If you are a nurse seeking an idea of your job description before getting a job, then this article is for you.
After graduating from the university and entering the job market, you need to know at least what employers would expect from you.
We all know how important nurses are in the medical field as a result, you must prove yourself worthy by showing that you know what to do with or without being told.
This article is a perfect guide for nurses and everyone considering a career path in nursing.
A career path in nursing allows you to work at different practice levels, such as a registered nurse, staff nurse, or assistant nurse, and also as a specialist, such as a psychiatric nurse.
Whichever level of practice or specialization your responsibilities as a nurse are indispensable.
Ranging from checking blood pressure, cleaning wounds, handling injections,s and even providing emotional support to patients.
You must also possess an amazing selfless personality towards all patients.
The fact that you are reading this article probably means that you are interested in starting a career path in nursing.
This nurse job description will guide you on the qualifications, skills, benefits, and practically everything you need to know about nursing.
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Why Should You Choose Nursing?
There are so many different reasons why nursing is a good career choice.
Here are some reasons why you should consider a nursing job.
Moreover, taking a job that can put you in place to save a life is worth doing.
Is Nursing the Right Profession for You?
Different people have different reasons why they choose a particular career over others.
You may be considering nursing or even decided on it.
But the fact that you love how nurses dress or know so much about their duties does not necessarily mean that it is the right job for you.
Here are some questions you should ask yourself. And, of course, answer them honestly before choosing to nurse.
It is very important to answer these questions honestly because, sometimes, things may look beautiful in my mind but not in reality.
Therefore, if that’s not what you want to do when things do not go as you expect, you may think you have done the wrong job.
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What You Must Know About Nursing Job
Your decision to learn more about the job description of a nurse is really good.
As the saying goes, count the cost before you build a house.
This knowledge you acquire will be a perfect guide and help you make the right choice.
Here is a list of the necessary things you need to know about nursing
#1. There are Different Types of Nurses
Many people do not know this, but there is a wide range of areas of specialization in nursing, and these different specialists perform different duties and responsibilities.
As such, you should expect the job descriptions to differ.
It is estimated that there are about 104 different specialization areas a nurse can choose from.
I think that the fact that you get to choose is amazing.
Some of these areas include intensive care unit registered nurses; travel registered nurses, operating room nurses, emergency room nurses, and a long list of others.
#2. Numerous Employment Opportunities
As a result of how important nurses are in the healthcare sector, most times, there is always a job available for every candidate.
This doesn’t mean that there is no competition, of course not, but in every location, the probability of getting a job as a nurse is almost equal to one.
According to the United States of America bureau of labour statistics, the number of nurses working by 2022 will be about 3.2 million.
Furthermore, because the world’s population is estimated to reach 9 billion in 2050, you can agree with me that many more nurses will be employed.
Nurses are indispensable now and will be even more valued in the future as health care improves.
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#3. Nurses don’t need to work in a Hospital
Many people think that to become a nurse, the hospital is practically the only place you get to work.
But that is not necessarily the case.
Although most nurses work in the hospital, some so many nurses do not
Their services are also required in schools, forensic departments, at home, and even as lecturers in colleges or nursing schools.
The fact that you have various options to choose from as a nurse is wonderful.
#4. Nurses do not work all-day
By saying nurses do not work all day, I mean they work based on shift. This shift can either be morning, afternoon, or night.
Therefore your working time will depend on your shift as scheduled by the hospital or organization you work for.
If you intend to start your own family, this will give you time for your home.
#5. Getting a job as a Nurse doesn’t depend on Gender.
Although there are more female nurses in some parts of the world, many patients may prefer females.
Organizations do not consider gender when employing a nurse; it is a job for both gender.
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How to Become a Nurse
As you already know, there are different types of nurses which have different requirements.
Depending on your location, the requirements may also differ. One common route to becoming a nurse is taking an undergraduate degree course.
Here are some programs you can enroll in to become a certified nurse.
- Associate’s degree
- LPN and LVN programs
- Bachelor’s degree
After completing either of these programs, below is a list of other important programs
- Master’s degree
- Certificate and licensing; these is very important to become a registered nurse.
Some people want to become nurses but may not be able to attend any of the above-listed programs.
Some employers may accept you as a nurse apprentice for 3-4 years, depending on your qualification.
To learn more about becoming a nurse, see
- How to become a nurse in the USA
- How to Become a Nurse in New Zealand
- HOW TO BECOME A NURSE IN UK
- How to Become a Nurse in Nigeria
- How to Become a Nurse in Canada
If you hope to get promoted to a senior nurse or specialist, more skills and qualifications may also be required.
Types of Nurses
Before I start telling you about some job descriptions of nurses, let’s talk briefly about some of the different types of nurses.
#1. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners work independently in certain areas of health care. Although, when the need is, they also work as a team with doctors.
#2. Intensive Care Unit Nurse
These nurses provide specialized care to patients suffering from critical health issues.
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#3. Travel Registered Nurse
Travel nurses perform the same function as other nurses. But, in their case, they travel to different countries to proffer their professional help.
#4. Operating Room Nurse
From the name, I guess you can already tell what they do. I believe your guess is right; they help doctors in the operating room
#5. Home care Registered Nurse
These nurses offer care to people in the comfort of the patient’s home and not in the hospital.
#6. Labor and Delivery Registered Nurse
They are nurses who work with gynecologists. Therefore, they help care for pregnant women, especially during labor and at the time of delivery.
#7. Mental Health Nurse
These are nurses that help people who are diagnosed with mental problems and require treatment or rehabilitation.
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#8. Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric nurses work in schools or pediatric hospitals; they work with children or teenagers. Their salary ranges from $27,00 to $45,000.
Pediatric nurses, who are also called children nurses, should know how to deal with and handle children.
#9. Dental Nurse
A dental nurse, as the name implies, helps the dental team during surgeries, patient assessment, and in maintaining dental equipment.
They receive a salary of about $22,000 per annum
#10. Adult Nurse
Once again, just as the name implies, adult nurses work with adults of all ages.
Their work includes the treatment of long and short-term health problems
While telling you basic facts about nursing, I remember saying there are about 104 different types of nurses.
Certainly, I cannot exhaust all of them in this article.
But the different types I have explained in this article are some of the most popular types.
Registered Nurse Job Description
Firstly, the major tasks performed by nurses include
All these are responsibilities that are required not only in the hospital but also in schools, camps, prisons, nursing homes, and so many other organizations.
Therefore, there are a variety of organizations that certainly require the duties of a nurse.
Another very important point to note is that as a nurse, you must protect yourself. That’s because every single day, you come in contact with contagious patients.
It is also important to know that, depending on your qualification and the rules governing nurses in your environment, a nurse may be allowed to practice independently.
Whether you decide to practice independently or not, here is a list of the basic duties of a nurse.
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Basic Duties of a Registered Nurse
In general, the duties of a nurse are to take proper medical care of all patients until they are fine.
Special Skills Required to be a Registered Nurse
From the duties of a nurse listed above, you can obviously tell that not everybody can be a nurse.
Not because we are not all good people, but because we do not all have what it takes.
Some of us are better off as software engineers or web developers, we prefer writing codes to deal with humans.
Only those who understand and accept the nurse job description can become good nurses
These are some of the necessary skills you need to become a nurse.
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#1 Nurses should show Professionalism
Apart from dressing up as a nurse, you must also stick to all nursing ethics and stay professional before patients and your fellow nurses at all times.
#2 Time Management
As a nurse, you probably have a lot to do, and a lot of people to attend to. Proper time management will help you work effectively.
Of course, time cannot be managed properly without a good working plan.
Whenever you need to, multitask, with uttermost organization, in order to avoid mistakes.
#3 Nurses must give Attention to Details
The importance of this point cannot be over-emphasized. Practice giving attention to details.
It will not only help you avoid mistakes but also pay proper care to patients.
#4 Think Critically
You must be able to identify problems fast and with the necessary supervision handle them.
A nurse is a critical thinker, if you must be a good nurse, prepare to be one.
#5 Show Compassion
When dealing with people, you must be able to show necessary care without showing or feeling offended no matter what.
Most importantly, a nurse must also take proper care of his/herself. You need to stay healthy in order to help others.
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How Much Do Nurses Earn?
The amount you earn as a nurse depends on your qualification and location too.
Nurses who are more qualified earn more than those with fewer qualifications.
According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, it is estimated that nurses make about $52,300 yearly.
Location and qualification are not the only factors that determine the salary of a nurse.
Area of specialization is also a factor to consider. Just add the job description of the different types of nurses differ, and so does their salary.
In order to make more money, you can get registered as a home nurse even while working in the hospital.
During your free time at work, you may take a part-time job as a home nurse for a patient or family. But this may be quite stressful.
Apart from your monthly salary, you may enjoy other monetary benefits such as
- Free health insurance
- Pension
- Full paid leave
- And a list of other benefits depending on your employer.
Conclusion – Nurse Job Description Guide
From the job description of a nurse fully explained above, you can as well agree with me that a career in nursing is worth taking if you wish to.
It is indeed a job worth doing anytime, any day.
A lot of people owe their lives to nurses as a result of good medical care.
Now you know a nurse job description, the choice is strictly yours to make.
Do you wish to be a nurse?
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