Understanding the Role of Nurses in Zambia: Duties, Work Environments, and Salary Insights

A nurse is a trained healthcare professional responsible for caring for the sick or injured in clinics or hospitals where they are stationed. Nurses collaborate closely with doctors and other healthcare providers to maintain patient health and well-being. In Zambia, nurses play a vital role in various settings beyond hospitals and clinics, including pharmacies, schools, and homes, where they utilize their skills to meet patient needs.

Nurses perform a wide range of duties, including:

1. Caring for the Patient: Nurses oversee patient care, manage physical needs, prevent illness, and address health problems. They monitor patients, record relevant information, and make treatment decisions based on their observations.

2. Advocating for Patient Wellbeing: Nurses prioritize the interests and dignity of their patients, working with healthcare teams to ensure the best possible treatment plans. They represent patients' interests, especially when making treatment decisions.

3. Educating Patients and Caregivers: Nurses educate patients and caregivers about their health conditions, treatments, and self-care practices. They provide information to help patients manage their care effectively, particularly after discharge from medical facilities.

4. Recording Medical History and Symptoms: Nurses maintain accurate records of patient's health, including medical history, symptoms, and vital signs. They gather information about previous diagnoses, surgeries, medications, and family medical history to ensure proper care.

5. Administering Treatment: Nurses administer medications and treatments prescribed by healthcare providers. They may develop treatment plans and assist with various procedures, such as wound care, catheter insertion, and emergency care.

6. Diagnosing Patients: Nurses may perform diagnostic tests, such as checking vital signs and collecting samples for analysis. They play a crucial role in diagnosing patients and developing treatment plans based on their findings.

Nurses work in diverse environments, including schools, ambulances, and healthcare facilities. Specialized roles include school nurses, midwives, and anesthetist nurses, each with specific responsibilities tailored to their settings.

Regarding salaries, Zambian nurses earn an average monthly salary of K6,800, with salaries ranging from K3,800 to K11,200. Despite variations, nurses' contributions to patient care and healthcare systems remain invaluable, ensuring the health and well-being of individuals and communities across Zambia.