Hjúkrunarfræðingur

Hjúkrunarfræðingur is the Icelandic term for a nurse, a health professional educated and trained to provide nursing care and support to patients across a range of healthcare settings. The role centers on promoting health, preventing illness, and assisting individuals, families, and communities with their care needs.

In Iceland, becoming a hjúkrunarfræðingur typically requires completing a bachelor's degree in nursing, a program that combines theoretical study with clinical practice. After graduation, individuals must be licensed or registered to practice by the national health authorities. Ongoing professional development and continuing education are required to maintain competence and stay current with best practices.

Hjúkrunarfræðingar work in hospitals, primary care clinics, home care, long-term care facilities, and community health settings. Their responsibilities include assessing patients, planning and delivering nursing care, monitoring health status, administering medications and treatments within their scope, providing wound care, advocating for patients, offering health education, and coordinating with physicians and other multidisciplinary team members.

The profession is regulated to ensure patient safety. Nurses follow ethical codes and professional standards, and they must comply with policies on clinical governance, safety, privacy, and informed consent. The title hjúkrunarfræðingur denotes a qualified nurse, and practice is organized under the broader healthcare system with emphasis on patient-centered care and evidence-based practice.

Career development for hjúkrunarfræðingar includes specialization areas such as pediatrics, obstetrics, critical care, mental health, and gerontology, as well as opportunities for advanced roles in education, management, or research through further study.