Robotically-assisted surgery may sound like something from a futuristic science fiction movie to some, but it is actually a safe and increasingly common method shown to deliver better outcomes for patients than traditional surgery.

Nurses serve their communities in many ways and have essential roles in healthcare. Nurses promote healthy lifestyles, advocate for patients, provide health education, and directly care for many patients. The exact functions of nurses have changed somewhat over the years; however, their importance in healthcare remains evident.

Since the advent of modern medicine, nurses’ role has shifted from being comforters to modern healthcare professionals who provide evidence-based treatment and wellness education. Nurses have a multifaceted role as holistic caregivers, patient advocates, specialists, and researchers.

Patient care

The primary role of a nurse is to be a caregiver for patients by managing physical needs, preventing illness, and treating health conditions. To do this, nurses must observe and monitor the patient and record any relevant information to aid in treatment decision-making processes.
Nurses care for injuries, administer medications, conduct frequent medical examinations, record detailed medical histories, monitor heart rate and blood pressure, perform diagnostic tests, operate medical equipment, draw blood, and admit/discharge patients according to physician orders. Nurses also ensure patients’ comfort, change bandages, report any changes in a patient’s condition to other nurses or doctors, document patient activities, and assume other relevant tasks.
Nurses must often pay close attention to every detail of the patient’s treatment and how they respond. If a problem is identified, nurses will often be the first to notice; thus, they must be able to quickly report a problem, particularly in the event of an emergency, to a physician.
Throughout the treatment process, the nurse follows the progress of the patient and acts accordingly with the patient’s best interests in mind. The care provided by a nurse extends beyond the administration of medications and other therapies. Nurses are often responsible for the holistic care of patients, which may encompass the individual’s psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs.