The mission of nursing. Major functions of the nurse

The mission of nursing in society is to help individuals, families and groups to determine and achieve their physical, mental and social potential, and to do so within the context of the environment in which they live and work. This requires nurses to develop and perform functions that promote and maintain health as well as prevent illness.

Nurses must ensure the active involvement of the individual and, as appropriate^A his or her family, friends, social group and community, in all aspects of health care, thus encouraging self-reliance and self-determination^B. Nurses also work as partners with members of other professions and occupations involved in providing health and related services.

Nursing is both an art and a science that requires the understanding and application of the knowledge and skills specific to the discipline. It draws on knowledge and techniques derived from the humanities and the physical, social, medical and biological sciences.

The nurse accepts responsibility for, and exercises authority in, the direct provision of nursing care. She is an autonomous practitioner accountable for the care she provides^C. She has a responsibility to assess her personal needs for continuing education in management, teaching, clinical practice and research, and to take action to meet those needs.

The functions of the nurse derive directly from the mission of nursing in society. These functions remain constant regardless of when and where nursing is carried out (in the home, workplace, school, university, prison, refugee camp, hospital, primary health care clinic or other site), the health status of the individual or group to be served, or the resources available.

The first function of the nurse is to provide and manage nursing care, including preventive, curative, rehabilitative or supportive care. Nursing care is most effective when it follows a series of logical steps known as the nursing process^D.

The second function of the nurse is teaching patients and helping other nurses and staff to acquire new knowledge and skills. Another aspect of the function of the nurse is to organize or participate in health education campaigns and to evaluate the outcome of such educational programs.

The third function of the nurse is acting as an effective member of a health care team. She acts as a leader of a nursing care team, which may include other nurses and auxiliary personnel, as well as patients.

The nurse should be actively involved in policy-making and program planning, in setting priorities and in the development and allocation of resources, participating in the preparation of reports to authorities at local, regional or national level and, when appropriate, to the mass media.

The fourth function of the nurse is improving nursing practice through critical thinking and research. This includes developing innovative ways of working to achieve better results, identifying areas for research, and participating in such studies as required.

All the functions should be performed applying accepted and appropriate cultural, ethical and professional standards.

Notes:

^A as appropriate — в случае необходимости

^B self-reliance and self-determination — уверенность в себе и самостоятельность

^с accountable for the care she provides — ответственная (отвечающая) за медицинский уход, который она обеспечивает

^D nursing process — сестринский процесс, научно обоснованная методология профессиональной деятельности медсестры