriving in the U.S. Healthcare Landscape: A Guide to Critical Nursing Skills for Filipino Nurses

Have you ever wondered about the crucial nursing skills you need to excel in the United States? Well, an OFW vlogger has shared a YouTube video called Common Nursing Skills Needed in the USA. In this guide, we delve into the essential bedside nursing fields that Filipino nurses often encounter. If you want to watch the full video, then click on the link below:

Administering Medications

At the forefront of our list is the indispensable skill of administering medications. In the U.S., nurses play a pivotal role in ensuring patients receive the right medications at the right time. It’s not just about delivering the medication; understanding its effects, especially on vital parameters like blood pressure and various laboratory results, is paramount. A profound grasp of medication nuances becomes a routine part of a nurse’s daily responsibilities.

• Understand Medication Types: Familiarize yourself with different types of medications, such as oral, injectable, and topical, to ensure accurate administration.
• Dosage Calculation: Master dosage calculations to administer the correct amount of medication based on patient needs and physician orders.
• Verify Patient Identity: Implement a rigorous patient identification process to prevent medication errors. Confirm patient details before each administration.
• Knowledge of Medication Effects: Comprehend the expected effects, side effects, and potential interactions of each medication to monitor patient response.
• Safe Medication Storage: Adhere to proper storage protocols to maintain medication efficacy and prevent contamination.
• Administering Through Different Routes: Learn the techniques for administering medications through various routes, including oral, intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC).
• Use of Medication Administration Tools: Familiarize yourself with tools like syringes, IV pumps, and medication dispensing systems to ensure precise administration.
• Documentation: Develop meticulous documentation skills, recording each administered dose, patient response, and any observed side effects.
• Communication with Healthcare Team: Communicate effectively with physicians and other healthcare providers to address any concerns or clarify medication orders.
• Adherence to Medication Schedule: Establish a reliable schedule for medication administration, ensuring timely doses and adherence to treatment plans.

Wound Care

• Nurses are responsible for assessing and treating wounds.
• Tasks include cleaning, dressing, and monitoring for signs of infection.
• Thorough documentation of every aspect of wound care is imperative.
• Documentation plays a critical role in patient records and care continuity.
• Nurses must be well-versed in their hospital’s protocols for consistent and precise care.

Moving on to the second vital skill, wound care takes precedence in U.S. healthcare. Nurses are tasked with the meticulous assessment and treatment of wounds, encompassing tasks such as cleaning, dressing, and vigilantly monitoring for signs of infection. Documenting every aspect of wound care is not just encouraged but imperative. Documentation becomes a critical part of patient records, and overlooking even minor details during admission may lead to complications later.

It’s essential for nurses to be well-versed in their specific hospital’s protocols for wound care, ensuring consistency and precision across different settings and management approaches. Each hospital may have its own set of guidelines, emphasizing the need for adaptability and comprehensive understanding among nurses in the U.S. healthcare landscape.

Monitoring Vital Signs

• Nurses must comprehensively monitor key parameters like blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature.
• Emphasis on the importance of manual blood pressure measurement.
• Manual checks are crucial for accuracy, especially when automated readings suggest elevated blood pressure.
• Not everyone is adept at using a manual blood pressure cuff, making it a vital skill for nurses.
• Possessing the capability to measure blood pressure manually is an invaluable asset for nurses.
• This skill ensures precision in monitoring vital signs, a foundational aspect of delivering quality patient care.

The third crucial skill in the nursing repertoire is the monitoring of vital signs. This encompasses a comprehensive understanding of key parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. While monitoring vital signs might seem like a fundamental task, it’s essential to emphasize the importance of manual blood pressure measurement.

In certain scenarios, especially when automated readings suggest elevated blood pressure, healthcare facilities often rely on nurses to perform manual checks for accuracy. Surprisingly, not everyone is adept at using a manual blood pressure cuff, highlighting the necessity for nurses to cultivate this skill. Therefore, possessing the capability to accurately measure blood pressure manually becomes an invaluable asset in the nurse’s toolkit. This skill ensures precision in monitoring vital signs, a foundational aspect of delivering quality patient care in the dynamic healthcare environment of the United States.

Catheterization

• Nurses play a pivotal role in inserting and removing catheters for patients facing urination challenges.
• Nurses often have authority to insert Foley catheters, especially for in-and-out or straight catheters.
• Explicit orders are generally not required, except for Foley catheters which usually need formal orders.
• Mastery of aseptic techniques is crucial for nurses engaging in catheterization.
• Special attention is needed when dealing with female patients, presenting unique challenges.
• Practical tips include placing a towel or blanket under the buttocks for better exposure during catheterization.
• It’s advisable to bring two sets of catheters when dealing with female patients, reducing the risk of errors and complications.

Moving on to the next critical skill is catheterization. Nurses proficient in catheterization play a pivotal role in inserting and removing catheters, particularly for patients facing challenges in urination or those requiring continuous urine drainage. Notably, in the nursing domain, it’s common for nurses to have the authority to insert Foley catheters, and this responsibility often falls under their purview, especially for in-and-out catheters or straight catheters. Interestingly, nurses might not always require explicit orders for these procedures, except for instances involving Foley catheters where formal orders are typically necessary.

For nurses engaging in catheterization, mastering aseptic techniques is paramount. This is particularly crucial when dealing with female patients, as it presents unique challenges. A practical tip for those inserting catheters for female patients involves placing a towel or a small blanket under the buttocks. This simple yet effective technique helps elevate the lower part, providing better exposure for the nurse to visualize the urethra clearly. Another valuable tip is to bring two sets of catheters, whether Foley or in-and-out, when dealing with female patients. This precaution becomes essential as some individuals, especially from older generations, might have multiple openings in the genital area. Having an extra set allows nurses to rectify any mistakes without compromising patient safety, ultimately reducing the risk of infection or urinary tract issues.

IV Therapy

• Nurses play a crucial role in inserting and maintaining intravenous lines for patients needing medications or fluids.
• Proficiency in IV insertion is considered fundamental in the U.S. healthcare system.
• While assistance is available, independent IV insertion is highly advantageous, saving valuable time.
• Having the capability to access an IV independently ensures timely administration of necessary medications or fluids.

Moving on to another vital skill is IV Therapy. Nurses proficient in IV Therapy play a crucial role in inserting and maintaining intravenous lines for patients who require medications or fluids. In the United States, the ability to skillfully insert an IV is considered fundamental. While assistance is available, it often consumes valuable time, making the proficiency in IV insertion a highly advantageous skill. Having the capability to independently access an IV not only saves time but also ensures timely administration of necessary medications or fluids, a critical aspect of patient care.

Collecting and Analyzing Lab Specimens

• Nurses are responsible for collecting and appropriately labeling specimens for laboratory testing.
• While phlebotomists handle blood collection, nurses often collect specimens like sputum, urine, and stool for various diagnostic purposes.
• Nurses act as a crucial link between patients and the laboratory, ensuring accurate labeling and prompt sending of collected samples for testing.
• They play a pivotal role in interpreting results, identifying abnormalities, and reporting critical values to medical professionals, adhering to specific protocols.

Next on the list is collecting and analyzing lab specimens. Nurses take on the responsibility of collecting and appropriately labeling specimens for laboratory testing. Although phlebotomists typically handle blood collection, the extent of responsibilities may vary between hospitals. Beyond blood, nurses commonly collect specimens like sputum, urine, and stool, which are essential for various diagnostic purposes. Nurses serve as the crucial link between patients and the laboratory, ensuring that collected samples are accurately labeled and promptly sent for testing. Additionally, nurses play a pivotal role in interpreting results, identifying abnormalities, and reporting critical values to the relevant medical professionals, adhering to the specific protocols of the respective healthcare facility.

Patient Education

• Nurses provide patients and their families with comprehensive information about medical conditions, medications, and treatment plans.
• Effective communication is crucial, requiring nurses to skillfully convey information from the patient’s chart while strictly adhering to HIPAA regulations.
• Proactive advice is essential, such as offering guidance to patients prone to falls or those preparing for medical procedures, including instructions like NPO (nil per os).
• Thorough communication extends to involving the patient’s family, recognizing their role in ensuring critical details are not overlooked or forgotten.

Moving on to the seventh skill, we have Patient Education. In this role, nurses play a pivotal part in providing patients and their families with comprehensive information about their medical conditions, prescribed medications, and treatment plans. Effective communication becomes paramount in this aspect, and nurses must skillfully convey information found in the patient’s chart while strictly adhering to HIPAA regulations.

The adage “prevention is better than cure” holds true here, making it crucial for nurses to offer proactive advice to patients. For instance, providing guidance to patients prone to falls or those preparing for a medical procedure the next day, including details such as NPO (nil per os) instructions, becomes part of the nurse’s routine. In some cases, involving the patient’s family is essential, as they may overlook or forget critical details, emphasizing the need for thorough communication not only with patients but also with their families.

Assisting with Procedures

• Nurses are frequently called upon to assist physicians during medical procedures like intubation or central line placement.
• Proficiency in these procedures is vital, requiring a proactive approach in preparing for interventions.
• Nurses must be familiar with the necessary equipment and supplies that physicians may need during these procedures.
• For scheduled procedures like bedside lumbar punctures, nurses contribute significantly by ensuring all required items are prepared and easily accessible.
• This proactive approach streamlines the process for healthcare professionals and enhances patient care by fostering a well-prepared and efficient environment.

Moving on to the eighth crucial skill, we have Assisting with Procedures. Nurses are often called upon to assist physicians during various medical procedures, such as intubation or central line placement. Proficiency in these procedures is vital, but it also involves a proactive approach in preparing for them. Nurses need to be well-acquainted with the necessary equipment and supplies that physicians may require during these interventions.

For instance, if there’s a scheduled bedside lumbar puncture or any other procedure, nurses can contribute significantly by ensuring that all required items are prepared and easily accessible. This not only streamlines the process for healthcare professionals but also enhances patient care by fostering a well-prepared and efficient environment.

Documenting Patient Care

• Nurses play a pivotal role in maintaining accurate and comprehensive records of patient care in medical documents.
• This includes vital signs, medications, procedures, and other pertinent information.
• The emphasis extends beyond the nurse’s own documentation to overseeing the completeness and accuracy of records maintained by subordinates, such as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).
• Precision in documentation is paramount, as discrepancies or errors in records could lead to legal consequences in case of adverse patient outcomes.
• Meticulous and timely documentation is not just a routine task but a vital responsibility for nurses in the United States.

Moving forward to the next crucial skill, we have Documenting Patient Care. Nurses play a pivotal role in maintaining accurate and comprehensive records of patient care in medical documents. This encompasses various aspects, including vital signs, medications, procedures, and other pertinent information. The emphasis here is not only on the nurse’s own documentation but also on overseeing the completeness and accuracy of records maintained by subordinates, such as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).

Ensuring precision in documentation is of paramount importance, as any discrepancies or errors in these records could potentially lead to legal consequences in case of adverse patient outcomes. Therefore, meticulous and timely documentation is not just a routine task but a vital responsibility for nurses in the United States.

Patient Advocacy

• Nurses play a pivotal role as advocates for their patients, ensuring that their needs are acknowledged and met.
• This role extends beyond the medical realm to encompass the overall well-being of the patient.
• Patient advocacy involves standing up for patients in situations where neglect or inappropriate behavior from family members or visitors may compromise the patient’s recovery.
• Nurses need to be proactive in defending their patients, addressing issues such as undue stress or disruptions caused by external factors.
• This may involve diplomatically asking disruptive individuals to leave the patient’s vicinity to create a conducive and peaceful environment for recovery.
• Advocacy is not just about medical interventions but also about fostering a supportive and stress-free atmosphere for optimal patient care.

Moving on to the tenth crucial skill, we have Patient Advocacy. Nurses play a pivotal role as advocates for their patients, ensuring that their needs are not only acknowledged but also met, and that they receive the highest standard of care possible. Patient advocacy extends beyond the medical realm to encompass the overall well-being of the patient. It involves standing up for patients in situations where neglect or inappropriate behavior from family members or visitors may compromise the patient’s recovery.

Nurses need to be proactive in defending their patients, addressing issues such as undue stress or disruptions caused by external factors. This may involve diplomatically asking disruptive individuals to leave the patient’s vicinity to create a conducive and peaceful environment for recovery. Advocacy is not just about medical interventions but also about fostering a supportive and stress-free atmosphere for optimal patient care.

NG and CVC

• Enhancing Patient Advocacy
  • Nurses can empower patients and their families by providing additional information on specific scenarios.
  • Encouraging an active role in their care fosters a sense of empowerment and engagement.
• Nasogastric (NG) Tube Insertion
  • Crucial skill, especially when patients exhibit signs of Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO).
  • Proficiency in NG tube insertion proves immensely beneficial in diverse medical situations.
• Drawing Blood from Thick Lines or CVC Lines
  • Common practice in hospitals, requiring foundational understanding and practice of aseptic techniques.
  • Continuous learning and honing these skills contribute to a nurse’s ability to navigate diverse medical situations effectively.
• Insertion or Accessing of Mediport
  • Crucial skill for cancer patients with ports implanted under the skin.
  • Often preferred in emergency situations over opting for an IV in the hand.
  • Requires understanding sterile techniques and specific dressing protocols of the institution.
• Types of Tubes for Specific Lab Results
  • Understanding color-coding of tubes (yellow, blue, purple, red) is essential.
  • Inquiry with the lab or checking guidelines ensures using the correct tubes for specific tests.
  • Understanding specific procedures for handling samples, including swirling and the number of times to flip, is crucial.
• Performing Dressings for Central Venous Lines (CVL), Mediports, or PICC Lines
  • Integral part of everyday nursing care, requiring proficiency in execution several times a week.

Moreover, as a nurse, you can further enhance patient advocacy by providing additional information on specific scenarios that may arise, empowering patients and their families to take an active role in their care. In addition to the skills previously mentioned, two noteworthy abilities that can be valuable additions to your nursing repertoire are Nasogastric (NG) Tube Insertion and drawing blood from thick lines or Central Venous Catheter (CVC) lines.

NG tube insertion becomes crucial, especially when patients exhibit signs of Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO), and having proficiency in this area can prove immensely beneficial. Similarly, the skill of drawing blood from thick lines or CVC lines is a common practice in hospitals. While some institutions may require specific training or competency programs for this, the evolving landscape often necessitates a foundational understanding and practice of aseptic techniques in these procedures. Continuous learning and honing these skills can contribute to a nurse’s ability to navigate diverse medical situations effectively.

Additionally, an essential skill to consider is the insertion or accessing of the Mediport. Many cancer patients have ports or Mediports implanted under their skin. When they visit the emergency room, they often prefer nurses to access these ports rather than opting for an IV in their hand. Learning this skill is crucial when transitioning to nursing in the U.S. While it might seem daunting initially, it is, in fact, simpler than inserting a peripheral IV. The key is understanding sterile techniques and becoming familiar with the specific dressing protocols of the institution.

Part of mastering this skill involves learning the types of tubes required for specific lab results. Understanding the color-coding of tubes, such as yellow, blue, purple, red, is essential. You may need to inquire with the lab or check guidelines to ensure you’re using the correct tubes for specific tests. This also involves understanding the specific procedures for handling samples, including swirling and the number of times to flip. Lastly, knowing how to perform dressings for Central Venous Lines (CVL), Mediports, or PICC lines is an integral part of everyday nursing care. While it may not be required every day, having the proficiency to execute these tasks several times a week is crucial.

Check with Your Hospital

• Understanding Hospital Policies
  • Conducted every seven days or as needed, depending on hospital policies.
  • Adhering to sterile techniques is imperative for this skill.
• Transferring Patients
  • Valuable skill, especially for patients who are weak or have one-sided weakness.
  • Essential to know how to execute transfers safely for both the patient and the nurse.
  • Proper techniques and postures are vital to protect the nurse’s back and ensure long-term well-being.
  • Mistakes in this area can have severe consequences, potentially impacting the nurse’s career.
  • Learning and mastering safe transfer techniques are imperative for the benefit of both nurses and patients.
• Mastering a Diverse Set of Nursing Skills
  • From administering medications and wound care to vital signs monitoring and patient advocacy.
  • Each skill plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal patient care.
  • Nurses’ responsibilities extend beyond clinical tasks to encompass patient education, assistance with medical procedures, and meticulous documentation.

Another crucial aspect is understanding your hospital’s policies regarding this procedure, usually conducted every seven days or as needed. Adhering to sterile techniques is imperative for this skill. Additionally, a valuable skill to possess is the ability to transfer patients, especially those who are weak or have one-sided weakness.

Knowing how to execute these transfers safely is essential for both the patient and yourself. Proper techniques and postures are vital to protect your back and ensure your long-term well-being as a nurse. A single mistake in this area can have severe consequences, potentially impacting your career. Therefore, it is imperative to learn and master safe transfer techniques for the benefit of both you and your patients.

Mastering a diverse set of nursing skills is indispensable for healthcare professionals in the United States. From administering medications and wound care to vital signs monitoring and patient advocacy, each skill plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal patient care. The multifaceted responsibilities of a nurse extend beyond clinical tasks, encompassing patient education, assistance with medical procedures, and meticulous documentation.