A Day In The Life Of A Nurse: What Does A Nurse Do?

by Angel Lynn Diamond | More from this Blogger

17 Jan 2009 06:38 AM

There are two kinds of nurses, a registered nurse or an RN and a licensed practical or vocational nurse, also known as an LPN or LVN. They are important figures on the medical team. They are the people that are responsible for carrying out the doctor's orders and giving tender, loving care to the ill patient. As well as carrying out the doctor's orders, they also administer medication, observe any changes in the patient and speak to family members for the doctor at times.

A registered nurse or an RN is ranks higher of the two nurses as they have had further training and education. Registered nurses generally have a bachelor's degree. Therefore, their rate of pay is higher than that of an LPN or LVN. The LPN/LVN will generally be educated and trained in the nursing field for approximately two years. The registered nurse is allowed to carry out more extensive nursing procedures due to their higher level of education. An RN can start an IV and administer IV medications, whereas an LPN cannot for instance. Of course, state laws vary so some of the regulations may change from state-to-state regarding what each type of nurse may be allowed to do. An LPN works under an RN and assists the RN in the duties of the care of the patient, taking vital signs, administering medications, changing wound dressings, general patient care, as well as other duties. Neither an RN nor an LPN/LVN is allowed to make a diagnosis, as this is the job of the physician. However, either type of nurse may make an observation and report their findings to a physician. This is an important job of the nurse, as this will alert the physician to any new problems.

Some nurses continue their education to specialize in a particular field, such as surgery. Nurses may work in many types of facilities such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, adult homes, developmentally disabled facilities, jails, doctor's offices, nursing schools, as well as other places of employment that require having a nurse on staff. Some nurses even work behind a desk overseeing medical records, staff and scheduling. The field of nursing enables a nurse to have a wide range of opportunities and offers good job stability.

In addition to the above, being a nurse is a "feel good" job as at the end of the day you feel like you have really made a difference in the life of someone else and that is a wonderful feeling to have.

Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health

Learn more about Angel Lynn Diamond

I am a mom to my precious one and only, a nurse in a heartwarming adult living facility, and a freelance writer.

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ruthann8 (6378) 17 Jan 2009 08:19 PM

My aunt has her BSN and works at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. She is a transplant nurse. I believe she is currently an "on call" nurse to assist in the actual transplants. She loves her job but it can be really hard on her emotionally. Here is a video and she is the nurse in it. It is from a few of years ago.

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2568890

Angel Lynn Diamond (224) 17 Jan 2009 09:01 PM

Thank you for sharing that! What an exciting job she has! I work in an adult living facility and although not as exciting as what your aunt does it is rewarding in other ways nonetheless. Being a nurse or anyone in the medical field gives one a great feeling at the end of the work day. You are right, some days it is emotionally taxing, but you have to focus on the positive in the medical field and count the blessings.

vanraj (16) 09 Apr 2009 01:51 AM

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