Introduction

Nursing is one of the most trusted and crucial professions in the healthcare system. Nurses are often the first point of contact for patients and the ones who stay with them through every stage of their treatment. But the role of a nurse goes far beyond just taking vitals and administering medications; it's about advocacy, education, emotional support, and critical thinking.

What Do Nurses Do?

While nursing roles vary depending on the setting, nurses typically perform a range of essential duties:

• Monitoring patients: Nurses track patient symptoms, record vital signs, and assess physical and emotional well-being.

• Administering care: They give medications, dress wounds, assist in procedures, and help with daily activities like eating or bathing.

• Patient education: Nurses explain diagnoses, medications, and treatments, helping patients understand and manage their health.

• Communication: Nurses relay critical information between patients, doctors, and families, ensuring everyone stays informed.

• Advocacy: They advocate for the best interest of the patient—whether it’s asking a doctor to reconsider a medication or comforting a scared family member.

Different Types of Nurses

There are many types of nurses, each requiring different levels of education and specialization:

• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs): Provide basic care, usually under the supervision of RNs or physicians.

• Registered Nurses (RNs): Hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and are involved in direct patient care and decision-making.

• Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Advanced practice nurses who can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications, often independently.

• Specialty Nurses: These include critical care nurses, pediatric nurses, oncology nurses, surgical nurses, and many more.

Work Environments

Nurses work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, nursing homes, and even patient homes. Their environment can influence their hours, duties, and level of patient interaction. Hospital nurses, for example, often work long 12-hour shifts and care for patients with severe or complex conditions.

Why Nursing Matters

Nursing is about blending science with compassion. It requires technical skill, emotional intelligence, and the ability to respond quickly in high-pressure situations. Nurses are key to better health outcomes, patient satisfaction, and the overall functioning of the healthcare system.

For students who are drawn to medicine but want a more hands-on, patient-centered role, nursing can be a deeply rewarding path.

Works Cited

American Nurses Association. “What Is Nursing?” ANA Enterprise, www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/what-is-nursing.

Johnson & Johnson. “Explore Nursing.” Nursing.jnj.com, https://nursing.jnj.com/nursing-careers.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Registered Nurses.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm.

National League for Nursing. “The Role of Nurses.” NLN, www.nln.org/about/role-of-nurses.