Adult Nurse Duties & Responsibilities

The role and function of an Adult Nurse includes the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Writing patient care plans;
  • Implementing plans through tasks such as preparing patients for operations, wound treatment and monitoring pulse, blood pressure and temperature;
  • Advocating on behalf of patients;
  • Carrying out routine investigations;
  • Communicating with and relieving the anxiety of patients and their relatives;
  • Observing and recording the condition of patients;
  • Responding quickly to emergencies;
  • Planning discharges from hospital and liaising with community nurses, GPs and social workers;
  • Checking and administering drugs and injections;
  • Setting up drips and blood transfusions;
  • Making ethical decisions related to consent and confidentiality.
  • Assisting with tests and evaluations;
  • Mentoring student and junior nurses;
  • Maintaining patient records;
  • Educating patients about their health;
  • Organising staff and prioritising busy workloads;

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Adult Nurse duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Adult Nurse roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.