Nursing Fundamentals Overview

Nursing is a profession within the healthcare sector focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities.
Nurses promote health, prevent illness, and help patients cope with illness and disability.

Patient Care
- Assess patient health problems and needs.
- Develop and implement nursing care plans.
- Administer medications and treatments.
Education
- Educate patients and families about health conditions.
- Provide information on medications and therapies.
Advocacy
- Act as a patient advocate, ensuring their rights and needs are met.
- Support patients in making informed decisions about their care.
Collaboration
- Work with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
- Participate in interdisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes.
Documentation
- Maintain accurate and timely medical records.
- Document patient assessments, care plans, and progress.

Registered Nurse (RN): Provides direct patient care and coordinates care plans.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Supports RNs and provides basic nursing care.
Nurse Practitioner (NP): Advanced practice nurses who diagnose and treat patients.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Expert in a specific area of nursing practice.
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Specializes in anesthesia care.

Education: Typically requires a degree in nursing (ADN, BSN, or MSN).
Licensure: Must pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam to practice as an RN or LPN.
Continuing Education: Required to maintain licensure and stay updated on practices.

Clinical Skills: Proficiency in medical procedures and patient assessments.
Communication: Effective verbal and written communication with patients and healthcare teams.
Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze problems, make decisions, and adapt to changing situations.
Compassion and Empathy: Understanding and responding to the emotional needs of patients.

Emphasis on evidence-based practice.
Growing focus on mental health and holistic care.
Integration of technology in patient care (telehealth, electronic health records).
Expansion of nursing roles in community health and preventative care.

Nursing is a healthcare profession dedicated to caring for individuals, families, and communities.
Key functions include promoting health, preventing illness, and aiding patients in managing illness and disability.

Patient Care: Conduct health assessments, develop nursing care plans, and administer necessary medications and treatments.
Education: Teach patients and families about health issues and provide guidance on medications and therapies.
Advocacy: Advocate for patients’ rights and needs while supporting informed decision-making regarding their care.
Collaboration: Collaborate with healthcare professionals in interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient care.
Documentation: Ensure accurate medical record-keeping, including patient assessments and care plans.

Registered Nurse (RN): Delivers direct patient care and coordinates care plans.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Assists RNs and provides basic nursing services.
Nurse Practitioner (NP): Advanced practitioners who diagnose and manage patient care.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): Offers expertise in specific nursing fields.
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Focuses on delivering anesthesia care.

Education: Requires a nursing degree (ADN, BSN, or MSN) for practice.
Licensure: Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN is mandatory for RNs or LPNs.
Continuing Education: Ongoing education is essential for license maintenance and knowledge updates.

Clinical Skills: Mastery of medical techniques and patient evaluations.
Communication: Strong verbal and written skills for interaction with patients and health teams.
Critical Thinking: Competence in problem-solving, decision-making, and adaptability in dynamic situations.
Compassion and Empathy: Being attuned to the emotional and psychological needs of patients.

Adhere to ethical principles like autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
Safeguard patient confidentiality and privacy.
Tackle ethical dilemmas encountered in patient care settings.

Experience high-stress levels due to emotional and physical workload.
Face staffing shortages, resulting in elevated stress and workload.
Challenge to stay abreast of new technological developments and medical practices.

Increasing focus on evidence-based practice in nursing.
Rising attention to mental health and holistic patient care.
Integration of technology in patient care, including telehealth and electronic health records.
Expansion of nursing roles addressing community health and preventive strategies.