Nurses perform very diverse work which includes nursing, teaching, scientific research and management. Nurses are professionally responsible for nursing services in the country and their job title is legally protected.
Nurses work in many parts of society, such as in healthcare institutions and hospitals, in clinics, in private homes, in schools and in nursing homes. Nurses can also work abroad, for example in international relief work.
Main aspects of nursing:
• patient care
• assessment of patients’ condition, monitoring and nursing treatment
• guidance, counseling and instruction for clients and relatives
• prevention, health promotion and health protection
• assistance and support to patients and relatives
• rehabilitation
Nurses receive an operating license from the Director of Health and must have completed at least a BS degree in nursing. A nurse needs to be familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to healthcare professionals and be responsible for the prevention, counseling, diagnosis and nursing care provided. It is also important to maintain professional knowledge and respect the ethics of the profession.
Nursing is taught at the University of Iceland and the University of Akureyri and is a four-year study program for a BS degree. Master’s studies are offered at both universities and doctoral studies are offered at the University of Iceland.
A master’s or doctoral degree is required to obtain a specialist license in the clinical specialties of nursing.
