In primary nursing, what is the key feature of the nurse's role?

In primary nursing, the key feature of the nurse's role is having 24/7 authority and responsibility for a group of clients. This model emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care, where one nurse is assigned to a group of patients and maintains continuous responsibility for their care throughout their hospital stay. This allows the nurse to form a deeper understanding of each patient's unique needs, preferences, and progress, leading to more personalized and effective care.

This model fosters a consistent caregiver-patient relationship, which can enhance trust and communication. Additionally, the primary nurse coordinates care and collaborates with other healthcare team members, ensuring that all aspects of a patient's health and well-being are addressed. The continuity of care provided by a primary nurse is essential in promoting better patient outcomes and satisfaction.

In contrast, handling administrative tasks, delegating care, or specializing in only one type of patient care do not encompass the core essence of primary nursing. These activities can be part of a nurse’s role but do not capture the comprehensive responsibility and authority that a primary nurse carries in managing and advocating for a specific group of patients.