What is a day like in a life of a nurse in Australia?

Nursing has always been seen as a noble, compassionate, inspiring and yet exhausting profession because it involves caring for people who are sick and suffering. Nursing in Australia is associated with maintaining human well-being in the midst of extreme uncertainty. Nurses work long hours serving patients who need them at their most vulnerable moment. For this and many other reasons, nurses are held in high regard for the inspiring and extraordinary work they do.

Along with other doctors and healthcare workers, nurses are on the frontline in places affected by terrorism, war, disasters, epidemics and pandemics. They care for people when they are most fragile, bringing new hope to what might otherwise be the worst day of a patient's life. In this blog we will have a glimpse of a nurse’s normal work day.

What is a normal day like in the life of a nurse?

After completing a nursing course in Australia, nurses become highly skilled members of the medical profession. They make use of their skills and knowledge to assist patients through operations and procedures. They also help develop treatment plans and advise on outpatient care. Nurses usually have a varied schedule, so a day in the life of a nurse can include many tasks.

Often, most nurses work as part of a team of frontline healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat patients in a variety of settings. Nurses work with multidisciplinary teams that include doctors, technicians, specialists, assistants, healthcare providers, surgeons, etc.

A nurse's day-to-day tasks may include:

• Checking vital signs and taking a patient's medical history.
• Questioning patients about their symptoms and carrying out medical examinations, if necessary.
• Taking blood samples and ordering or performing diagnostic tests.
• Suggesting healthcare options to doctors.
• Administering medication to patients.
• Keeping accurate and comprehensive patient records.
• Obtaining advice from healthcare providers as required.
• Educating and raising awareness among patients about how to manage their condition.
• Offering emotional support to the patients and their families.
• Evaluating and implementing patient care plans.
• Referring patients to all sources of medical support.
• Communicating important patient information to other nurses during shift changes.
• Preparing treatment rooms by sanitising and assembling medical equipment.
• Checking and counting medication.
• Administering wound care and changing dressings by completing patient assessments

It is important to note that not all nurses have the same daily routine. Working at the front line of patient care means that nurses are constantly interacting with people in stressful situations. Therefore, nurses need to be empathetic and work well under pressure. Nurses are also expected to respond appropriately to emergencies and unexpected events, which means that good problem-solving skills and strategic thinking are ideal qualities for nurses.

Going beyond the scope of practice

Nurses often encounter situations that require them to go beyond the scope of their practice. For example, a family member, friend, acquaintance or even someone they have just met in a healthcare setting may ask nurses about their concerns about a newly prescribed medication. In such cases, nurses can help by providing reassurance and more information about the medication. The intervention offered by nurses can be helpful in ensuring that there is no risk of adverse drug reactions. Basically, what we are trying to say here is that being a nurse goes far beyond a long shift.

Nurses are the best listeners: Nurses' listening skills are honed in many ways, from the first day of nursing education and throughout their training. Nurses are among the best listeners. They are used to listening to their patients' words and the sounds of their bodies.

Always ready to provide care: Nurses are prepared both on and off duty. They are ready to answer questions, give advice and guidance, and provide life-saving care when the situation calls for it.

Commitment is important every day

Nurses are ambassadors for health and are never off duty. Whatever specialty they choose, it is not a profession they can or should enter unless they are committed to it. There is the daily challenge of providing a service where nurses' actions have a direct impact on people's lives. Nurses make and support decisions to ensure that patients receive the best care. This is not always easy, but the feeling of acting in the best interests of the patient is what keeps nurses going. Nurses put patients first, which means working long hours when someone is ill, even if it means missing family gatherings. This is only possible if nurses are committed to their role. So, commitment is important every day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nurses are highly regarded by the public and are constantly in demand as one of the most trusted healthcare professionals. The fact that they are always seen as being on duty is a testament to the trust that people have in them. Becoming a nurse is a great honour and if you are interested in pursuing a career in nursing in Australia, you can reach out to our student counsellors at MWT Education Consultancy for guidance.