Table 2 Non-cognitive abilities used in the selection process for nursing students

Communication skills

Collect and convey information in order to create and sustain relationships with others in appropriate manner.

appropriate non-verbal communication/body language

Taylor R et al., 2014 [52], Waugh A et al., 2014 [54], Gale J et al., 2016 [6], Haavisto E et al., 2019 [67], Perkins et al., 2013 [47], Callwood A et al., 2018 [65]

active listening

expressiveness

Engages in social conversation

Able to give advice, and give directions to others

Teamwork

Effectively and respectfully work with others

cooperativeness,

Gale J et al., 2016 [6], Callwood A et al., 2018 [65], Perkins et al., 2013 [47], Taylor R et al., 2014 [52], McNeill C et al., 2019 [69], Waugh A et al., 2014 [54]

collegiality

Ability to work closely with others

Dynamism

Seek for learning opportunities, Flexibility to change and Being challenging

open minded

Haavisto E et al., 2019 [67], McNeill C et al., 2019 [69], Jones-Schenk & Harper, 2014 [53]

Self-directed skills

Commitment to Personal Development

adapt to an environment that may change rapidly

Not being resistant to change,

adaptability

Morality

To act in accordance with ethical principles and standards of conduct

ethical insights (ethical decision making, moral judgment)

Gale J et al., 2016 [6], Haavisto E et al., 2019 [67], Callwood A et al., 2018 [65], Jones-Schenk & Harper, 2014 [53], McNeill C et al., 2019 [69], Waugh A et al., 2014 [54], Taylor R et al., 2014 [52]

Responsible

Conscientious

Accountability

Reliable

Trustworthy

Honesty

disclosure e of error

integrity

Respect for others (privacy and dignity)

Psychological strength

Ability to deal with the trials and tribulations

stress management,

Jones-Schenk & Harper, 2014 [53], Waugh A et al., 2014 [54]

tolerance highly stressful situations

able to stand the sight of blood, able to cope with death

Patient

Emotional intelligence

Accurately recognize and understand one’s own emotions and those of others, using this information to guide future behavior.

emotion perception (understanding emotions, Understanding and supportive)

Haavisto E et al., 2019 [67], Gale J et al., 2016 [6], Callwood A et al., 2018 [65], Taylor R et al., 2014 [52], Waugh A et al., 2014 [54]

Understand and control reactions to the behaviors and emotions of others

emotional maturity

Sensitive to others and self

Able to give advice, and give directions to others

Warmth

Demonstrate affection or enthusiasm in behavior.

Kindness, friendly

Gale J et al., 2016 [6], Ruth Sampie Simelane 2017 [63], Callwood A et al., 2018 [65], Waugh A et al., 2014 [54], Jones-Schenk & Harper, 2014 [53], Pitt V et al., 2012 [42]

Compassionate

Altruistic, (Desire to help, Inherent desire to care)

Empathy