The Role of a Nurse
1.1
Analyse the Role of the Nurse
The complex nature of nursing means that there is no single definition that encompasses every aspect of the role of the nurse. A nurse is required to have several attributes and skills to carry out their everyday duties; they must show compassion, empathy, excellent communication skills both verbal and non-verbal. In some cases nurses are also required to become advocators for patients who are not able to communicate for themselves. A nurse is also required to be non-prejudice and understand and acknowledge other cultures and beliefs, for example some religions do not believe in blood transfusions, as a nurse it is important not to judge when faced with such a dilemma.
It is paramount that the nurse is aware of each individual patient’s needs. To establish this it is important that patients are assessed and their care plan be thoroughly explained to ensure they understand the reason(s) for any medication or procedure that they may require. Also, if there are any changes in the patient’s situation or care plan it is the nurses responsibility to inform the patient and also update the notes. It is the nurse’s place to care for their patients carrying out actions that will help improve the individual’s wellbeing, ‘those actions may have physical, psychological, social, environmental or cultural dimensions’ (Leininger 1984 p. 3). Nurses will be required to carry out physical care for less able individuals whom may require assistance with washing, dressing and feeding. As well as the physical care individuals may require psychological support, not only for the individual receiving care but for their family also.
Although the nurse’s role varies the main aspect is care and engaging with patients improving the situation of others. It is only through engaging with the patients that the nurse is able ‘to promote health, healing and to prevent illness; and when people become ill, to minimise distress and suffering and to cope with their
Analyse the Role of the Nurse
The complex nature of nursing means that there is no single definition that encompasses every aspect of the role of the nurse. A nurse is required to have several attributes and skills to carry out their everyday duties; they must show compassion, empathy, excellent communication skills both verbal and non-verbal. In some cases nurses are also required to become advocators for patients who are not able to communicate for themselves. A nurse is also required to be non-prejudice and understand and acknowledge other cultures and beliefs, for example some religions do not believe in blood transfusions, as a nurse it is important not to judge when faced with such a dilemma.
It is paramount that the nurse is aware of each individual patient’s needs. To establish this it is important that patients are assessed and their care plan be thoroughly explained to ensure they understand the reason(s) for any medication or procedure that they may require. Also, if there are any changes in the patient’s situation or care plan it is the nurses responsibility to inform the patient and also update the notes. It is the nurse’s place to care for their patients carrying out actions that will help improve the individual’s wellbeing, ‘those actions may have physical, psychological, social, environmental or cultural dimensions’ (Leininger 1984 p. 3). Nurses will be required to carry out physical care for less able individuals whom may require assistance with washing, dressing and feeding. As well as the physical care individuals may require psychological support, not only for the individual receiving care but for their family also.
Although the nurse’s role varies the main aspect is care and engaging with patients improving the situation of others. It is only through engaging with the patients that the nurse is able ‘to promote health, healing and to prevent illness; and when people become ill, to minimise distress and suffering and to cope with their