Responsibilities of UK Nurses?

Question

I wanted to find out what a typical practice of the UK nurse involves. I saw that being able to start IV's, male catheterization, IV fluid therapy, and blood draws are considered specialties. Is this true? I do these things as part of my job all of the time. I was told that doctors start IV's. I nearly fell out of the chair. Ask a doctor in the US to give a shot or start an IV and you will get a slow stupid stare. I doubt they would even know where to start in the process. Frankly, it impressed me that those skills are recognized as professional and worthy of specialty.

Answer 1

http://www.innovate.org.uk/Library/Pract...

this link might give you more info, our nurses have alot more responsibilities these days.

Answer 2

Adult nurses care for people over the age of 16 who have a long- or short-term illness. They work either in hospitals or in the wider community.

Wherever they are based, adult nurses are part of a multi-disciplinary team, which includes other nurses, health care assistants, doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and many others. They are responsible for planning and implementing the complete nursing care of their patients.

When a patient arrives on the ward, the nurse responsible for them assesses their nursing requirements and draws up a care plan, which outlines their needs and treatment schedule. Nurses observe the effectiveness of treatment and modify the care plan accordingly.

Nursing care is 'holistic' in that it looks after a patient's needs comprehensively. This may include essential care, like washing and feeding, or technical care, like administering medication or changing dressings.

Increasingly, complex equipment is being used to assist with patient care, and nurses are often responsible for monitoring this. They also record their observations and any treatment they give.

Working in the community involves similar activities but in a different context. Community based nurses may work in a health centre/clinic or may visit people in their own homes.

Some nurses may concentrate on health promotion work. For instance, they help patients to regain or retain their independence, which allows them to continue living at home.

Answer 3

I have been a Nurse for over 12 years now in South Africa. I have recently moved to Australia and have noticed how different Nurses are over here. I should imagine that the UK would be very much like that. We operate under the instructions of the doctor or charge nurse, and perform all the minor things, as well as making sure the patient is being well looked after.

South Africa was a totally different story - I was doing things in the trauma wards that even a junior docor doesn't do in oz. Its scary!

Hope this helps, and nursing really is a great career regardless of where you work.

Answer 4

When I was in hospital I had a cannula in my arm and the nurses could take it out but a doctor had to start the IV...not sure why. Maybe it's different practices in different wards and departments. Either way, lots of respect to any medical staff out there that read this, keep up the good work!