nurse-responsible-for-general-care/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — nurse responsible for general care

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 29-1141.00 (Registered Nurses).

Task statements

• [Core] Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
• [Core] Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
• [Core] Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
• [Core] Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patients' responses and conditions.
• [Core] Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
• [Core] Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
• [Core] Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
• [Core] Prepare patients for and assist with examinations or treatments.
• [Core] Observe nurses and visit patients to ensure proper nursing care.
• [Core] Assess the needs of individuals, families, or communities, including assessment of individuals' home or work environments, to identify potential health or safety problems.
• [Core] Instruct individuals, families, or other groups on topics such as health education, disease prevention, or childbirth and develop health improvement programs.
• [Core] Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
• [Core] Conduct specified laboratory tests.
• [Core] Work with individuals, groups, or families to plan or implement programs designed to improve the overall health of communities.
• [Core] Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
• [Supplemental] Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
• [Supplemental] Prepare rooms, sterile instruments, equipment, or supplies and ensure that stock of supplies is maintained.
• [Supplemental] Inform physician of patient's condition during anesthesia.
• [Supplemental] Administer local, inhalation, intravenous, or other anesthetics.
• [Supplemental] Perform physical examinations, make tentative diagnoses, and treat patients en route to hospitals or at disaster site triage centers.
• [Supplemental] Prescribe or recommend drugs, medical devices, or other forms of treatment, such as physical therapy, inhalation therapy, or related therapeutic procedures.
• [Supplemental] Direct or coordinate infection control programs, advising or consulting with specified personnel about necessary precautions.
• [Supplemental] Perform administrative or managerial functions, such as taking responsibility for a unit's staff, budget, planning, or long-range goals.
• [Supplemental] Provide or arrange for training or instruction of auxiliary personnel or students.
• [Supplemental] Refer students or patients to specialized health resources or community agencies furnishing assistance.
• [Supplemental] Consult with institutions or associations regarding issues or concerns relevant to the practice and profession of nursing.
• [Supplemental] Engage in research activities related to nursing.

Detailed work activities

• Administer anesthetics or sedatives to control pain.
• Administer non-intravenous medications.
• Advise communities or institutions regarding health or safety issues.
• Advise medical personnel regarding healthcare issues.
• Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.
• Assess patient work, living, or social environments.
• Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
• Communicate health and wellness information to the public.
• Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
• Design public or employee health programs.
• Diagnose medical conditions.
• Direct healthcare delivery programs.
• Evaluate patient outcomes to determine effectiveness of treatments.
• Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
• Immunize patients.
• Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment.
• Maintain medical facility records.
• Manage healthcare operations.
• Monitor health or behavior of people or animals.
• Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
• Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
• Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments.
• Order medical diagnostic or clinical tests.
• Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
• Prepare patients physically for medical procedures.
• Prescribe assistive medical devices or related treatments.
• Prescribe medications.
• Record patient medical histories.
• Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.
• Supervise patient care personnel.
• Supervise workers providing client or patient services.
• Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.
• Train caregivers or other non-medical personnel.
• Treat acute illnesses, infections, or injuries.
• Treat medical emergencies.