Adult Nursing
The vast majority of people at some time in their life will meet a registered nurse from the adult field, whether it is due to ill health, rehabilitation from illness or because they are seeking health promotion. Consequently Adult Nurses work with a wide variety of clients groups and individuals and so require a range of specialist knowledge and skills.
Adult nurses care for adult patients who are suffering from acute and long-term illnesses and diseases. They support recovery from illness or operation by using care plans, carrying out care procedures and assessments and by focusing on the needs of the patient rather than the illness or condition. They also promote good health and well-being through education.
Nurses usually work within a multidisciplinary team but are the main point of contact for patients, often providing the most continuity of care. Adult nurses work in hospitals, the community, health centres or general practice, residential care homes, specialist units, and hospices to name but a few.
Typical work activities include gaining the trust and confidence of each patient as often they have more contact with patients than other members of the Health Care Team.
Patients often have chronic conditions, such as diabetes or cardiac, renal problems, or acute conditions, such as heart failure or stroke; or be in hospital for surgery, admitted to accident and emergency or attending an outpatient clinic or undergoing tests and assessments.
Exact duties may vary depending on the role but often include:
Adult nurses care for adult patients who are suffering from acute and long-term illnesses and diseases. They support recovery from illness or operation by using care plans, carrying out care procedures and assessments and by focusing on the needs of the patient rather than the illness or condition. They also promote good health and well-being through education.
Nurses usually work within a multidisciplinary team but are the main point of contact for patients, often providing the most continuity of care. Adult nurses work in hospitals, the community, health centres or general practice, residential care homes, specialist units, and hospices to name but a few.
Typical work activities include gaining the trust and confidence of each patient as often they have more contact with patients than other members of the Health Care Team.
Patients often have chronic conditions, such as diabetes or cardiac, renal problems, or acute conditions, such as heart failure or stroke; or be in hospital for surgery, admitted to accident and emergency or attending an outpatient clinic or undergoing tests and assessments.
Exact duties may vary depending on the role but often include:
- Writing patient care plans and maintaining patient records
- Implementing plans such as preparing patients for operations, wound treatment
- Observing and recording the condition of patients and assisting with tests and evaluations
- Checking and administering drugs, intravenous drips and blood transfusions
- Carrying out essential investigations and responding quickly to emergencies
- Planning discharges from hispital and liaising with community nurses, GP's and social workers
- Communicating with and relieving the anxiety of patients and their relatives and being the patients advocate
- Educating patients about their health
- Observing strict hygiene and safety rules and ensuring that visitors also observe any rules on the ward or unit
- Organising staff and prioritising busy workloads
- Mentoring student and junior nurses
- Making ethical decisions related to consent and confidentiality
Sources:
BU Undergraduate Prospectus 2015
For more information on the roles and the responsibilities of Nurses please see the link below.
www.nmc-uk.org
BU Undergraduate Prospectus 2015
For more information on the roles and the responsibilities of Nurses please see the link below.
www.nmc-uk.org
