Contemporary Roles and Responsibilities of a Registered Nurse
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Introduction
Mahlia Lavery 8610673 NSB117 Page | ________________ Contemporary Roles and Responsibilities of a Registered Nurse Nurses together shape the largest of health professions within the health care industry, providing health care to the people of Australia throughout their lifespan. Today, nurses commit themselves to lifelong learning and career development in order to provide patients with the highest standard of health care. Hence why, innovative nursing roles have evolved significantly to meet the emerging needs of a dynamic and ever changing health care system. In Australia, there are two types of qualified nurses, an Enrolled Nurse (EN) and a Registered Nurse (RN) (Cubit & Lopez, 2012). This essay will specifically focus on the roles and responsibilities of a registered nurse as well as the knowledge, skills, regulatory bodies and legislation a registered nurse must acquire and abide by in order to be effective. A nurse has only one profession but many roles, as contemporary nursing calls for the roles and responsibilities of a registered nurse to be multifaceted. ...read more.
Middle
As a manager, the nurse coordinates the activities of other members of the healthcare team, such as; dietician, physiotherapist or occupational therapist, when managing patient?s care. As a teacher, the nurse explains to the patient concepts and facts about health, demonstrates procedures, determines that the patients fully understands, reinforces learning or behaviour and evaluates the patients progress in learning. The nurse researcher investigates problems to improve nursing care and to further define and expand the scope of nursing practice. The nurse advocate aims not to receive gratification from other health care professionals but rather to help the patient obtain the best care even if it means going against hospital administration and other health care professionals (Ellis, 1992). Lastly, the role of the nurse counsellor is to rehabilitate the patient physically, spiritually, and psychologically and to assist him to regain his previous personal and social roles in the best possible way (Kotrotsiou, Lavdaniti, Psychogiou, Paralikas, Papathanasiou & Lahana, 2008). Contemporary nursing requires the Registered nurse to have extensive knowledge and skills for the number of professional roles and responsibilities stated previously. ...read more.
Conclusion
Professional nursing organisations represent the voice of their membership in influencing development of public policy, setting professional standards and in promoting the profession and raising awareness of its vital role and contribution to the health care sector (Australian Practice Nurses Association 2007; RCNA 2007). As the nursing role evolves it is important that the nursing profession, including professional, industrial and regulatory representatives work collaboratively to promote the health and well-being of Australians. There are a number of regulatory bodies and legislations a registered nurse must abide by in order to deliver care. In order to ensure that nurses continue to practice at a high standard that ensures the safety of the public, competency standards have been developed. In Australia, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) have developed the ANMC National Competency Standards for the Registered Nurse. To conclude, it is clearly evident that a registered nurse is a vital component in the health care system and their roles and responsibilities are exceptionally versatile. ...read more.
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