As a member of the health care delivery team, a nurse can save lives by independently assessing and determining a patient’s needs, and alerting other health care professionals as needed. Emergency room nurses triage incoming patients, identifying which patients need immediate attention. The nurse also coordinates care from other health care professionals and assesses the success of their care. Nurses work with other health care professionals to provide the best possible care for each patient.
The job description of a nurse varies, depending on the facility. In acute care settings, nurses typically work longer hours to ensure continuity of patient care. Longer shifts mean fewer caregivers for each patient, and continuity of care is important for preventing mistakes during the patient handoff. Many nurses prefer flexibility in their schedules, though. Most nurses work 12-hour shifts three days a week. Nurses also conduct research to study patient response to care.
Despite the high stress level in the health care field, nurses must always make time for laughter. Those who can laugh are more successful in their roles. Nursing is a stressful career, but humor helps relieve stress. Nurses are exposed to a wide range of high-stress situations. Finding time for humor in the job can make all the difference. It also gives you time for personal life and will help you maintain a balance between your work and home life.
As a nurse, you will provide excellent care to people who need it. You may be a nurse-administered drug, a hospice nurse, or a hospital ward clerk. In addition to helping patients, nurses also perform many routine duties in the hospital. Taking blood, running diagnostic tests, and reading charts are all important skills of a nurse. There are countless career opportunities in nursing. So if you have a passion for helping others, becoming a nurse may be the best career choice for you.