Nursing: The Caretakes of The Hospital

  By: Dhyan Patel

Nursing


Note: This article is part of a student-run educational series on medical specialties, based on research and/or shadowing (in person or virtual), in order to educate other students who are interested in healthcare careers and may lack the ability to shadow specialists in their areas.

Background

When most people think about the medical field they often picture surgeons performing operations or physicians diagnosing complex diseases. However, the professionals who spend the most time directly with patients are nurses. From the moment a patient enters a hospital to the time they are discharged, nurses are there monitoring the vital signs of patients and administering medications.


Nursing is one of the most essential and versatile professions in healthcare. Nurses serve as the bridge between patients and physicians, ensuring that treatment plans are carried out safely and effectively.

So, what do they do?

Nurses are responsible for providing direct patient care and supporting the overall healthcare team. Their daily responsibilities can vary depending on their workplace, but their work often includes tasks such as:


  • Assessing patients and monitoring their vital signs

  • Assisting with procedures

  • Educating patients about their diagnosis and care plans

  • Communicating changes in patient conditions to physicians

  • Documenting patients progress and maintaining accurate medical records


Some common areas of nursing include but are not limited to:


  • Emergency nursing

  • Pediatric nursing

  • Cardiac nursing

  • Critical care (ICU) nursing

  • Labor and delivery nursing

Additional Information

Nursing is a highly adaptable field that has multiple levels of practice and specializations There are several types of nurses such as:


  • Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) - assist patients with their daily activities such as bathing and moving

  • License Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs) - providing basic medical care for patients under supervision

  • Registered Nurses (RNs) - deliver comprehensive patient care and coordinate treatment  plans.

Required education and training

In order to become a nurse, it depends on the level of practice that individuals would like to go into. For example, for a registered nurse, an individual must either complete an associates degree in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing. After completing their degree, they must pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam to practice. For advanced roles they must complete graduate-level education and obtain additional certifications for their area of speciality.

Importance

Without nurses, hospitals and clinics would not function effectively. Their medical expertise and human connection is what allows patients to feel supported during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.

References

American Nurses Association. (2017, October 14). What is Nursing & What do nurses do? | ANA Enterprise. ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/what-is-nursing

Cleveland Clinic. (2024, April 30). What Is a Nurse? Types of Nurses & Roles. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/nurse

Nurse.com. (2025, July). What Is a Nurse? Types & Roles Explained. Nurse.com. https://www.nurse.com/nursing-resources/definitions/what-is-nursing/

Openstax. (2023). Openstax.org. https://assets.openstax.org/oscms-prodcms/media/original_images/OSX_Fund_07_00_BloodPres.jpg‌


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