5 Things You Didn't Know Nurses Do for You

Most people picture nurses handling bedpans and checking blood pressure. The job runs much wider than that. Here are five things nurses do that you probably never see.

1. We order supplies and manage inventory

Nurses are usually the first to know what a unit is running low on, so they handle the non-clinical work of ordering supplies and keeping the station stocked in the right quantities.

2. We bathe patients who cannot bathe themselves

When patients are too ill or injured to wash up, nurses do it for them. Skipping hygiene invites infection, so this also extends to cutting hair and helping patients get dressed.

3. We help patients eat

Loss of appetite is common with illness. Nurses often feed patients directly and coax them into a few more bites to protect their nutrition and recovery.

4. We coordinate with the rest of the care team

Nurses communicate constantly with social workers, nurse practitioners, and other professionals. Without that coordination, patients suffer physically and mentally, so the nurse plans the care to improve the odds of a good outcome.

5. We keep patients from going stir-crazy

It is not in the job description, but nurses end up providing some entertainment too: reading, changing the channel, a board game. Boredom wears on patients, and protecting their mental wellbeing is part of the work.

Nurses wear a lot of hats. The best ones go to real lengths to care for patients and get them recovering sooner.