Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Nursing

Nursing is a healthcare profession that involves the care and management of individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. Nurses play a critical role in the healthcare system, providing a wide range of services to patients, including direct patient care, education, and coordination of care.

The main roles and responsibilities of nurses include:

Patient assessment: Nurses are responsible for assessing patients’ health status, including physical, emotional, and social needs. They use this information to develop and implement care plans.

Treatment administration: Nurses administer medication, treatments, and therapies as ordered by physicians and other healthcare providers. They also monitor patients’ responses and report any changes to the healthcare team.

Education: Nurses educate patients and their families about their health conditions, medications, and self-care. They also provide guidance and support to patients and their families as they navigate the healthcare system.

Coordination of care: Nurses work closely with other healthcare providers to coordinate care for patients. They act as a liaison between patients, physicians, and other healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care.

Patient advocacy: Nurses advocate for patients’ rights and needs, ensuring that patients receive high-quality, compassionate care.

Professional development: Nurses are required to engage in ongoing professional development to maintain their licensure and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in healthcare.

Specialties: Nurses have a diverse range of specialties and fields of practice such as critical care, pediatrics, gerontology, mental health, and many more.

In summary, Nursing is a healthcare profession that involves the care and management of individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan. Nurses play a critical role in the healthcare system, providing a wide range of services to patients, including direct patient care, education, coordination of care, patient advocacy, and ongoing professional development. Nurses also have a diverse range of specialties and fields of practice.