What's involved in the job description of a nurse?

I’m considering going into nursing after high school, but I want to know more about what a nurse actually does day-to-day. What are the core responsibilities, and what can I expect if I pursue this path?

Nurses have a broad range of responsibilities, so the specifics of a nurse's day-to-day work can vary a lot by their area of specialization and the setting they work in. However, there are certainly some common duties that you can generally expect in any nursing role.

Patient care is usually at the center of a nurse's job, and this involves everything from monitoring patients' conditions and administering medication, to helping patients with physical needs like bathing, eating, and moving around.

Nurses also work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals, which often involves activities like updating patients' medical records, helping with diagnostic tests, and implementing patient care plans. Communicating with patients and their families is another key responsibility, including explaining patients' conditions and treatment options, and providing emotional support.

Beyond patient care, nurses often take part in health education and advocacy work. This could be working with individuals, families, or communities to promote wellness and prevent disease, or advocating for patient rights and health policies.

Lastly, nurses often work in fast-paced environments where they face a wide range of situations, so the ability to remain calm under pressure, critical thinking, and good decision-making skills are key for the job.

In terms of what to expect if you pursue this path, it's important to note that nursing can be highly rewarding but also physically and emotionally challenging. It's a profession that often involves long hours and shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays. In addition, being a nurse requires the ability to handle stressful situations, as you may interact with seriously ill or injured patients and their families.

Furthermore, you can choose to specialize in a certain area of healthcare, which could greatly influence your daily responsibilities. For example, emergency room nurses and operating room nurses face incredibly different daily tasks compared to those in pediatrics or geriatrics.

Education-wise, you'd typically need to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program. This would be followed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to get licensed as a registered nurse.

Keep in mind that the field of nursing also presents opportunities for advancement and specialization through additional certifications and educational programs, such as pursuing a Master's degree to become a nurse practitioner, or earning specialist certification in areas like critical care, pediatrics, or oncology.