Registered community nurses
Description
Registered community nurses provide general nursing care for the sick, injured and others in need of care, and assist medical doctors with their tasks in settings outside of acute hospitals, such as clinics, health centres or visits to patients’ homes.
Tasks
- Plans, manages, provides and evaluates nursing care services within a community care setting
- Provides basic care and monitors patients' general health such as blood pressure or body temperature
- Administers drugs and medicines, applies surgical dressings and gives other forms of treatment
- Assists medical doctors in conducting examinations and other medical procedures
- Manages own case load
- Plays an educational role for patients and families, helping to develop rehabilitation routines and advising on how to care for their condition in everyday life, disease prevention and nutrition
Educational Requirements
Qualification as a nurse is via a diploma or degree course, both of which are provided by universities, or through an apprenticeship. Courses comprise both theoretical and practical work, including placements in hospital and community settings. Full time diploma courses last three years; degree courses last three or four years. Accelerated programmes are available to graduates with a health-related degree. Post-registration training is available to become a specialist practitioner in community nursing.
