What does a Nurse do?
Published 3 min read
A nurse is a health care professional who provides medical and nursing care to patients in a hospital, clinic, or other health care setting. Nurses may work in a variety of specialties, including pediatrics, surgery, oncology, and critical care.
Nurse job duties include:
- Assessing and planning nursing care requirements
- Providing pre- and post-operation care
- Monitoring and administering medication and intravenous infusions
- Taking patient samples, such as blood, urine or tissue cultures
- Changing dressings
- Wound management
- Catheter insertion and removal
- Patient education
- Health promotion
- Pain management
Nurse Job Requirements
There are many different types of nurses, but all nurses must have a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an accredited nursing program. Some nurses may choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which can lead to higher-paying and more advanced positions. In addition to education, nurses must also obtain a license from their state’s Board of Nursing. Most states also require nurses to complete a certain amount of continuing education credits every few years to maintain their license. Nurses typically gain experience by working in hospitals or other healthcare settings. Some nurses may choose to specialize in a certain area, such as pediatrics or geriatrics.
Nurse Skills
- Patience
- Compassion
- Attention to detail
- Good communication
- Organizational skills
- Multi-tasking
- Stress management
- Flexibility
- Ability to work long hours
- Empathy
- Physical stamina
Related: Top Nurse Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Nurse
A career in nursing can be both personally and professionally rewarding. Nursing is a field that requires both a scientific and compassionate approach to caregiving. If you are interested in becoming a nurse, there are a few things you should know.
First, it is important to get a solid education. You will need to complete an accredited nursing program, which will prepare you for the licensure exam. Once you have your license, you will be able to work as a registered nurse in a variety of settings.
Second, it is important to be compassionate and patient. As a nurse, you will be caring for people who are sick or injured. This can be emotionally challenging, but it is also very rewarding.
Third, it is important to be able to work well under pressure. Nurses often have to deal with difficult situations, such as life-threatening emergencies. This requires quick thinking and calm nerves.
If you are interested in becoming a nurse, there are many opportunities available. With the right education and training, you can have a successful and fulfilling career in this field.
Related: Nurse Resume Example