The Role of A Nurse in a Healthcare System

Nurses play a critical role in the healthcare system, handling various responsibilities and delivering a high standard of care to the general public. Besides caring for individuals through illness, nurses are responsible forrecording the medical history of the patient, operating medical equipment and advocating for the health of patients. They also form the key part of the team that plans for patient health care. To better understand the role of a nurse, let's explore their jobresponsibilities in greater detail:

Caring for Patients

Registered nurses specialize in the role of a caregiver for patients. They help them in the treatment of illness and manage their physical needs. This caregiving process starts after we check into the doctor’s office. From small talk about your health to checking the vitals, nurses take the time to know more about us so we receive the right treatment.

During the treatment process, nursesadminister the medications and therapies prescribed by the doctor. They also record the relevant information to keep an updated history of our health.

In practical situations, nurses may have to act immediately to help the patient. They may also have roles where they don’t need permission from a doctor. This requires the nurse to have a good understanding of their work and team.

Advocating for Patients

Advocating for the best interests of the patient is another important job role for nurses. Spending time with patients allows nurses to understand the behavior and needs of the patient.

Having an advocate in the treatment center is also important from the patient’s perspective. The patient may not be in a condition to understand their medical condition.

Based on their patient-specific knowledge, the nurse may be in a good position to make suggestions about their treatment. Patient advocacy also includes matters of patient consent for the medical procedure, advocating for a change of medicine/ treatment, etc.

Educating the Patient

Educating the patient is also part of the work nurses do. They educate patients about illness, treatments, medications, etc. This education helps the patient take care of themselves after they’re discharged from the clinic. Besides talking with patients about their health and treatment, nurses also inform them about how they can get more information if they need it.

Nurses are one of the pillars of any healthcare system. Their main role is that of a caregiver. But, they have a multi-faceted job that also includes patient education and advocacy.