Overview
Nurses work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, community health centers, and home health agencies. They must possess excellent clinical skills, critical thinking abilities, and empathy to provide high-quality care to patients across the lifespan.
Duties
Patient Care:
- Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Monitoring patients' vital signs and reporting any changes or abnormalities.
Collaborative Care:
- Collaborating with physicians, other healthcare professionals, and support staff to ensure comprehensive patient care.
- Communicating effectively with interdisciplinary team members to coordinate treatment plans and patient management.
Record Keeping:
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records, including medical histories, treatment plans, and progress notes.
- Documenting nursing interventions, patient responses to treatment, and any adverse reactions.
Patient Advocacy:
- Advocating for patients' rights and preferences in the healthcare decision-making process.
- Ensuring that patients receive compassionate and respectful care that meets their physical, emotional, and cultural needs.
Qualifications:
- Valid nursing license issued by the appropriate regulatory body.
- Ability to perform nursing procedures and interventions accurately and safely.
- Strong critical thinking skills to assess patient needs, identify problems, and develop appropriate care plans.
- Excellent communication skills to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
Nurses play a crucial role in healthcare settings, providing essential medical care, support, and education to patients.