Personality traits valued by practicing nurses and measured in nursing students

Human relationships are inherent in professional nursing practice, and are influenced by personality traits of the nurse. The purpose of this study was to develop a profile of personality traits desirable for nurses that could be used as a basis for preprofessional guidance and for teaching strategies that would promote the development of these traits. Nurses from four states indicated the level of personality traits desirable for nurses, based on Personality Research Form (PRF) definitions. The PRF was then administered to both associate degree (ADN) and baccalaureate degree (BSN) students. Although some differences were demonstrated, the level desired by the nurses was congruent with student scores, and the scores of ADN and BSN students at point of entry and on completion of their nursing education did not significantly differ for the majority of the traits measured.