Nurses in the United States have a wide range of responsibilities, depending on their specific role, specialty, and healthcare setting. Here are some essential responsibilities for nurses in the U.S.:
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Patient Assessment: Nurses assess patients' physical and mental health, including taking vital signs, conducting health histories, and performing physical examinations.
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Medication Administration: Nurses administer medications and intravenous therapies, ensuring accurate dosages and monitoring patients for adverse reactions.
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Care Planning: Nurses collaborate with healthcare teams to develop and implement care plans for patients, considering their unique needs and conditions.
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Patient Education: Nurses educate patients and their families about their health conditions, medications, and self-care techniques to promote wellness and recovery.
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Monitoring and Documentation: Nurses continuously monitor patients' conditions and record vital information in medical records, ensuring accurate and up-to-date documentation.
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Wound Care: Nurses provide wound care, dressing changes, and monitoring for infections to promote wound healing.
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Infection Control: Nurses adhere to strict infection control protocols to prevent the spread of infections within healthcare settings.
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Support for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Nurses assist patients with basic activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility when necessary.
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Emergency Response: Nurses are trained to respond to medical emergencies, administer CPR, and provide life-saving interventions.
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Advocacy: Nurses advocate for patients' rights, ensuring they receive appropriate care and treatment while respecting their wishes and preferences.
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Pain Management: Nurses assess and manage pain in patients, advocating for pain relief while preventing opioid misuse.
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Health Promotion: Nurses promote healthy lifestyles and disease prevention through patient education and community outreach.
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Ethical Decision-Making: Nurses are often involved in ethical decision-making, ensuring that patients' autonomy and rights are respected.
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Team Collaboration: Nurses collaborate with physicians, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
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Crisis Intervention: Nurses may intervene in crises, such as psychiatric emergencies or code situations, to provide immediate care and support.
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Telehealth and Technology: With the rise of telehealth, nurses also play a role in providing virtual care and leveraging technology for patient monitoring and communication.
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Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Some nurses engage in research activities to advance nursing knowledge and contribute to evidence-based practice.
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Leadership and Management: Nurse leaders and nurse managers oversee units or departments, ensuring efficient and effective healthcare delivery.
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Continuing Education: Nurses engage in lifelong learning to stay current with advancements in healthcare and maintain their licensure.
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Cultural Competence: Nurses provide culturally sensitive care, respecting the diversity of patients and their backgrounds.
It's important to note that nursing roles can vary greatly, from registered nurses (RNs) to nurse practitioners (NPs), nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), nurse midwives (CNMs), and more, each with its own scope of practice and responsibilities. Additionally, state nursing boards and healthcare institutions may define specific duties for nurses in accordance with local regulations and policies.
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