Roles and Responsibilities of a Nurse, and How they can Manage their Wellbeing

Nursing allows you to make a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis; however, becoming a nurse entails more than just working full-time. A nurse’s main role is to advocate for and care for individuals while they are ill or injured. Each and every type of nurse is highly skilled, and each day is unique and, at times, more difficult than the last. Here is a list of roles and responsibilities of a nurse:

Duties of a Registered Nurse include:

1. Ensure a high level of care for patients and caregivers by assessing and planning nursing care needs for patients and providing sick people with pre-and post-operative care.
2. Capable of monitoring and administering medications, as well as intravenous infusions
3. Be able to take patients’ blood pressures, pulses, and temperatures
4. Keeping records, organising workloads, and providing emotional support to patients and their families are all part of the job.
5. Capable of taking on responsibilities such as supervising junior staff and student nurse tutoring
6. The nurse is able to increase individual awareness of health and well-being and needs to contribute to the public health agenda. 
7. Capable of planning, delivering, and evaluating care programmes to meet the needs of people’s health and well-being. 
8. Capable of putting evidence-based/best practice provision into action.
9. The nurse must be able to solicit patient and caregiver feedback on the service.
10. Contribute to the service’s ongoing improvement.
11. The nurse is responsible for maintaining a professional image in accordance with the NMC Code of Conduct or the country in which you are working.
12. Participate in the clinical governance agenda and use risk management systems
13. Able to participate in appropriate research and auditing activities. 
14. Takes responsibility for the appropriate delegation of nursing care to team members on a regular basis. 
15. Promote and maintain good record-keeping practices by self and team to ensure professional standards are met. 
16. In the primary health care team, establish and maintain communication with individuals and groups in a variety of settings and situations. 
17. The nurse should be able to liaise with and interact with other organisations and disciplines
18. Be able to communicate effectively with the team leader or heads of departments.
19. Assisting doctors with physical examination and treatment plans.
20. Managing IV lines, setting up drips, and blood transfusions.
21. Keep abreast of advances in healthcare, medications, equipment, and treatment plans.
22. Nurses should take detailed health histories and check vital signs.
23. Must compassionately engage in difficult conversations.

Key Nursing Skills

Even though each nurse is unique and has unique strengths and weaknesses, there are some general skills that make for an excellent nurse. here are the main key nursing skills:

1. Effective communication,  both verbal and written
2. Compassionate and caring personality
3. Excellent interpersonal and teamwork abilities
4. Professionalism and observational abilities
5. Conflict resolution
6. Ability to take the initiative and strong work ethic
7. Capability to handle emotionally charged and high-pressure situations
8. Time Management
9. Resilience
10. Strength and endurance
11. Critical thinking and creative problem solving
12. Attitude, empathy and confidence

How a Nurse can Take Charge of their Own Health

With such a demanding job, it’s critical for nurses to prepare for any challenges that may arise and to do everything they can to maintain their health and wellness. Here are some examples of how a nurse can be proactive in their own healthcare:

1. Self-care is essential. 

If possible, schedule short breaks and meals during the shift. Our bodies require adequate nutrients to function properly, both physically and mentally. Finding a work-life balance and enforcing it whenever possible is another critical aspect of self-care.

2. Put your comfort, health, and safety first. 

For long shifts, nurses should invest in compression socks and comfortable footwear. When working with patients, wash your hands thoroughly, wipe down surfaces, and wear masks or other appropriate PPE. If a nurse is unable to lift a patient on their own, don’t be afraid to seek assistance from another nurse.

3. Select the wards and shifts with care.

Several health care providers may be able to assign nurses to shifts that fit their routines.  e.g., if a nurse chooses to work per-diem nursing shifts rather than a full-time schedule, they will be able to plan their work around their life rather than vice versa.

4. Refresh your technological knowledge. 

Technology is intended to make a nurse’s job easier and to help her treat patients more efficiently. Learning how to use the latest technology properly will not only make the job easier, but it will also broaden a nurse’s skills in the field.

5. Inform a supervisor of your concerns. 

Any conflicts with coworkers, other medical personnel, or patients should be documented and discussed with a supervisor or the HR department. Workplace bullying and gossip have a significant impact on workplace culture and morale, which can have an impact on employees’ mental and emotional well-being.

6.Don’t be afraid to seek assistance.

 A newly hired nurse will require advice or support from other nurses or staff when starting a new job. Don’t be afraid to seek assistance. A recently recruited nurse will require advice or support from other nurses or staff when starting a new job. Asking for help is never a bad thing.