Clinical nursing is the practice of caring for patients in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, home health settings and emergency departments. Clinical nurses provide direct care to patients and families as well as monitoring their response and progress. They also assist in the development and implementation of educational programs for staff, patients, and families.
Clinical nurses work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, private practices, physicians’ offices, nursing homes, home health agencies, ambulatory care centers, and hospitals.
Clinical nurses may be involved in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, administering medications, comprehensive patient education and counseling, or other types of patient care. Some clinical nurses may specialize in critical care, emergency medicine, specialty medicine, pediatrics, long-term care, or family health.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Clinical Nurse
When a patient enters a hospital or other health care facility, the clinical nurse is the first person the patient may encounter. The nurse is responsible for examining the patient’s medical history, conducting physical exams, ordering laboratory tests, interpreting the results of these tests and providing basic treatments as ordered by the doctor.
Additionally, the clinical nurse is responsible for monitoring the patient’s health and progress, administering medications, providing patient and family counseling, providing education about health care and health management, assisting with discharge planning and providing post-hospital care.
In addition to providing direct patient care, clinical nurses may coordinate care between a variety of health care providers, document medical and nursing progress, and participate in research and quality improvement initiatives. Clinical nurses may also serve as preceptors for new nurses, providing training on proper procedures and protocols.
The clinical nurse is responsible for providing the highest standards of quality nursing care while adhering to policies and procedures and ensuring that all interventions are within the scope of nursing practice. Clinical nurses must also be knowledgeable about the legal and ethical implications of practice and must maintain the duty of confidentiality.
Education and Training Requirements
In order to become a clinical nurse, nurses must complete a nursing program at a college or university. Most programs culminate in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and include coursework in anatomy and physiology, nursing theory, pharmacology, and medical terminology.
Clinical nurses may also complete a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, which provides advanced instruction in clinical specialties, such as family practice, pediatrics, critical care, and emergency medicine.
In addition to completing a degree program, nurses must be licensed and certified in the state in which they practice. Most states require nurses to complete at least two years of full-time work experience in an accredited nursing program prior to taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
With additional experience and certification, nurses may qualify for advanced practice nursing roles, such as serving as a nurse practitioner or a clinical nurse specialist.
Advancement Opportunities
Clinical nursing is a growing field with many opportunities to advance. With additional clinical experience, certification, and education, nurses can obtain higher positions and salaries. For example, clinical educators mentor and teach other nurses while nurse managers make sure that clinical and administrative operations run smoothly. Advanced practice roles also provide opportunities for increased salary and responsibility.
FAQ About Clinical Nurse
A. The primary difference between a clinical nurse and a registered nurse (RN) is the level of education and training. A RN has received specialized education in nursing and must meet certain standards to become licensed. A clinical nurse has completed a college or university nursing program and is responsible for providing direct care to patients.
A. In order to become a clinical nurse, you must complete a nursing program at a college or university that culminates in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. If you are looking to advance in the field, you may also consider completing a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
Conclusion
Clinical nursing is an essential field of health care that provides direct care to patients and families as well as monitoring their response and progress. Clinical nurses must complete a nursing program and be licensed and certified in the state in which they practice.
With additional experience and certification, nurses may qualify for advanced practice roles and increased salaries. Clinical nursing provides nurses with a rewarding career and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients.
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