Adult nurses provide medical care to, and support the recovery of, patients suffering from acute and long-term illnesses, diseases such as diabetes or arthritis, or those requiring surgery. They focus on the needs of the patient rather than the illness or condition. They also promote good health and wellbeing through education. Nurses plan and carry out care within a multidisciplinary team but are the main point of contact for patients.
Adult nurses work mainly in hospitals, although they are playing an increasingly prominent role in the community, attached to a health centre or general practice and in residential homes, specialist units, schools and hospices. Gaining the trust and confidence of each patient is an important role for nurses, as they have more continuity of patient care than other members of the medical team.
Patients may have chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart/kidney problems, or serious acute conditions, such as heart failure, stroke, hepatitis or burns. They may be in for surgery, admitted to accident and emergency with injuries, attending an outpatient clinic or undergoing tests and assessments. In all cases, nurses need to establish a good relationship with the patient and their relatives.
Day-to-day pressures and duties will depend on your role, but typical work activities can include: preparing patient care plans, implementing plans through tasks such as preparing patients for operations, wound treatment and monitoring pulse, blood pressure and temperature, observing and recording the condition of patients, checking and administering drugs and injections, setting up drips and blood transfusions, assisting with tests and evaluations, carrying out routine investigations, responding quickly to emergencies and maintaining patient records.
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