As a nursing student or graduate, understanding the roles and responsibilities of nurses is essential to know about career path and lifestyle. Nurses are playing an important role in the healthcar
                     Roles and Responsibilities of a Nurse
As a nursing student or graduate, understanding the roles and responsibilities of nurses is 
essential to know about career path and lifestyle. Nurses are playing an important role in the 
healthcare field, involved in direct patient care and educating the medical conditions to patients 
and their families. Some of the main roles and responsibilities of nurse are assessing the 
patients, administering medications, helping with procedures, advocating and providing 
emotional support for patients.
These activities serve as a backbone for better healthcare management and medical operations. 
In this article, we are providing the list of 13 essential roles and responsibilities of a nurse.
At Mahalakshmi College of Nursing, we mold our students in a better manner, both, in 
theoretical and practical aspects. It is important to train them in such a way to excel in the 
roles and
responsibilities of a nurse and provide better healthcare service
13 Essential Roles and Responsibilities of a Nurse
Below, we are listing the 13 important roles and responsibilities of a nurse along with 
the description and the activities it involves.
1. Record Medical History and Symptoms
One of the key responsibilities of a nurse is to record and maintain an accurate patient history 
to ensure proper treatment. It involves collecting the details regarding the patient’s medical 
history,
past diagnosis, current medications, allergies, and family medical information. And, during the 
visit, nurses need to keep track of and update the new symptoms of the patients, diagnosis, 
medications, treatment plan and other related details. By keeping the patient’s medical records 
up-to-date, the optimal care for patients will be ensured. Without accurate recording, important 
health details
could be overlooked, leading to delays or errors in care.
2. Assessing Patients
Assessing patients is a vital nursing duty that includes observing physical conditions, checking 
vital signs, and evaluating overall health status. Nurses use both clinical skills and professional 
judgment to identify potential health issues. This assessment ensures timely interventions and 
supports
accurate diagnosis. Without it, serious conditions might go unnoticed until they worsen.
3. Interpreting care plans
Nurses play a key role in interpreting care plans designed by physicians and healthcare teams. 
This involves understanding the prescribed treatments, procedures, and patient-specific goals, 
then
implementing them appropriately. Interpreting care plans ensures continuity and accuracy in
patient care. Without proper interpretation, treatments may be delayed or applied 
incorrectly, affecting recovery.
4. Collaborating with teams for patient care
Collaboration is essential in nursing, as patient care often requires input from multiple 
healthcare professionals. Nurses communicate with doctors, therapists, and other staff to 
coordinate
treatment and ensure consistent care. This teamwork improves patient outcomes and reduces 
the risk of errors. Without effective collaboration, care could become fragmented and less 
effective.
Also read:Self-care for Night Shift Nurses
5. Perform diagnostic tests
Nurses are often responsible for performing or assisting with diagnostic tests, such as blood 
draws, swabs, or imaging preparations. This role requires precision, adherence to protocols, and 
proper handling of samples. Accurate diagnostic testing supports correct diagnosis and targeted
treatment. Healthcare providers may have incomplete or incorrect information, 
compromising patient care, without the diagnostic test results.
6. Monitoring patient health
Monitoring patient health is an ongoing responsibility that includes checking vital signs, 
observing changes in condition, and tracking progress during treatment. Nurses are often the 
first to detect early warning signs of complications. This vigilance allows for prompt medical 
response. Without regular monitoring, deterioration in a patient’s condition could go unnoticed 
until it becomes critical.
7.Administering medication
Administering medication safely and accurately is a core nursing responsibility. This includes 
following dosage instructions, checking for allergies, and monitoring patients for side effects. 
Proper medication administration supports recovery and prevents complications. Without 
this careful attention, patients could face underdosing, overdosing, or harmful reactions.
8. Operating medical devices
Nurses often operate and maintain medical devices, such as ventilators, infusion pumps, or 
monitors. This requires both technical knowledge and the ability to respond quickly to alarms 
or malfunctions. Proper device operation ensures accurate treatment and patient safety. 
Without skilled handling, devices may be used incorrectly, risking patient harm.
Learn more: Top 10 Skills Nurse Should Develop
9.Educating patients about their illness
Patient education is a crucial nursing role that involves explaining medical conditions, treatment 
plans, and self-care instructions in clear and understandable language. This empowers patients 
to take an active role in their recovery and health maintenance. Without proper education, 
patients may misunderstand their care needs, leading to poor compliance and slower recovery.
10.Providing emotional and psychological support
Beyond physical care, nurses provide emotional and psychological support to patients and 
their families. This involves active listening, empathy, and encouragement during difficult 
times.
Emotional support can reduce anxiety, improve morale, and promote healing. Without it, 
patients may feel isolated, stressed, or less motivated to follow their treatment plans.
11.Wound Care
Wound care is an essential nursing responsibility that involves cleaning, dressing, and 
monitoring wounds to promote healing and prevent infection. Nurses assess the wound’s 
condition, choose
appropriate dressings, and provide ongoing evaluation. Proper wound care speeds up recovery 
and reduces the risk of complications. Without it, wounds can worsen, leading to severe 
infections or
delayed healing.
12.Advocate patient’s well-being
Nurses serve as strong advocates for their patients’ well-being, ensuring their needs, 
preferences, and rights are respected throughout the care process. This includes speaking up 
about concerns, clarifying treatment options, and ensuring safe practices are followed. Advocacy 
builds trust and protects patient interests. Without it, patients may feel unheard or receive care 
that does not align with their best interests.
13. Train and educate fellow nursing staff
Training and educating fellow nursing staff is a leadership role that ensures knowledge sharing 
and skill development within the healthcare team. This may involve mentoring new nurses, 
conducting
workshops, or introducing updated procedures. Ongoing education maintains high standards 
of care and fosters teamwork. Without it, skill gaps may develop, leading to inconsistencies 
and
reduced quality of patient care.
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Conclusion
Hope you’ve understood what are the main duties performed by nurses after graduation. Ensure 
to sharpen yourself for the mentioned roles and responsibilities of a nurse. The core nursing 
activity is to be engaged in patient care such as gathering accurate medical data, assisting with 
medical
procedures, and educating patients about their illness. Nurses are playing an essential role in the
healthcare force. So, ensure to be prepared to resolve all kinds of challenges and issues involved 
in caring and treating the patients.