SAS 14

• Nursing - can be described as a constantly evolving, highly specialized profession that encompasses health promotion, health prevention, and the care of physically ill, mentally ill, disabled, and dying people of all ages, communities, and health care settings.
• The unique function of nurses ranges broadly from activities that contribute to the health, recovery, or dignified death of a patient to the development of policy, research, advocacy, and education.
• Registered nurses (R.N.'s): Healthcare professionals who work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness.
• Advocates: Nurses who support and speak up for the rights and well-being of patients, families, and communities.
• Responsibilities of a nurse include:

  • Conducting physical exams and collect detailed health care histories
  • Collecting vital signs, draw blood, and order diagnostic tests
• Hospital Nurses:

  • Provide bedside nursing care and carry out medical regimens prescribed by physicians
  • May supervise licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants
• Nursing Home Nurses:

  • Manage nursing care for residents with various conditions
  • Supervise licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants
  • Trained to administer complex treatments
  • Spend most of their time on administration and supervision
• Home Health Nurses:

  • Provide periodic services to patients at home
  • Care for a broad range of patients
  • Must be able to work independently
• Public Health Nurses:

  • Work in government and private agencies, clinics, schools, and other community settings
  • Instruct individuals and groups in health education, disease prevention, and home care
  • Some also work in home health care
• Private Duty Nurses:

  • Care for patients who need constant attention
  • Work directly for families or nursing/temporary help agencies
  • Provide services in various settings
• Office Nurses:

  • Assist physicians in private practice, clinics, and other medical settings
  • Perform tasks such as preparing patients for examinations, administering injections, and maintaining records
• Occupational Health or Industrial Nurses:

  • Provide nursing care at work sites
  • Offer emergency care, health counseling, and assistance with health examinations and inoculations
• Head Nurses or Nurse Supervisors:

  • Direct nursing activities
  • Plan work schedules
  • Provide training
  • Ensure proper care is carried out
  • Handle records, budgets, and equipment/supply orders
• Nurse Practitioners:

  • Provide basic primary health care
  • Diagnose/treat common acute illnesses and injuries
• Other Advanced Practice Nurses:

  • Have met higher educational and clinical practice requirements beyond basic nursing education and licensing
  • Includes clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse midwives
• Work Environment

  • Nurses generally work indoors in well-lighted, comfortable health care facilities.
  • Home health and public health nurses travel to patients' homes, schools, and other sites.
• Work Environment

  • Nurses work closely with, but subordinate to, physicians.

  • Because patient in hospitals and nursing homes require care at al times, staff nurses in these institution often have to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Office, occupational health, and public health nurses are more likely to work regular hours.
• Work Environment

  Nursing has its hazards, especially in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.

  • Nurses may be called on to care for individuals with infectious diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS, where rigid guidelines must be observed to ensure the safety of patients and nurses.
  • Nurses must also guard against dangers associated with radiation, chemicals used for sterilization and other purposes, and gases used for anesthesia. In addition, nurses are vulnerable to back injury, shocks from electrical equipment, and hazards posed by compressed gases.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS)- The program focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, risk reduction, and health restoration.
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand - Which Senior High School Strand is recommended for students pursuing a degree in BS in Nursing?
• During the fourth year of the program, students are required to attend an On-the-Job Training (OJT) in different hospital settings and community clinics
• Usually, universities require students to submit a written report on their tasks, learning experiences, and hours rendered
• Students' work performance will be evaluated by their immediate managers and submitted to their respective OJT coordinator
• The number of hours required for the On-the-Job Training may differ in each university
• Nursing Education - It includes classroom instruction, supervised clinical experience, and courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and nursing.
• 1. Board Exam: The Nurse Licensure Exam that a graduate of BS in Nursing in the Philippines needs to pass in order to become a Registered Nurse.
• 1. Professional Regulations Commission (PRC): The organization that supervises the Board of Nursing and conducts the Nurse Licensure Exam in the Philippines.
• Persons who want to pursue a nursing career should have a sincere desire to assist humanity and be sympathetic to the needs of others.

  • Nurses must be able to accept responsibility and direct or supervise the activity of others; they must have initiative and, in appropriate situations, be able to follow orders precisely and determine if additional consultation is required. Good judgment is essential.
• Responsibilities and Work Description

  • Administering medications and other personalized treatments
  • Coordinating care with a wide array of health care professionals and specialists
  • Providing health promotion, counseling, and healthcare education to patients
• Work Environment

  • For those nurses who care for the ill and infirm, the physical demands of patient care can be strenuous.
  • Nurses in general need physical stamina because they spend considerable time walking and standing.
  • Emotional stability is required to cope with human suffering and frequent emergencies.