What are nursing duties?

Nursing duties encompass a wide range of tasks and responsibilities that nurses perform in providing healthcare to patients. These duties may vary depending on the specialty, setting, and level of nursing practice. However, some common nursing duties include:

1. Patient Assessment:

- Gathering information about the patient's health status, including vital signs, symptoms, medical history, medication use, and functional abilities.

- Conducting physical examinations and assessing patients for signs of distress or abnormalities.

- Monitoring patients' conditions and detecting changes that require intervention or escalation of care.

2. Administration of Medications:

- Administering prescribed medications to patients according to the prescribed dosage, route, and frequency.

- Monitoring for and reporting any adverse effects or allergic reactions to medications.

3. Wound Care:

- Providing wound care, such as dressing changes, wound irrigation, and wound monitoring to promote healing and prevent infection.

4. Infection Control:

- Implementing infection control measures, including proper hand hygiene, maintaining aseptic techniques, and following isolation protocols.

5. Patient Education:

- Providing patients and their families with education about their health conditions, treatments, medications, and self-care strategies.

- Answering questions, addressing concerns, and promoting understanding of the patient's care plan.

6. Emotional Support:

- Providing emotional support to patients and their families, listening to their concerns, and addressing their psychological well-being.

- Promoting a positive and caring environment for patients and assisting them in coping with their health challenges.

7. Collaboration and Communication:

- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, pharmacists, social workers, and therapists, to provide comprehensive patient care.

- Effectively communicating with patients and their families, updating them on their care plans, and discussing any changes or concerns.

8. Documentation:

- Accurately and comprehensively documenting patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in medical records.

- Maintaining up-to-date and legible records to ensure continuity of care.

9. Advocacy:

- Advocating for patients' rights, safety, and well-being.

- Ensuring that patients receive the appropriate care and resources they need.

10. Research and Quality Improvement:

- Engaging in research and evidence-based practice to enhance nursing care.

- Participating in quality improvement initiatives and implementing evidence-based protocols to improve patient outcomes.

These are just a few examples of nursing duties, and the specific responsibilities may vary depending on the specialization and setting of the nurse's practice.