A day in the life of a nurse: what to expect when working in this field

Nurses invest significant time and effort in tending to patients and their families’ needs. While these professionals train to obtain the relevant competency required for medical practice, most aspiring nurses are entirely oblivious to what the field offers daily.

Having a conversation with a nurse can give aspiring professionals valuable knowledge about the world of nursing, enabling them to understand the expectations and challenges inherent in this profession. Obtaining such insights is particularly beneficial as it allows individuals to derive immense satisfaction from their work as a nurse, even on the most challenging days.

General nurse duties

Nurses have earned a reputation as one of the most trusted groups of professionals in the US, according to the American Nurses Association’s yearly survey. This status results from their unwavering commitment to patient care.

Nurses are essential members of the medical staff. They undergo extensive training and obtain the necessary licenses to ensure that they are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills required to assist patients through various medical procedures. They are also responsible for devising effective treatment plans and providing guidance to patients regarding outpatient care.

Nurses can provide a wide range of care, which demonstrates their diverse capabilities. On a typical day, nurses will perform numerous tasks and duties. These can vary depending on the setting in which the nurse works. Some of the general nurse duties include the following.

Conducting a physical examination

• Listening to patients and analyzing their physical, medical and emotional needs.
• Providing counseling and healthcare education to patients.
• Coordinating care with other healthcare providers and specialists.
• Staying up to date with advances in healthcare options, medications and treatment plans.
• Checking a patient’s vitals and performing other health-related testing.

However, while these are well-known responsibilities, nursing is highly dynamic and constantly evolving. In truth, no day is the same in nursing as nurses strive to provide patient-centered care in a fast-paced environment. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, and nurses must be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances quickly. One way to achieve this is by understanding what the field entails and what to expect daily.

What is it like to be a nurse?

The nursing field is dynamic and changes rapidly, especially with advancements in technology evolving the nurse’s role. Nurses experience different responsibilities daily, and their routines are unlikely to be repetitive. Here are some elements of nursing to expect when working in the field.

Nurses employ different skills daily

As nurses work on the frontline of patient care, they interact with individuals who are often in stressful situations. This requires them to possess excellent communication skills and empathize with their patients. Nurses also work well under pressure, are responsible for making quick decisions, and ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care.

Nurses provide comfort through treatment, but some scenarios require nurses to show emotional support, understanding and cultural competency. The daily responsibilities of a nurse demand a high level of adaptability, resilience and emotional intelligence. Therefore, nurses must be highly skilled and capable professionals who can navigate the responsibilities of working in a dynamic environment. 

Various specializations to choose from

Although the fundamental essence of nursing revolves around providing care to patients, the nature of this care may vary among nurses depending on their respective fields of specialization. Various registered nurses opt to focus their expertise in a particular area of practice, which may entail catering to diverse client requirements and adhering to facility requirements daily.

Every nursing specialty presents a distinct range of demands, obstacles and responsibilities. Therefore, aspiring nurses can expect to work with a specific patient population, depending on their specialty. The educational path for these specializations also varies, with some necessitating rigorous training, extensive experience and specific certifications. Ultimately, selecting a nursing specialty can significantly impact a nurse’s daily responsibilities, professional success and personal fulfillment.

Responsibilities can change daily

Professionals in different industries crave more responsibilities for several reasons. Firstly, responsibilities often come with more significant challenges and provide individuals with opportunities for growth and development. Additional responsibilities also give individuals a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

This element is highly relevant in nursing, with nursing professionals engaging in new responsibilities daily. The approach for completing each task also differs based on factors such as the patient’s circumstances, the level of severity, or the number of patients requiring care.

Nursing offers individuals additional responsibilities and helps to develop their ability to adjust and think quickly on their feet in response to the ever-changing demand of the role. By enrolling in an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, such as the one offered by Baylor University, professionals with a non-nursing background can learn the necessary skills in order to successfully transition into becoming a second career nurse.

Settings impact a nurse’s daily routine

Aside from specialization, a nurse’s daily obligations and responsibilities are contingent upon the nature of the healthcare environment in which they are employed. Factors such as the type of patients under their care, the nature of the healthcare facility, and working hours can significantly impact a nurse’s daily routine.

Hospitals are the most common medical setting, with nurses working shifts to provide 24-hour care to patients suffering from severe and acute conditions. Nurses in a hospital setting begin and end each shift with a handover to the next team. However, emergencies can result in irregular hours.

Nurses can also work in different settings such as emergency transport, residential homes, walk-in and surgical clinics, military bases, corporate offices, schools, legal consultancies and correctional facilities, to mention a few. These different settings feature distinct responsibilities that nurses must undertake daily.

Conclusion

As a nurse, you care directly for patients in hospitals, clinics or other healthcare settings. However, the level of responsibility depends on a professional’s level of experience and educational qualifications. For instance, entry-level nurses can expect to perform basic tasks, such as patient assessments, stocking supplies, patient checkups and recording patients’ vitals. With a higher qualification and competence comes more responsibility and autonomy.

Nonetheless, nursing is a highly fulfilling profession for individuals seeking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients. Nurses can also expect to explore various opportunities for personal and professional growth and to have a secure and financially stable career.