Staff Nurse

A **staff nurse** working in a **ward** or **ICU (Intensive Care Unit)** plays a vital role in providing high-quality patient care in a hospital setting. The responsibilities and functions of a staff nurse in each area can vary significantly due to the different levels of patient acuity and care needs.

Staff Nurse in a **Ward**:

- **Patient Assessment**: Regular monitoring of vital signs such as temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Observing any changes in the patient's condition and reporting to the senior nurse or doctor.
- **Medication Administration**: Administering prescribed medications and treatments to patients. This could involve oral, intravenous, or other forms of administration.
- **Patient Care**: Assisting patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, and moving.
- **Monitoring Recovery**: Keeping track of patient progress, ensuring they are following prescribed treatments, and assisting with physical rehabilitation or mobility exercises.
- **Documentation**: Keeping detailed records of patient conditions, treatments, and progress in patient charts. This information is crucial for ongoing care.
- **Communication**: Acting as a bridge between the patient and the multidisciplinary medical team, including doctors, specialists, and families.
- **Infection Control**: Ensuring adherence to hygiene standards and infection control practices.

Staff Nurse in the **ICU**:

- **Critical Monitoring**: In an ICU, nurses handle patients who are critically ill or recovering from major surgeries. They closely monitor vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other advanced parameters.
- **Advanced Medical Equipment**: ICU nurses are proficient in using complex medical devices like ventilators, infusion pumps, cardiac monitors, and dialysis machines.
- **Medication Management**: Administering potent medications and managing dosages, including sedatives, pain relievers, and life-saving drugs. They must be vigilant about timing and dosage.
- **Patient Assessment**: Continuous, detailed assessment of critically ill patients' conditions, recognizing any signs of deterioration and responding immediately.
- **Life Support**: ICU nurses are trained in advanced life support techniques, including CPR, intubation, and emergency resuscitation measures.
- **Collaboration with Doctors**: Nurses work closely with intensivists, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to make decisions about the patient's care plan.
- **Family Support**: ICU nurses provide emotional support to the families of critically ill patients, updating them on the patient's condition and explaining care plans.

Common Skills for Both Roles:

- **Clinical Knowledge**: A solid understanding of medical procedures, pharmacology, and nursing practices.
- **Attention to Detail**: Observing subtle changes in patients' conditions and responding to emergencies.
- **Communication**: Clear and effective communication with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
- **Compassion and Empathy**: Both ward and ICU nurses must show compassion to patients and their families, especially during difficult times.
- **Stress Management**: Both environments can be stressful, requiring nurses to remain calm and make quick decisions under pressure.

While both ward nurses and ICU nurses share essential skills in patient care, ICU nurses require additional expertise due to the critical nature of the cases they handle.

Pay: ₹8,000.00 - ₹35,000.00 per month

Schedule:

- Rotational shift

Supplemental Pay:

- Overtime pay

**Education**:

- Diploma (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Nursing: 3 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person