The training of Nurses

[JFKvsNixon]

From when was nursing was based on academic prowess as you put it . In my view it was the care and compasion of the sick. So a degree is essential to be able to wipe a bum and make sure a patient is comfortable.

 

As I commented earlier, it is an academic job to be a nurse now, their practice has to be underpinned by a good understanding of sound research. Also it's worth remembering that with the decrease in the junior doctors hours a lot of their roles and responsibilities have now been moved onto the nurses

 

As regard's dispensing medications not sure you are doing the old school of nurses justice saying that today we need people who have spent 3/4 years in a classroom are the only one's who have the capability to despence drugs prescribed by a doctor.

 

The nurse doesn't dispense medication, they administer it and as such they, not the doctor who has perscribed it, who are legally accountable for the safe administration of that drug.

 

I would prefer a nurse that cared for me not one with a chip on their shoulder whe deligates the lesser tasks to so called support workers

 

What makes you think that delegation is a bad thing, surely it's about delegating the jobs to the people with the time and skills to to do that job? The nurse is managing a number of patients care, delegation is part of that management.

[ratter71]

Actually you need both. A good level of academic prowess, AND a good bedside manner. They need both these days.

 

True, I'm not disputing the need for a good bedside manner, just the view that a good bedside manner is all that is needed, as the OP seems to be saying.

[Miss_S_83]

As I commented earlier, it is an academic job to be a nurse now, their practice has to be underpinned by a good understanding of sound research. Also it's worth remembering that with the decrease in the junior doctors hours a lot of their roles and responsibilities have now been moved onto the nurses

 

 

 

The nurse doesn't dispense medication, they administer it and as such they, not the doctor who has perscribed it, who are legally accountable for the safe administration of that drug.

 

 

 

What makes you think that delegation is a bad thing, surely it's about delegating the jobs to the people with the time and skills to to do that job? The nurse is managing a number of patients care, delegation is part of that management.

 

Very good post.

[chem1st]

And how do you work that out then?

 

Good pay, its a safe job and they have the opportunity to pull a doctor

[Ms Macbeth]

As I commented earlier, it is an academic job to be a nurse now, their practice has to be underpinned by a good understanding of sound research. Also it's worth remembering that with the decrease in the junior doctors hours a lot of their roles and responsibilities have now been moved onto the nurses

 

The nurse doesn't dispense medication, they administer it and as such they, not the doctor who has perscribed it, who are legally accountable for the safe administration of that drug.

 

What makes you think that delegation is a bad thing, surely it's about delegating the jobs to the people with the time and skills to to do that job? The nurse is managing a number of patients care, delegation is part of that management.

 

Some specialist nurses actually do prescribe medication nowadays, but only after they have achieved a fairly rigorous qualification. They have to take personal responsibility for working at that level, so its pretty obvious they need to be academically able to understand what it entails.

[pattricia]

Good pay, its a safe job and they have the opportunity to pull a doctor

 

Not much chance of that these days. Mind you my sister did marry a Consultant Surgeon, so maybe youre right!

[sandie]

As I commented earlier, it is an academic job to be a nurse now, their practice has to be underpinned by a good understanding of sound research. Also it's worth remembering that with the decrease in the junior doctors hours a lot of their roles and responsibilities have now been moved onto the nurses

 

 

 

The nurse doesn't dispense medication, they administer it and as such they, not the doctor who has prescribed it, who are legally accountable for the safe administration of that drug.

 

 

 

What makes you think that delegation is a bad thing, surely it's about delegating the jobs to the people with the time and skills to to do that job? The nurse is managing a number of patients care, delegation is part of that management.

 

So nurses do not have the key to the drug trolley and they do not dispense drugs they only administer them.

 

I would suggest you get your facts right Nurses dispense drugs on a doctors prescription.

 

Under the UK CC Registration Nurses are not allowed to assume the post of a junior doctor, and are not allowed to prescribe drugs.

 

You talk delegation do you mean that their responsibilities for basic nursing care is beneath them and pass it on to the less qualified staff, you think that is the way it should be and is acceptable.

 

I don't think so.

[Miss_S_83]

So nurses do not have the key to the drug trolley and they do not dispense drugs they only administer them.

 

I would suggest you get your facts right Nurses dispense drugs on a doctors prescription.

 

Under the UK CC Registration Nurses are not allowed to assume the post of a junior doctor, and are not allowed to prescribe drugs.

 

You talk delegation do you mean that their responsibilities for basic nursing care is beneath them and pass it on to the less qualified staff, you think that is the way it should be and is acceptable.

 

I don't think so.

 

They administer drugs from a Dr's prescription, yes... so it stands to reason that someone who has had the right training to make sure that drug errors aren't made should be giving the drugs.

 

Of course sometimes nurses have to delegate tasks such as cleaning a patient in order to do the 100 other things they have to do- it's what support workers are paid for, after all. BUT it doesn't mean they just can't be bothered to do it or think it's 'beneath them' as you put it- they may just not have time to and if there are other staff around who can then why not?!?!

 

Any nurse worth their salt should carry on carrying out basic patient care and want to do so- it gives you a sense of fulfillment knowing that you have got your patients up, cleaned, cleaned their bed, done their teeth etc. I have seen Sisters doing all of that stuff.

 

You are clearly bitter about something, something must have happened for you to suddenly decide that just because nurses these days need a degree or diploma, they must all be snobs and incapable of cleaning a person. (Or reluctant to).

[Miss_S_83]

Good pay, its a safe job and they have the opportunity to pull a doctor

 

The pay may seem good but after tax etc it's not brilliant! Safe job.... not so sure about that the way thigns are right now! And Dr's.... hmmm... can't say I have fancied any of the Dr's I have seen (nor them me!).

 

[JFKvsNixon]

So nurses do not have the key to the drug trolley and they do not dispense drugs they only administer them.

 

I would suggest you get your facts right Nurses dispense drugs on a doctors prescription.

 

I was commenting on the accountability of the role, it goes far deeper than simply the nurse giving the patient the drugs prescribed by the doctor. They are legally responsible for any issues that may arise from the administration of that drug, and as such they should know the correct dose and route given, along with all the major side effects and interactions with the patients medication.

 

Under the UK CC Registration Nurses are not allowed to assume the post of a junior doctor, and are not allowed to prescribe drugs.

 

Lol, the UKCC doesn't exist anymore, and hasn't for years. Seeing that you are groping around in the dark I suggest you look up on the nurse extending the scope of their practice. I also never suggested that a nurse assume a post of a junior doctor, however they are assuming some of their roles.

 

You talk delegation do you mean that their responsibilities for basic nursing care is beneath them and pass it on to the less qualified staff, you think that is the way it should be and is acceptable.

 

I don't think so.

 

No, it is only you that seems to make the assumption that basic nursing care is beneath a nurse. What I am saying that it is a team of people looking after the patient, sometimes the nurse has other essential duties that may need carrying out so delegation is the right option in such circumstances.