Nurses perform a myriad of tasks every day. From overseeing patients’ care and monitoring their progress to administering medications and carrying out diagnostic tests, nurses are indispensable in health care and are often in high demand. Yet, nurses’ intelligence remains something of a mystery to the lay public.
Nurses are one of the most unique, dedicated, and talented professions on the planet. It’s no surprise, then, that a lot of guys (and gals) nurse fantasies involve being nurses. (And, some fantasies involve actually being nurses.) But while nurses are certainly special, not everyone is cut out for the job. (And, a nurse’s job, unfortunately, isn’t for everyone.)
The Essence of a Nurse
Nurses are the unsung heroes of society. They devote their lives to caring for others and saving lives. Nurses work hard, put the needs of others first, and provide comfort and compassion. Nurses are caring, compassionate, and dedicated to improving the health of others.
In the nursing field, who we hire is just as important as what you learn. A nurse who lacks the intelligence, compassion, or even basic knowledge to care for patients isn’t doing anyone a favor. If, for instance, I hire a nurse who’s lacking in any of these areas, not only will my patients suffer, but I won’t be doing myself any favors either, since I’m hiring the wrong person, and all I will have done is waste of my time and my money.
So, What Is the Average IQ Of a Nurse?
The average nurse’s IQ is 120, according to a recent survey. Though most nurses fall into the 120-130 range, 10.3% are above average, and 1.8% are gifted. The average nurse’s IQ is 108.2, putting them in the 97.5th percentile.
What is the Essence of Measuring IQ?
A key part of attaining a high IQ is learning how to measure intelligence and correct flawed IQ tests. In IQ Test Review, students will learn how to measure intelligence and what scoring ranges indicate an above-average or below-average intelligence level.
Many factors impact a person’s IQ, and researchers define IQ tests as tests that measure intelligence. IQ is an estimate of a person’s cognitive ability or mental ability. IQ tests measure the intellectual abilities, such as reasoning skills, memory, and processing speed, that are involved in complex perceptive reasoning, basic numerical skills, and verbal comprehension.
There are many ways to measure intelligence. Some people are asked about their IQ, others are given an IQ test, and still, others use the IQ test-like questions that come in standard IQ tests (such as the SAT), as well as standardized tests like the ASVAB. The SAT is full of questions like “What are three examples of association?” and “What are three uses of electricity?” The ASVAB has questions like “What does a device that measures distance per pound weigh?” and “What does a device that measures pressure in pounds per square inch measure?” While these may not be IQ questions, they certainly measure some aspects of intelligence.
Do You Need a High IQ To Be a Nurse?
You don’t have to be a genius to be a nurse. But you do need to have a keen mind, concern for others, and a nurturing heart. (Perhaps this is why many nurses love taking care of babies?) Nurses must be able to follow directions, think on their feet, and adapt to changing situations. They also need to be kind, compassionate, and empathetic. And, of course, they should always be quality health care providers.
You are a nurse, and you’ve worked hard to earn your RN. You’ve likely heard time and again how critical it is to have a high IQ, but the truth is, you don’t need a high IQ to be a great nurse. In fact, research shows that nurses with IQs between 100 and 130 (the average IQ score) perform as well as nurses with higher IQ scores.
The nursing profession is one of the few professions where intelligence isn’t as important as it is typically perceived. In fact, intelligence isn’t even required to land a position as a nurse. While there seems to be a widespread belief that nurses need to be smart, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Can You Be a Nurse with Low IQ?
Nursing is not a career for the faint of heart, as anyone who has ever worked as a nurse can tell you. Working in the healthcare field requires compassion and patience, and nursing jobs often involve long hours and stressful situations. But can nursing with low intelligence actually be a career? Yes, nurses with low IQs can actually make good nurses, but you’d have to work harder than someone with a high IQ.
A low IQ can be a serious roadblock, but not with nursing. Since nurses provide care under the supervision of doctors, people with below-average mental abilities are well-suited for nursing. In fact, people with below-average intelligence are uniquely qualified to manage patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. Now, before you pack up your stethoscope and head back to school, it’s important to realize that low IQs can hold you back in nursing school—and in nursing practice—if you aren’t careful.
A recent study found that people with low levels of intelligence have the lowest unemployment rate among college graduates. In fact, nurses with below-average intelligence have the lowest unemployment rate. However, despite this fact, there still seem to be many misconceptions about low IQ. Many people associate a low IQ with a lack of intelligence and believe there would be little value in hiring someone with such a low IQ. Yet, many studies show that the intelligence level at which someone is most successful is far beyond just IQ.
Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare industry. With patients always in the forefront of their minds, they have to manage stress and keep the environment as calm as possible. Nurses need to be caring, attentive, and compassionate.
