1. LIFE- LONG LEARNERS: Throughout their careers nurses must continuously learn, unlearn and re-learn to keep up with changes in health-care delivery, technology and evidence- based practice. Life- Long Learners value knowledge; they are curious, reflective, and analytical.  They apply and openly share new knowledge.  

2. EMOTIONAL ENTELLIGENCE: To be effective, nurses must master the skills of personal and social competence which include: self- awareness, self- management, social awareness, and relationship management. The emotionally intelligent nurse is empathetic. Empathy is the ability to recognize and understand the emotional state of others. She/ he also understands the importance of caring for and developing self, while simultaneously caring for others.

3. ADVOCATE: Throughout their practice, nurses encounter vulnerable individuals, trusting the nurse to: protect their safety, preserve their dignity, and when necessary to become their voice. There is no greater responsibility or privilege in nursing than to speak or act on behalf of another. "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."--Martin Luther King Jr.

4. DECISIVE: Critical thinking is essential in recognizing potential consequences and preparing for various outcomes. Nurses have the ability to prioritize, problem- solve, utilize available resources, collaborate, and ultimately decide on a course of action. Decisive nurses take risks on behalf of their patients and accept responsibility for the outcome of their decisions.

5. EVIDENCE- BASED PRACTICE: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is defined as the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. EBP involves formulating clinical questions, researching the evidence, critical appraisal, applying the evidence, and re-evaluation. The nurse accomplishes this through collaborative teams, working within professional and organizational guidelines to advance nursing practice.   

6. RESILIENT: All industries, including health care are experiencing unprecedented rapid "white water" change. The resilient nurse is proactive, embracing the opportunities that come with change.  As nurses follow their personal and professional guiding principles, they will effectively decide what must change and what must not change in nursing.  

7. SUPPORTIVE: Nurses extend support to other nurses, healthcare professionals and those considering nursing as a profession. This support is demonstrated through teamwork, mentoring, and the deeper bonds of friendship. These unique relationships are forged through shared experiences, successes, and overcoming challenges.

8. HEROIC: The literal meaning of the word hero is protector, defender or guardian. Nurses consistently demonstrate these characteristics. Heroic deeds are often viewed by nurses as, "All in a day's work." To patient and families, these acts are life saving and life changing.

9. INTUITIVE: Intuition is insight or understanding of a situation that can not be logically explained. Experienced nurses learn to listen to their "gut" and intervene on behalf of patients. According to nursing expert Patricia Benner, "Intuition is not the lack of knowledge; rather it is the result of deep knowledge."

10. PURPOSE DRIVEN: According to the American Nurses Association, "Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities and populations." It is difficult to imagine a more significant life purpose than becoming a nurse.