Nurses care for sick people around the clock and carefully monitor their physical and mental well-being.
They carry out basic and treatment care measures, such as washing and bedding patients, changing bandages or administering medication as directed by a doctor. In addition, they help with medical examinations and surgical interventions, operate and monitor medical equipment and accompany the doctor on his rounds. Participation in the planning of care measures, the care documentation and the completion of organizational and administrative work on the ward are also part of their tasks.
Nurses look after and care for the sick in hospitals and other inpatient facilities as well as on an outpatient basis. They take care of sick people in hospitals, accident clinics, nursing homes, spa facilities, old people's homes or in the home environment.
It depends on the responsible interaction with the people to be looked after and on taking their needs and wishes into account.
An important task in nursing is patient observation and the collection of patient data. In order to determine the course of recovery, for example, nurses pay attention to appearance, sleep and appetite. They measure temperature and blood pressure, pulse and body weight and pass the knowledge and values on to the doctor.
For example, they register when the temperature curve rises again - but they also report to the doctor whether a patient is eating too little or suddenly looking confused. Nurses attend medical rounds and record medical prescriptions. Depending on the doctor's instructions, they administer medication, treat wounds and apply bandages and splints.
They give syringes, draw blood and help carry out infusions and transfusions. They prepare examinations, operations and other medical measures and support the responsible doctors in carrying them out.
Depending on the treatment area and specialist department, for example internal medicine, emergency room, surgery, subject-specific special examination and care measures are part of your tasks. In addition, nurses assist doctors with examinations and interventions. They properly operate the medical-technical equipment required for this (such as blood pressure monitors, suction devices, ventilators). The range of activities also includes preparing patients for examinations and interventions - up to encouraging and encouraging them to counteract fear of surgery. Care after diagnostic measures and operations is also important, especially post-operative care. In general, as part of basic care, nursing staff help patients with personal hygiene, from washing and using the toilet to combing their hair and getting up and walking, as required. They ensure that the right diet comes to every bed.