The physicians in a hospital form the core of the medical staff. But they couldn’t provide effective medical care to their patients without the help of numerous other medical employees. From the viewpoint of the patients, the nursing staff is particularly important. Nurses are usually in close contact with patients as long as they are in the hospital.
A nurse does not study for as many years as a doctor. However, each must be equally dedicated. Caring tot sick persons requires a great deal of patience and concern. Most nurses work long days, and they often must work at odd hours or during the night.
Under the supervision of the head nurse, the nursing staff must provide nursing services on 24-hour basis and attend to patients’ needs. This responsibility continues around the clock, and so nurses must work in shifts. A shift is a period of duty, usually eight in length. The nurses on the ward rotate their shifts. All of them work out of a central area on the ward called the nurses’ station.
A nurse must always be alert. She can never afford to be careless. This is true in all nursing situation, but it is especially true in the intensive care unit. Patients under intensive care duty have one of the most demanding jobs in the hospital.
Serving as a nurse can be a very. rewarding job. But it is not an easy one. Not every person is suited to become a nurse. Only very dedicated people have chosen nursing as a profession.
The nursing staff （）
A．are central to the medical staff
B．play an important role in caring for patients
C．can work effectively without physicians
D．are always in close contact with the patients
