Nurse’s duties are many and extremely varied depending on the level of education the various levels possess but regardless of whether the individual is an ADN in Cincinnati or a PhD they are responsible for caring for patients that are sick or injured. There are many specialties and many different work settings for a nurse.
Under the supervision of doctors, nurses can assess a patient and provide treatment as well as carry out certain procedures. In many cases the nurse liaises with other medical personnel as well as the patients’ family and friends. It is important that the patient be kept free from any impediments to his or her health so patient protection from infections is also part of the mandate. As the nurse spends considerable time with the patient, far more than the doctor, the nurse in a position to educate the patient so that he has the best possible chance of a full recovery in the shortest possible time. If it becomes necessary, a nurse can offer grief counseling when the patient is in critical condition.
Practicing with an ADN in Cincinnati is a full time, 24 hour a day job. During the shift the nurse focuses exclusively on the care of the patients under her direct control. Although it is expected that nurses work under the direct control of physicians the nurse often performs tasks that might be considered as doctors only work. There is no doubt that the doctor performs surgery but in many cases the nurse is responsible for intravenous therapy, the nurse will set up the drip and ensure that the proper fluids and drugs are administered as they are needed. While in recovery, the nurse will monitor the patient’s condition and take action as necessary.
Although patient care is the first priority of any nurse, they are also responsible for maintaining patient records. It is extremely important that accurate records are kept; these records include the medical history of the patient, the patient symptoms, the patient’s food and beverage intake as well as all the vitals such as heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, etc.
Although many nurses work in formal settings, many nurses will attend to a patient in their home after discharge from the hospital. There is always a need to change dressings and administer medications on a specific schedule.
