In neonatal care, technical skills and medical knowledge are essential. Yet, soft skills are critically important as well. As frontline healthcare providers, neonatal nursing professionals interact with some of the most vulnerable patients and their families, making their ability to communicate, empathize, and collaborate nearly just as critical as their clinical expertise. Understanding the role of soft skills in the hiring process can help healthcare organizations select the best candidates for this essential profession.
What Are Some Soft Skills to Look for During Hiring?
In healthcare, soft skills encompass a range of interpersonal abilities, including:
- Communication: Effectively conveying information to patients and colleagues.
- Empathy: Understanding and relating to the feelings and experiences of patients’ families.
- Teamwork: Collaborating with a diverse group of healthcare professionals.
- Adaptability: Responding to evolving patient needs and environments.
- Problem-Solving: Thinking critically and creatively to address challenges.
Why Do Soft Skills Matter in the NICU?
Soft skills are important in nearly every healthcare setting, but are especially valuable in the NICU for the following reasons.
- Patient-Centered Care: Nurses are often the primary point of contact for patients and their families, so soft skills like empathy and communication are essential for building trust and rapport, and ultimately, the successful delivery of patient-centered care.
- Effective Collaboration: Because the NICU is a team-oriented environment, strong teamwork and communication skills are needed for nurses to collaborate with other healthcare staff and ensure coordinated care.
- Conflict Resolution: The NICU is a high-stakes environment, and conflicts can arise. Nurses who are equipped with strong soft skills will be better able to navigate challenges diplomatically, while maintaining a positive work atmosphere and focusing on patient care.
- Leadership Potential: Soft skills such as emotional intelligence and strong communication are vital for inspiring and motivating fellow nurses, and for potentially taking on new leadership roles in the healthcare setting.
How Can You Integrate Soft Skills into the Hiring Process?
To incorporate soft skills into your healthcare organization’s hiring process, here are some strategies to consider.
Include Soft Skills in Job Descriptions
When creating job postings, highlight the significance of soft skills alongside technical qualifications. For instance, instead of only listing required hard skills, consider emphasizing the importance of teamwork and communication.
Practice Behavioral Interviewing
Include behavioral questions during interviews to focus on past experiences related to soft skills. Ask questions like, “Can you describe a time when you had to resolve a conflict?” or, “How do you handle feedback?” to gain insights into a candidate’s interpersonal abilities.
Implement Assessment Tools
Consider using assessment tools designed to evaluate soft skills. Examples include personality tests and situational judgment tests that simulate real-life challenges candidates may face in the workplace.
Perform Team-Based Interviews
Involving potential team members in the interview process can help assess a candidate’s compatibility with the team culture and dynamics. Colleagues can provide perspectives on how well candidates may fit into the existing group.
Provide Continuous Training
Like hard skills, soft skills can be nurtured. Offer training programs that help employees develop their interpersonal skills, ensuring that even if they come in with limited soft skills, they can grow within the organization.
It can be challenging to ensure your nursing staff has all the skills needed to perform well in your healthcare organization. From finding the right cultural fit to targeting candidates with the necessary hard skills, Ensearch simplifies the hiring process. We specialize in filling openings with qualified full time or locum professionals for hospitals looking to expand their workforce. Start your search by scheduling a consultation with Ensearch today.
