What Are Some Things That Nurses Do on the Job?

Nurses have many different jobs. Nurses are the ones who have the most contact with the patients. They are responsible for dispensing medication and carrying out doctors' orders. They are the teachers, administrators and main caretakers of patients. However, the number of responsibilities assigned to a nurse depends largely on the amount of education he has.

Licensed Vocational Nurses

• Licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) have about two years of community college or professional nursing school education. They can draw blood if they have complete phlebotomy training and can give shots. LVN nurses wash and clean patients. They also help change patients' bedding. LVNs take patients' vitals and monitor their conditions.

Registered Nurses

• Registered nurses (RNs) oversee patients' care. A registered nurse will alert the doctor if a patient's vitals change suddenly. Registered nurses can start IVs and administer medication. They can also answer any questions that a patient may have.

Surgical Nurses

• Surgical nurses assist during operations. They may also work in a doctor's office, clinic or birthing center. Some nurses work in hospice or home health care agencies, checking on the patient's recovery and health.

Advanced Practice Nurses

• Advanced practice nurses (APNs) usually have a master's degree or doctorate degree. These nurses have a more active role in the care of the patients. APNs can diagnose conditions and treat illnesses.

Administrators

• Nurses are often administrators in the hospital. Their responsibilities include overseeing a ward, interviewing employees and supervising what happens on their floor. Other nurses take care of insurance billing, medical transcription and overseeing the office, nurses and other medical employees.

Teachers

• Other nurses become teachers at nursing schools, community colleges or universities. Here, they teach about public health-related issues.