Personality Traits of Registered Nurses
in Various Specialties
Abstract
Nursing is a very demanding profession, requiring an individual to possess a unique set of skills,
knowledge, and personal attributes. Personality traits and characteristics of registered nurses are
considered to be of great importance as they often influence patient interaction, work satisfaction, and
overall career success. Evidence within numerous other industries suggests personality traits also
influence job-fit, performance, and retention of employees. While personality traits of oncology,
palliative cancer, critical care, and gerontology nurses have been explored, there is little evidence on
how these traits can vary across a spectrum work assignments. This study was conducted to measure
normal personality traits of registered nurses in the General Medical Unit (GMU), Surgical Intensive Care
Unit (SICU), and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Results may suggest distinct personality traits of
nurses in these departments as well as whether these traits influence job performance, satisfaction,
retention, and ultimately job-fit among successful nurses within this healthcare organization.