What is Nursing? Process, Responsibilities, Role of Nurse, and Types of Nurses

Nursing stands as a healthcare profession that blends science and holistic care to support patient well-being. The profession demands technical expertise alongside emotional intelligence. This blog is a guide to nursing, the role of a nurse, the nursing process, key responsibilities, and popular nursing programmes in India.

What is Nursing?

Nursing is a dynamic profession that protects, promotes, and optimises the healthcare of patients. It prevents illness and alleviates suffering through patient care and treatment. Nurses work in diverse settings such as hospitals, clinics, homes and community health centres. Nursing also forms the backbone of the healthcare industry, serving as one of the most trusted professions focused on patient advocacy.

Role of Nurse

The role of nurses extends beyond technical tasks; they are healthcare providers who work in hospitals, clinics, and homes, tirelessly advocating for patient care. They act as a liaison between the patient and medical staff. Clinically, they handle sample collection, assess patient progress and administer treatments.

Nurses in public health roles are involved in community education, vaccination drives, and disaster responses. Administratively, they are involved in developing protocols, auditing quality, and influencing systemic improvements. Advanced nurses also engage in shaping policy and research innovations.

Nursing Process

The nursing process is a patient-centric, systematic framework that is used by all nurses to deliver the best care. The process involves five interconnected steps: Assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation (ADPIE).

1. Assessment: Nurses in this step start gathering comprehensive patient data, including medical history inquiries, any signs or symptoms, and evaluation of current health status.
2. Diagnosis: Nurses, through careful consideration of physical symptoms and patient behaviour, form a nursing diagnosis.
3. Planning: The step involves collaboration with physicians and other healthcare teams to develop realistic short- and long-term treatment plans for patients.
4. Implementation: Nurses in this stage execute the planned treatments. They also educate patients on the planned therapies and promote understanding. This helps in patient cooperation during recovery.
5. Evaluation: In the evaluation step, nurses monitor patient progress against goals, recommending plan adjustments to optimise recovery.

This step-by-step process ensures individualised, evidence-based interventions tailored to patient needs. It also minimises errors, enhances safety, and promotes continuity across shifts.

Responsibilities in Nursing

Nursing responsibilities include assessing patients, performing prescribed treatments, and educating patients. They also ensure patient safety while maintaining ethical standards.
Core nursing responsibilities include:

1. Conducting physical examinations, recording vital signs, and documenting in electronic medical records (EMRs).
2. Managing medications by verifying dosages, routes, and allergies while providing daily assistance and support.
3. Monitoring infection control by considering best hygiene practices, personal protective equipment (PPE), and performing environmental checks to reduce hospital-acquired risks.
4. Educating patients on disease management, post-discharge plans, and lifestyle changes, fostering long-term self-care.
5. Collaborating with physicians, families, and multidisciplinary teams to advocate for vulnerable patients.

Popular Nursing Programmes in India

Popular nursing programmes, according to the Indian Nursing Council, include:

Types of Nurses

In India, types of nurses are categorised according to the level of qualification and specialisation. They work in roles such as care providers to advanced roles like nurse practitioners, educators, and administrators.

Key types of nurses according to qualification include:  

1. Auxiliary Nurse & Midwife (ANM): The group includes an entry-level foundational nursing workforce. ANM healthcare workers focus on community health, maternal-child health, immunisation, family welfare, and basic primary care.
2. General Nursing & Midwifery (GNM): These nurses work in hospital wards, clinics, outpatient departments, and delivery rooms. They work in government and private hospitals. Their core responsibilities include patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, and IV therapy.
3. Registered Nurse (RN): These nurses are assigned to advanced clinical roles. They work in ICUs, supervisory positions, and with multi-disciplinary teams. The role is assigned after completion of the regular BSc Nursing course. Registration with the State Nursing Council is mandatory to become a registered nurse.
4. Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing (PBBSc): Nurses, after completing post-basic diplomas, work in areas like operating room nursing, cardio-thoracic nursing, critical care, neonatal nursing, and oncology.

Key types of nurses according to specialisation include:  

1. Medical-Surgical Nurse: The nurses provide direct, comprehensive care to adult patients with acute or chronic conditions.
2. Pediatric Nurse: They are registered nurses providing care for infants and children.
3. Critical Care Nurse (ICU): The nurses here focus on critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units.
4. Oncology Nurse: They are specialised registered nurse (RN) who provides care and support to cancer patients.
5. Mental Health Nurse: Registered nurse who specialises in supporting individuals, families, and communities.
6. Obstetrics & Gynaecology: These nurses focus on women's health during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
7. Public Health Nurse: They work in communities to promote health and prevent disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the profession of nursing is a fundamental healthcare profession that safeguards health, alleviates suffering, and provides patient care. Nurses educate patients, manage critical care and improve healthcare. The profession is widely regarded as a respectable and ethical career. With the rapid transformation of healthcare systems, the career of nursing continues to grow in relevance, providing meaningful growth for passionate individuals.

If you're ready to launch your nursing career, check out the best nursing programmes after Class 12 and start your journey today.

FAQs

Q1. What is the definition of Nursing?

A1. Nursing is a dynamic healthcare profession that protects, promotes, and optimises health care. It focuses on preventing and alleviating illness through diagnosis and treatment. Nursing also advocates for individuals, families, communities, and populations across diverse healthcare settings.

Q2. How do I become a Nurse?

A2. To become a Nurse in India, aspirants must first complete their 10+2 education. They can then enrol in a formal Nursing programme such as the 4-year B.Sc. Nursing, 3.5-year General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) diploma or 2-year Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) programme. Registering with the State Nursing Council (SNC) or the Indian Nursing Council (INC) is mandatory for candidates to legally practice as a registered Nurse.

Q3. Who is the Father of Nursing?

A3. There is no universally recognised father of nursing. Florence Nightingale is, however, globally recognised as the Founder of Modern Nursing for introducing strict hygiene protocols. She also established the Nightingale Training School for Nurses in 1860 at St. Thomas' Hospital in London.

Q4. What are the qualities of a nurse?

A4. The essential qualities of a nurse include empathy, ethical integrity, emotional stability, clinical acumen, critical thinking, and patient advocacy. A good nurse must also provide high-quality care while operating in high-stress conditions. Communication skills, time management and adaptability are some other required qualities.