Registered Nurse

Responsibilities

As an adult nurse, you'll need to:

• write patient care plans
• implement plans for tasks such as preparing patients for operations, treating wounds and monitoring pulse, blood pressure and temperature
• observe and record the condition of patients
• check and administer drugs and injections
• set up drips and blood transfusions
• assist with tests and evaluations
• carry out routine investigations
• respond quickly to emergencies
• plan discharges from hospital and liaise with GPs and other healthcare professionals
• reassure patients and their relatives and communicate effectively with them
• advocate on behalf of patients
• educate patients about their health - this may include running clinics and education sessions on topics such as diabetes, weight loss and quitting smoking
• organise staff and prioritise busy workloads
• mentor student and junior nurses
• maintain patient records
• make ethical decisions related to consent and confidentiality.