Pre-Nursing Track

What a Nurse Does

Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, also referred to as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare. The scope of practice varies from state to state.

Typical Duties

• Take and record patients’ medical histories and symptoms.
• Perform physical exams and observe patients.
• Create patient care plans or contribute to existing plans.
• Perform and order diagnostic tests.
• Operate and monitor medical equipment.
• Diagnose various health problems.
• Analyze test results or changes in a patient’s condition and alter treatment plans, as needed.
• Give patients medicines and treatments.
• Evaluate a patient’s response to medicines and treatments.
• Consult with doctors and other health care professionals, as needed.
• Counsel and teach patients and their families how to stay healthy or manage their illnesses or injuries.
• Conduct research.

Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook