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Through the NHS (National Health Service) there are four different categories of nurses, largely determined by the type of patients that they are most qualified to care for. They are the:
- Adult’s nurse
- Children’s nurse
- Mental health nurse
- Learning disability nurse
Each type of nursing requires several different skills, but all require an ability to work closely with patients in a positive and professional manner, an ability to follow detailed instructions, good team working skills, effective communication skills as well as the various skills and knowledge components of the specialized nursing field. Nurses are required to be disciplined, mature and organized to be able to complete their demanding and important role in the overall patient care and recovery.
Adult’s Nurse
Individuals that enter the field of adult nursing will be, for the most part, dealing with adult patients. They will be responsible for the day-to-day care, administration of prescribed mediations, monitoring and charting patient progress, and reporting to the care team. The nurse is also the primary caregiver for the patient while they are in the hospital or in a recovery program. Adult nurses will have to work with patients with both long and short-term illness and conditions including cancer, surgical procedures, chronic illness and emergency situations.
An adult nurse is not just responsible for the physical care of the patient; they must also be sensitive and alert to any changes in the patient’s emotional state or behaviors. The nurse must be aware of the various medications, possible side effects and even possible conflicts when multiple medications are prescribed.
Children’s Nurse
A children’s nurse works both with the child as well as the family caring for the child. As this is a stressful time for families a very professional, empathetic and knowledgeable person can ease the stress as well as provide a level of trust between the family and the hospital, clinic or treatment facility. A children’s nurse focuses on all aspects of the child, not just the treatment plan. They have a good knowledge of child development both physically and emotionally and have a bedside manner that is designed to help put a child and ease immediately.
Children’s nurses work with both infants and older children. There are a wide variety of cases in children’s nursing ranging from caring for newborn or premature babies up to helping teenagers. Often children’s nurses can be found in schools, hospitals, clinics and even provided home health services to special patients.
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Mental Health Nurse
A mental health nurse specializes in treating patients that have a mental health diagnosis. Often these nurses are located either in hospitals, mental health facilities, or in the community. Mental health nurses help patients adjust to living on their own and help to overcome daily problems and issues that the patient may be experiencing.
The mental health nurse is often the liaison between the doctor and the patient, especially if the patient is living in the community. The nurse must be able to identify and communicate any changes in the client behavior or mental health state as well as be aware of any possible issues with medication or other illnesses.
A mental health nurse will often work with a client or patient for an extended period of time. There may be children or adults on the caseload, as well as those with mental illnesses or alcohol or drug related problems. Many mental health nurses specialize in one area of care and work exclusively with patients in this area.
Learning Disabilities Nurse
Working with people with learning disabilities is a rewarding yet challenging job. The learning disabilities nurse may respond to crisis situations with patients or may see patients on a regular basis either in their home or in a clinic appointment. The learning disabilities nurse works with the patient to allow the development of new skills that will make the patient better able to function independently.
The learning disabilities nurse often works fairly independently and is responsible for determining the skills and training needed for each of his or her patients. Often the nurse works closely with patient, their families, and the care team to develop a training program and plan.
The opportunities within the nursing field are varied and interesting. A career in nursing is a rewarding and positive career, as well as provides opportunities for working overseas and outside of the country.
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