1-13. THE M6 PRACTICAL NURSE

The M6 practical nurse may work in a ward, unit, or clinic setting. The types of duties performed and skills required will depend upon the workplace and its immediate mission. Duties performed may be very specialized, as in a neonatal intensive care unit or thoracic surgery ward, or may be very broad, as on a

multi-service medical-surgical ward. The practical nurse works as a staff member giving direct patient care under the supervision of a professional nurse while, at the same time, supervising subordinates. The M6 practical nurse is concerned not only with direct nursing care, but with health teaching; patient

comfort and safety; clerical administration such as admissions, discharges, consultations and referrals; and the requisition and maintenance of supplies and equipment. At each higher grade and skill level, the M6 practical nurse assumes increased supervisory and managerial responsibilities. As administrative duties increase, time spent in direct patient care will consequently decrease. Rather than perform direct patient care, the senior practical nurse will supervise and instruct subordinates in patient care techniques.