You’ve already invested a great deal in yourself—all the time, energy and funds it took to get your nursing education. You know you’re worthy of a great mate, so pay attention to the ones you date!

If all goes well, this first date may lead to another, then another and you’re off on the Road to a Relationship. But don’t speed down this road in a souped-up convertible with the top down, no matter how much fun it seems! Keep your eyes open and your judgment intact.

1. Reliable: Did your date meet you when they said they would?
2. Accessible: Did your date give you a cell phone number and email address in case you need to reach them about an unexpected change in plans?
3. Approachable: Did your date welcome you to contact them at any time?
4. Conscientious: Is the planned activity both convenient and enjoyable?
5. Accommodating: Did your date suggest and book a suitable place to meet?
6. Thorough: Were you impressed with the arrangements that were made?
7. Polite: Did your date show good manners?
8. Connectable: Was it easy to talk, or did making conversation feel like “pulling teeth?”
9. Attentive: Did your date listen to what you told them or hinted about your personal preferences?
10. Generous: Did your date reserve a table at a restaurant suitable for intimate dialog, and did your date tip appropriately?
11. Comfort: Did you leave with the feeling that you would really enjoy spending time together in the future?
12. Chemistry: Are you physically attracted to your date?
13. Integrity: Did your date seem honest?
14. Safety: Did you feel secure throughout the evening?

If your date falls far short in any or several of these categories (one or two small deficiencies may be excusable), starting a relationship with them may not be a good idea. Don’t despair if your date was a dud—you’re now free to look for better prospects.

In a few seconds, you can probably get a good sense of coloring, alertness, emotional state and energy level for clues to their current state of health.

Now let’s say you’re getting ready for a much-anticipated first date. How confident are you that you’ll be able to judge your date’s character and worthiness as a potential mate just as quickly and efficiently?

Don’t leave it up to chance. Think of that first date as a job interview. Even better, think of it as a patient interview. Chart your date just like you’d chart your patient: Get a history, vital signs…you know the drill.

My mantra to singles is: Don’t waste time going out with The Wrong One. Here are 10 checklist items to get clues about whether to keep ‘em or ditch ‘em.

• Beforehand, compute a background check to see whether you know anyone in common.
• Ask your date about the length and present status of past relationships.
• Make a mental note about your date’s level of emotional damage from any past relationship.
• Learn what your date currently does for a living, and how successful he or she is.
• Get a handle on future earnings capability and professional goals.
• Notice whether your date has a sense of humor—either makes jokes or laughs at yours.
• Ask your date about his or her friends and what they’re like. Are they the type of people you could befriend?
• Find out if your date has “baggage,” such as children, alimony, dependent relatives, pets, debt or pending litigation.
• Take a mental inventory of your date’s overall likes and dislikes.
• Watch to see if your date is a positive, lighthearted person who sees the glass as half full.