subject: Noble Profession Of A Registered Nurse [print this page] A nurse who has a degree in nursing and who has cleared the national licensing exam is known as a registered nurse. It is necessary for a registered nurse to complete at least two years of education, Nursing training and obtain a license in order to work as a nurse. They care for patients in a number of ways and act as leaders in clinics and hospitals with responsibility for overseeing other nurse assistants and certified medical aides.
The duties and responsibilities of nurses are many and varied. In general terms, they are responsible for the treatment and recovery of sick and injured patients, their health care and education, and even treating and curing them in life-threatening situations. They carry this task with a lot of patience and efficiently in different work settings. Here is a list of some common job duties of a registered nurse:
They identify patients requirements by establishing personal rapport and developing a bond, so as to be in a position to understand the care requirements.
They establish a compassionate environment by providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support to patients and their families.
They help promote a patient's independence by establishing care goals by helping the patient, their friends and family understand the condition, provide medications, and learn self-care skills too.
They assure quality of care by adhering to therapeutic standards and making the necessary adjustments.
They resolve patients problems and needs by bringing into action the team strategies.
They maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with the clinic/hospital procedures, rules and regulations.
They call for assistance from health care support in case of any emergency.
Protect patients and other employees by adhering to infection-control policies, medication administration and storage procedures.
They document patient care services by putting it in the patients records.
Maintain continuity among nursing teams by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs.
Maintain patient confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential.
They ensure the proper functioning of equipments by completing preventive maintenance requirements by calling for regular repairs, maintaining equipment inventories and evaluating new equipments and techniques.
They keep a regular check on the nursing supplies by checking stock to determine inventory level. They anticipate the needed supplies for future, place orders for supplies and verify receipt of supplies.
One of the foremost duties of the nurse is that they maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications and establishing personal networks by participating in professional societies.
They maintain a cooperative relationship among the other health care teams by communicating information, responding to requests, building rapport not only with patients, but other working staff too and participating in team problem-solving methods.
Registered nurse also contributes in team efforts by accomplishing results as needed.
In some communities, where doctors are few, nurses are the ones who diagnose and treat basic illnesses, prescribe medications and conduct minor surgeries. They even conduct immunization clinics, health screening, blood drives and seminars on health issues. They play an important role to educate and assist patients and the public to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet.
Not all the responsibilities of nurses are conducted within health care institutions and facilities. When patients go home, they often need professional health assistance. Nurses visit them regularly in their homes and provide similar care which one gets in hospital. In fact, nurses increasingly look after people and take care of them in their own homes. They even assess the home environment and give advice to the patient and their family members.
