How important is it for an addiction nurse to be a patient person?

"I believe that being patient is a very important characteristic for any person to possess, especially those who work in patient care. We often have very hectic schedules and work with staff and patients who have diverse personalities and needs. Being able to focus on the needs of others while performing our job can be very demanding. However, patience is a must."

"Being patient is very important for an addiction nurse. Some patients or staff we work with require only simple assistance. Others require more detailed assistance as they are learning new life skills and coping mechanisms. We have to know how to identify those who require a little extra time and try to accommodate that."

"The old saying 'patience is a virtue' is especially true when dealing with a group of staff or patients.. There are often times when we have to calm agitated patients, family members, or help a staff member who feels overwhelmed. Losing your cool or being impatient is not an effective way to communicate and calm someone. Patience is definitely a must for an addiction nurse."