8 answers
Addison
Student
Atlantic, Iowa
3
Questions
Updated
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What does a normal day look like as a nurse?
Senior in High School
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8 answers
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
103
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Hi Addison,
A nurse's daily tasks and work pace can change a lot depending on their place of work, specialty, shift, and number of patients. Nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, assisted living centers, and doctors' offices.
Here's an example of a typical day for a hospital nurse: The day starts with getting a report from the night shift nurses about the patients. Then, the nurse reviews patient information and plans the day. Morning duties include giving out medications and checking on patients. Nurses also join morning rounds, where they meet with doctors and other staff to discuss current care plans for patients and future discharge plans. They help patients get out of bed, walk, and sometimes assist with physical or occupational therapy. In the afternoon, nurses distribute more medications and may help patients with personal needs like using the toilet. They also write notes on patient care and meet with family members. As the day comes to a close, nurses administer evening medications and assist patients in settling in for the night. The final task is to report to the night shift nurses to ensure a smooth handover. Hospital nurses usually work 12-hour shifts.
A nurse's day in a doctor's office or school looks very different. You might find volunteer opportunities at local hospitals, assisted living centers, or doctors' offices to see what a typical day is like in those settings. One thing is sure: no two days are the same for a nurse!
A nurse's daily tasks and work pace can change a lot depending on their place of work, specialty, shift, and number of patients. Nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, assisted living centers, and doctors' offices.
Here's an example of a typical day for a hospital nurse: The day starts with getting a report from the night shift nurses about the patients. Then, the nurse reviews patient information and plans the day. Morning duties include giving out medications and checking on patients. Nurses also join morning rounds, where they meet with doctors and other staff to discuss current care plans for patients and future discharge plans. They help patients get out of bed, walk, and sometimes assist with physical or occupational therapy. In the afternoon, nurses distribute more medications and may help patients with personal needs like using the toilet. They also write notes on patient care and meet with family members. As the day comes to a close, nurses administer evening medications and assist patients in settling in for the night. The final task is to report to the night shift nurses to ensure a smooth handover. Hospital nurses usually work 12-hour shifts.
A nurse's day in a doctor's office or school looks very different. You might find volunteer opportunities at local hospitals, assisted living centers, or doctors' offices to see what a typical day is like in those settings. One thing is sure: no two days are the same for a nurse!
Lisa Montagano
registered nurse
1
Answer
Lowell, Indiana
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
This all depends on what type of nursing you are going to be doing. You have the option of inpatient nursing, outpatient (clinic) nursing , school nursing.
Inpatient is the most busy/stressful imo, however, you will learn a lot. Don’t have an idea of what you would like to do? Adults? Pediatrics? Certain specialties? You have so many options!
Inpatient is the most busy/stressful imo, however, you will learn a lot. Don’t have an idea of what you would like to do? Adults? Pediatrics? Certain specialties? You have so many options!
Charanpreet Walia
Public Health Nurse
50
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Charanpreet’s Answer
Hello Addison,
Your day as a nurse really depends on your specialty and your role whether you are an LVN or an RN. Specialties can range from pediatrics (working with children), cardiology (heart patients), dialysis (kidney patients), to being a staff nurse, outpatient RN, or ER nurse. Because of this variety, a “typical day” can look very different.
For example, when I was a staff nurse on an oncology floor, I cared for 6–8 patients receiving chemotherapy, blood transfusions, medications, and basic care. My shifts were 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and my responsibilities included monitoring blood pressure, reviewing lab results, calling doctors about abnormal findings, hanging Chemo, drawing blood, communicating with families, and addressing patient needs as they arose.
Now, as a public health nurse, my day looks very different. I do home visits and focus more on case management, connecting low-income families to resources and helping them navigate the healthcare system.
Hope this helps :)
Your day as a nurse really depends on your specialty and your role whether you are an LVN or an RN. Specialties can range from pediatrics (working with children), cardiology (heart patients), dialysis (kidney patients), to being a staff nurse, outpatient RN, or ER nurse. Because of this variety, a “typical day” can look very different.
For example, when I was a staff nurse on an oncology floor, I cared for 6–8 patients receiving chemotherapy, blood transfusions, medications, and basic care. My shifts were 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and my responsibilities included monitoring blood pressure, reviewing lab results, calling doctors about abnormal findings, hanging Chemo, drawing blood, communicating with families, and addressing patient needs as they arose.
Now, as a public health nurse, my day looks very different. I do home visits and focus more on case management, connecting low-income families to resources and helping them navigate the healthcare system.
Hope this helps :)
Elyse Crotty
Certified Surgical Technologist
42
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Elyse’s Answer
It totally depends on which type of nurse you become. Maybe you can shadow a nurse? The schedule can be flexible, depending on your work environment.
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Addison !
This would be a very difficult question because nursing is super diverse, takes place in a variety of venues and they have different patients with different illnesses and injuries every day. It's great that you are curious about nursing, but it's very much not a generalized career - there's a lot to it and each day is different with no "typical" days.
So, exactly what is it that you'd want to know about nursing ? The education path, the job duties and the places nurses work would be a beneficial way to learn about this field of work. Being a nurse entails hands on work with ill and injured patients. That's as general as it gets. Since you are in 12th grade in high school, see if you can visit your school nurse and have some questions prepared to ask your school nurse. I'm sure the school nurse would be happy that you're not there because you're ill or injured.
It's easy to get an idea of what nursing looks like if you watch some medical shows on TV, even though they're fiction, good ones try to be as realistic as possible. Some TV shows to find on broadcast TV or online would be "Call the Midwife", "M*A*S*H*", "Grey's Anatomy", "Nurse Jackie" and so many more you can find by searching online.
Another good way to learn about nursing is to ask very specific questions. Also read websites of colleges that offer a Nursing Program, see what courses are required and if the path for this career seems appealing to you, that could be a good way to know if you should pursue it.
You also will not get a fair idea of what your career will be like from other people's experiences, although people's stories about their work are always interesting. It may be a good idea to call a college Nursing Program to see if you can audit a class or have a tour of their nursing department. I think if you explore the academic path first, it may or may not inspire you for the career. You can also read some informative books like "Fundamentals of Nursing" by Patricia A. Potter, Anne Griffin Perry, and others which will explain the basics you should know before deciding on this career. There's pretty much a very old book written by Florence Nightingale called "Notes on Nursing: What it Is, and What it Is Not". See if your Library has these books.
So even though hearing people's perspectives would not be how your career would be, it's always interesting to hear their experiences, so I hope some nurses respond here for you. Listen to your heart for this career. If you feel a strong calling for it, explore it so you are well informed. I wish you all the best !
This would be a very difficult question because nursing is super diverse, takes place in a variety of venues and they have different patients with different illnesses and injuries every day. It's great that you are curious about nursing, but it's very much not a generalized career - there's a lot to it and each day is different with no "typical" days.
So, exactly what is it that you'd want to know about nursing ? The education path, the job duties and the places nurses work would be a beneficial way to learn about this field of work. Being a nurse entails hands on work with ill and injured patients. That's as general as it gets. Since you are in 12th grade in high school, see if you can visit your school nurse and have some questions prepared to ask your school nurse. I'm sure the school nurse would be happy that you're not there because you're ill or injured.
It's easy to get an idea of what nursing looks like if you watch some medical shows on TV, even though they're fiction, good ones try to be as realistic as possible. Some TV shows to find on broadcast TV or online would be "Call the Midwife", "M*A*S*H*", "Grey's Anatomy", "Nurse Jackie" and so many more you can find by searching online.
Another good way to learn about nursing is to ask very specific questions. Also read websites of colleges that offer a Nursing Program, see what courses are required and if the path for this career seems appealing to you, that could be a good way to know if you should pursue it.
You also will not get a fair idea of what your career will be like from other people's experiences, although people's stories about their work are always interesting. It may be a good idea to call a college Nursing Program to see if you can audit a class or have a tour of their nursing department. I think if you explore the academic path first, it may or may not inspire you for the career. You can also read some informative books like "Fundamentals of Nursing" by Patricia A. Potter, Anne Griffin Perry, and others which will explain the basics you should know before deciding on this career. There's pretty much a very old book written by Florence Nightingale called "Notes on Nursing: What it Is, and What it Is Not". See if your Library has these books.
So even though hearing people's perspectives would not be how your career would be, it's always interesting to hear their experiences, so I hope some nurses respond here for you. Listen to your heart for this career. If you feel a strong calling for it, explore it so you are well informed. I wish you all the best !
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Addison!
Nurses cannot be labeled as lacking intestinal fortitude! Confronted with blood, death, diarrhea, feces, pain, psychosis, urine, vomit, ...you get my drift!
SEE https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/day-in-the-life-of-a-nurse
Here are the pros and cons of nursing:-
Pros:
● Making a Difference: Nurses have the opportunity to positively impact patients' lives.
● Growth Opportunities: There are numerous paths for advancement and specialization within the nursing field.
● Good Salary: Nursing offers competitive salaries and benefits.
● In-Demand Career: The demand for nurses is consistently high, providing job security.
● Schedule Flexibility: Many nursing positions offer flexible schedules, including part-time options.
Cons:
● Stressful Environment: Nursing can be emotionally and physically demanding, leading to high stress levels.
● Long Hours: Nurses often work long shifts, which can lead to fatigue.
● Exposure to Illness: There is a risk of exposure to infectious diseases.
● Emotional Toll: Dealing with patient suffering and loss can be emotionally challenging.
● Workplace Hazards: Nurses may face hazardous conditions, including potential violence in some settings.
These insights can help you weigh the benefits and challenges of a nursing career.
The levels of nursing in order are as follows:-
◦ Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
◦ Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
◦ Registered Nurse (RN)
◦ Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
◦ Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
◦ Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
◦ Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.).
For a more detailed overview, the nursing hierarchy also includes non-clinical advanced nursing roles.
There are about 40 nursing specialties. SEE https://www.nu.edu/blog/types-of-nurses/
GOD BLESS!
Nurses cannot be labeled as lacking intestinal fortitude! Confronted with blood, death, diarrhea, feces, pain, psychosis, urine, vomit, ...you get my drift!
SEE https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/day-in-the-life-of-a-nurse
Here are the pros and cons of nursing:-
Pros:
● Making a Difference: Nurses have the opportunity to positively impact patients' lives.
● Growth Opportunities: There are numerous paths for advancement and specialization within the nursing field.
● Good Salary: Nursing offers competitive salaries and benefits.
● In-Demand Career: The demand for nurses is consistently high, providing job security.
● Schedule Flexibility: Many nursing positions offer flexible schedules, including part-time options.
Cons:
● Stressful Environment: Nursing can be emotionally and physically demanding, leading to high stress levels.
● Long Hours: Nurses often work long shifts, which can lead to fatigue.
● Exposure to Illness: There is a risk of exposure to infectious diseases.
● Emotional Toll: Dealing with patient suffering and loss can be emotionally challenging.
● Workplace Hazards: Nurses may face hazardous conditions, including potential violence in some settings.
These insights can help you weigh the benefits and challenges of a nursing career.
The levels of nursing in order are as follows:-
◦ Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
◦ Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
◦ Registered Nurse (RN)
◦ Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
◦ Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
◦ Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
◦ Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.).
For a more detailed overview, the nursing hierarchy also includes non-clinical advanced nursing roles.
There are about 40 nursing specialties. SEE https://www.nu.edu/blog/types-of-nurses/
GOD BLESS!
Courtney Hundley
RN
11
Answers
Elkin, North Carolina
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
A nurse's daily tasks and work pace can vary greatly based on their workplace, specialty, shift, and patient load. Nurses work in places like hospitals, schools, assisted living centers, and doctors' offices.
Here's a look at a typical day for a hospital nurse: The day begins with receiving updates from night shift nurses about the patients. The nurse then reviews patient information and plans the day's activities. In the morning, they give out medications and check on patients. Nurses also participate in morning rounds, meeting with doctors and staff to discuss patient care and discharge plans. They assist patients with getting out of bed, walking, and sometimes with physical or occupational therapy. In the afternoon, nurses give more medications and help patients with personal needs like using the restroom. They also document patient care and communicate with family members. As the day ends, nurses give evening medications and help patients settle in for the night. The last task is to update the night shift nurses to ensure a smooth transition. Hospital nurses typically work 12-hour shifts.
Here's a look at a typical day for a hospital nurse: The day begins with receiving updates from night shift nurses about the patients. The nurse then reviews patient information and plans the day's activities. In the morning, they give out medications and check on patients. Nurses also participate in morning rounds, meeting with doctors and staff to discuss patient care and discharge plans. They assist patients with getting out of bed, walking, and sometimes with physical or occupational therapy. In the afternoon, nurses give more medications and help patients with personal needs like using the restroom. They also document patient care and communicate with family members. As the day ends, nurses give evening medications and help patients settle in for the night. The last task is to update the night shift nurses to ensure a smooth transition. Hospital nurses typically work 12-hour shifts.
Carmen Decker
Nurse Practitioner
21
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Carmen’s Answer
Addison,
As you can see from all the other answers, there are many kinds of "normal days!" I have worked in a jail, the ICU, an outpatient primary care clinic, the ER and as a nurse manager and agree with everyone else who answered about the variety of normal days.
In the outpatient clinic, I worked 7:30 am to 4:30 pm with weekends and holidays off and saw about 20 patients per day. In the ICU, I worked three 12 hour night shifts one week, then three 12 hours night shifts and one 8 hour shift the nest week. I had 2 patients and was paid extra for working on holidays and night shifts. In the jail I saw sick patients and also did rounds on inmates in segregation. As a nurse manager, I saw few patients as part of my job, but was responsible for the nursing practice of about 60 nurses, which kept me really busy Monday through Friday. I worked with nurses, more than I worked with patients.
And there so many types of nursing roles I have never done!
Whatever settings or hours or pace you are looking for can be found in nursing. It's such a versatile field.
Best of luck with whichever path you choose!
Carmen
As you can see from all the other answers, there are many kinds of "normal days!" I have worked in a jail, the ICU, an outpatient primary care clinic, the ER and as a nurse manager and agree with everyone else who answered about the variety of normal days.
In the outpatient clinic, I worked 7:30 am to 4:30 pm with weekends and holidays off and saw about 20 patients per day. In the ICU, I worked three 12 hour night shifts one week, then three 12 hours night shifts and one 8 hour shift the nest week. I had 2 patients and was paid extra for working on holidays and night shifts. In the jail I saw sick patients and also did rounds on inmates in segregation. As a nurse manager, I saw few patients as part of my job, but was responsible for the nursing practice of about 60 nurses, which kept me really busy Monday through Friday. I worked with nurses, more than I worked with patients.
And there so many types of nursing roles I have never done!
Whatever settings or hours or pace you are looking for can be found in nursing. It's such a versatile field.
Best of luck with whichever path you choose!
Carmen