The job obligations of a nurse have a lot to do with the place where she works. Obviously, a plastic surgery nurse will not have the same daily responsibilities as a genetic nurse. However, because most of the nursing jobs have to do with patient care, some common duties apply:
Monitoring symptoms and progress in patients.
Bedside nursing care.
Assisting doctors during surgical procedures and treatments.
Treating common illnesses and injuries, including the administration of medications and injections, first aid, inoculations, and follow-up care.
Helping to clean, feed, and walk patients.
Keeping records and slides as directed by medical staff.
Supervising nursing assistants, helping with training, and assigning/scheduling duties.
Daily management of patient caseload.
Coordinating pre and post-op patient care.
Routine laboratory work.
Maintaining accepted infection control norms.
In some cases, ordering of equipment and supplies.
Other miscellaneous duties depending on setting.
Career Overview
Nursing is a demanding and stressful job. It requires professionals that can be both caring and detached, able to cope with the daily stress of dealing with sick and dying patients. Nurses should also be detail-oriented, have excellent communication skills, and the ability of supervising others when necessary. Because nurses spend long periods of time either walking or standing, and can sometimes be required to move patients or heavy equipment, the job can also be physically demanding.
Nurses usually work rotating shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays. Many are also on call, which basically means they can be asked to work on short notice.
Opportunities for career advancement include positions as head nurses, assistant director, and health services administration.