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According to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, there are over 52,000 licensed nurses in our state and 3,280 in Northwest Arkansas. These include registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), licensed psychiatric technician nurses (LPTNs), registered nurse practitioners (RNPs) and advanced practice RNs (APRNs). After completing basic nursing programs, RNs and LPNs must pass nationally standardized examinations. LPTNs must have passed a state licensure exam. RNPs have completed a nurse practitioner program in addition to their RN program. To be licensed as an APRN, an RN must complete a graduate-level or post-graduate-level advanced practice nursing program and hold certification from a Board approved nationally recognized certifying body. By kaREN RICE The nursing profession can be fulfilling and rewarding and is always challenging. Successful nurses rely on a host of traits that make them uniquely qualified to handle the adverse situations they face each day. Compassion It almost goes without saying that compassion is a key quality of a good nurse, but it goes beyond that. Psychiatric clinic nurse Jenny Gilreath puts it this way: "seeing the patient as a whole person who needs care mentally, physically, and emotionally and giving individual care for that person based on their unique needs." Effective communicator Nurses often serve as conduits between patients and doctors, explaining complex medical issues and protocols. Being a good listener is also key, as retired nurse Marianne Zotti of Bella Vista points out, "Nurses need to intently listen to what their patients say, because often the underlying concern may be hidden in the conversation." Professionalism In the midst of stressful situations, nurses must be able to maintain their professionalism and calmly confront obstacles. "Someone's health, wellbeing and sometimes their life depends on what you do or don't do, on what you notice or don't notice," notes training and development coordinator Sherri Lipson, RN, of MANA Medical Associates in Fayetteville. Time management Many nurses work long shifts, with a host of responsibilities. So they must be skilled at the art of time management. "Almost never are we trying to help or The righT sTuff: Qualities that make a good nurse Nurses in Arkansas 4 | yOU aT yOUR BEsT | NWaDG.COM/yOUaTyOURBEsT May - #THaNkaNURsE | sUNDay, aPRIL 26, 2020 A FA m i ly- C e n t e r e d A p p r o A C h t o m e m o ry C A r e Magnolia Place is a completely unique community, dedicated to enriching the lives of those living with memory loss. We are committed to being the leader in providing quality personal services for our residents, while honoring the experience of aging. 2000 S. Hampton place • RogeRS, aR • 479.636.0799 • magnoliaplacealz.com Independent & Level 2 Assisted Living Community 2300 SE 28th Street | Bentonville 479.273.9969 www.themeadowsinbentonville.com Best of Northwest Arkansas the Thank You Nurses for working on the front line!