Adult Nurse
Becoming a nurse is more than just a job; it’s a career that requires compassion, dedication and an eagerness to help others. As an adult...
Becoming a nurse is more than just a job; it’s a career that requires compassion, dedication and an eagerness to help others. As an adult nurse in the United Kingdom, you have the opportunity to work with patients from all walks of life.
Being a nurse is one of the most rewarding careers out there, but it also comes with plenty of challenges along the way. If you’re considering becoming an adult nurse in the UK, it’s important that you understand the job responsibilities involved as well as the skills required for success. By having a good grasp of these areas beforehand, you will be better prepared for the journey ahead!
Adult nurses care for patients suffering from various health conditions, whether that be minor injuries and ailments to acute and long-term illnesses and diseases. They support recovery by using care plans, carrying out care procedures and assessments, and evaluating and focusing on the needs of the patient.
Nurses usually work within a multidisciplinary team but they are the main point of contact for patients, often providing the most consistent care. They also have contact with the patient’s families, particularly in cases of chronic illness where the patient may be returning regularly for treatment. Their aim is to improve their patient’s quality of life.
My Responsibilities#
Adult nurses work with patients aged 18 and above in both hospital and community settings. Their responsibilities as an adult nurse may include:
- Assessing, planning and providing care for adults with acute or chronic health issues
- Monitoring their health conditions and progress over time
- Keeping accurate records of treatments, medications and progress notes
- Communicating effectively with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, social workers, therapists etc.
- Educating patients on preventative health measures such as diet and exercise
- Administering medication according to medical instructions.
Required Skills#
Aspiring adult nurses must possess certain skills in order to be successful in this role. These include:
- a compassionate nature that enables you to empathise with your patients
- excellent communication skills so that you can explain complex medical information clearly
- the ability to remain calm under pressure while dealing with challenging situations
- good problem-solving skills which allow you to make decisions quickly when needed
- the ability to multitask while remaining organised at all times
- adaptability so that you can adjust quickly when faced with unexpected changes
- an understanding of medical terminology and protocols
- basic computer knowledge so that you can use digital systems for record-keeping purposes
