Nurse is a broad job title. There are emergency room nurses, pediatric nurses, and even travel nurses, but all these professionals have the same end goal. They help people. So, what does a day in the life of a “nurse” involve?
Examining a Day in the Life of a “Nurse”
What Tasks Do Nurses Complete on a Typical Day?
A nurse’s duties vary depending upon their position. For example, clinic nurses work closely with patients, whereas nurse managers spend more time on administrative tasks. Nevertheless, there are certain activities most nurses perform daily. These include:
- Administering medication
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Asking about patients’ symptoms
- Performing examinations
- Requesting and conducting diagnostic tests
- Maintaining detailed medical records
- Coordinating care with other healthcare professionals
- Setting up treatment rooms
- Sanitizing equipment
- Educating patients and their families
- Providing emotional support
Where Do Nurses Work?
We usually picture nurses working in hospitals and doctor’s offices. Yet, schools, correctional facilities, and military bases need nurses too. In fact, nurses even assist the U.S. court system with forensic investigations. Here are some of the places and industries that need nurses.
- Assisted Living Facilities
- Call Centers (as telehealth nurses)
- Corporate Offices (as health coaches or consultants)
- Correctional Facilities
- College and Universities (as educators and school nurses)
- Court System (as medical experts)
- Doctor’s Offices
- Emergency Transport
- Hospitals
- Individual’s Homes (for at-home care)
- Long-Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes
- Military Bases
- Schools
- Walk-in Clinics
What Types of Schedules Do Nurses Have?
As with job descriptions and work environments, nurses’ schedules vary. For instance, school nurses may work 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with weekends and holidays off. However, many nurses are employed by facilities that run 24/7, 365 days a year. Thus, hospital nurses, long-term care nurses and assisted living nurses often work overnight shifts as well as weekends and holidays. Nurses may report for five 8-hour shifts, four 10-hour shifts, or three 12-hour shifts per week. Overtime is common also.
Are You Interested in Finding a Nursing Job?
BOS Medical Staffing is now hiring CNAs, LPNs, and RNs for positions in Athens, Georgia and beyond. Our recruiters can match you with a nursing role that matches your skillset and your schedule. Browse our available openings and get ready to start living a day in the life of a nurse today!
