Nursing has one of the most important and largest functions in a hospital. They care for every patient, often before, during, and after surgery, and between doctors who check in. They also keep the family members informed of any changes in the patient’s health status and provide support while they wait for their loved ones to recover. A nurse’s duties include:
- Preparing patients to undergo treatment
- Assisting doctors during surgeries
- Monitoring vital bodily functions like blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels
- Provide psychological and/or physical support for family members and friends
- Pre- and post-operative care, including medication administration
- Authenticating and exanimating vaccination records
Preparing patients to undergo treatment
Your diagnosis will determine how your nurse will prepare you for surgery. Talk to your nurse about how you can prepare for surgery.
Assisting doctors during surgeries
Nurses are directly involved with doctors during surgery, helping to control bleeding and watching out for complications. They also apply bandages and perform stitches. The nurse works directly with doctors and provides assistance during surgery.
Monitoring vital bodily functions like blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels
Vital signs are an important part of a nurse’s role. They monitor the progress of an adult or child patient during hospitalization. They enable prompt detection of delayed recovery or other adverse events. To determine basic information about a patient’s health, vital signs are taken.
Provide psychological and/or physical support for family members and friends
A nurse’s greatest asset is their ability to communicate and assess. The nurse can recognize the signs of a poor psychosocial state and know when it is time to intervene. The nurse can use observation to help a patient talk about their feelings and thoughts about injury or illness.
Pre- and post-operative care, including medication administration
The preoperative period involves the following activities: The patient’s baseline assessment in a clinical setting or at home; preoperative interview; and preparation of the patient for anesthetic and surgery.
Authenticating and examining vaccination records
Another important aspect to consider is the legal importance of nursing records of vaccinations. Your nursing records can be used as evidence if a patient files a complaint. In many countries, it is possible to assume that care or treatment given to a patient has not been recorded.
Why nurses are important
Nurses care for the sick, injured, and dying, and they support their families. They diagnose illnesses, give medication, help in surgery, support patients with mental health, and many other important roles. Nursing is a crucial part of healthcare that is only growing in popularity.