18 Hard Skills You Might Need in Healthcare 🏥💉🩺

Clinical, Diagnostic, and Administrative

Clinical and Medical Skills

1. Patient Care Techniques

   • Taking vitals (blood pressure, temperature, heart rate).

   • Administering medications and injections.

   • Wound care and dressing.

2. Diagnostic Skills

   • Performing physical exams.

   • Using diagnostic tools (e.g., stethoscopes, ultrasounds, MRI machines).

   • Reading and interpreting lab results, X-rays, or other imaging studies.

3. Technical and Equipment Operation

   • Operating specialized medical devices (e.g., ventilators, EKGs).

   • Using surgical instruments and robotic systems.

   • Handling sterilization equipment (e.g., autoclaves).

4. Medical Procedures

   • Inserting IVs or catheters.

   • Suturing wounds.

   • Performing CPR or other life-saving measures.

5. Knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology

   • Understanding body systems and their functions.

   • Recognizing signs of disease or abnormalities.

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Analytical and Administrative Skills

6. Medical Documentation

   • Accurately recording patient histories and treatment plans.

   • Using electronic health records (EHR) systems.

7. Coding and Billing

   • Medical coding (ICD-10, CPT codes).

   • Processing insurance claims.

8. Research and Data Analysis

   • Conducting medical research or clinical trials.

   • Analyzing trends in patient outcomes.

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Pharmacological Knowledge

9. Understanding Medications

   • Knowledge of drug interactions, side effects, and proper dosages.

   • Compounding or dispensing medications (for pharmacists or pharmacy techs).

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Specialized Skills

10. Surgical Assistance

    • Setting up sterile fields for surgery.

    • Assisting surgeons during procedures.

11. Lab Testing

    • Drawing blood (phlebotomy) and preparing samples.

    • Conducting lab tests like urinalysis or hematology.

12. Rehabilitation Techniques

    • Designing physical therapy regimens.

    • Teaching patients exercises to improve mobility.

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Technology Skills

13. Medical Software Proficiency

    • Familiarity with EHR systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner).

    • Using medical imaging software.

14. Telemedicine Tools

    • Conducting virtual patient consultations.

    • Using video conferencing platforms and digital diagnostic tools.

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Emergency Response Skills

15. First Aid and CPR

    • Providing immediate care during emergencies.

    • Responding to traumatic injuries or cardiac events.

16. Triage Skills

    • Assessing and prioritizing patient needs in emergency settings.

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Interdisciplinary Skills

17. Infection Control

    • Knowledge of hygiene protocols and preventing cross-contamination.

    • Proper use of PPE (personal protective equipment).

18. Public Health Strategies

    • Conducting health education campaigns.

    • Identifying and mitigating community health risks.