Studyin to become a nurse? how does your job discription help you make decisions and take action?

it describes what is expected of you and what you are responsible for and who you report to
EX: the head nurse is responsible for all the actions of her staff 24/7as the supervisor and director of nursing is responsible for the actions of all the nursing staff
it helps you to know what you should be able to do and in what situation you should get a superior in certain situations
it also includes the policies and procedures of the facility
as a RN you are also expected to follow the code of professional conduct
you learn with time and experience decision making and course of action
but the trick is to balance both
you can't rely on others all the time to act for you but have to learn when it is imperative to inform your superior of a situation
as always you have to follow the direction of the physician but should always study an order if it does not look correct or you do not understand it
you never look stupid to ask a question but do if you can not stand on your own two feet or are consistently indecisive
that is why there is usually a 3 month probation period and initially are assigned a mentor or "buddy" when you start your job
if a doctor's medication order does not look right you should question it including usual dosage
doctors have been known to order incorrect doses
also never give a medication you do not know the usual dosage use and side effects of

Can you be more specific?

adapt and overcome. you have to be quick to make a decision someones life is in your hands. no time for play.soon it comes natural

I become a nurse because I was a CNA for a long time and loved it, But I wanted to world with the elderly the most, I felt they needed me the most. I tryed a few ER but the stuff I saw would not even be put on tv LOL the biggest reason for me is as I was working as a CNA I met some nursed that thought they were all that and forgot where they came from and how to treat people. I sworn I would not be like that.

Your job description outlines what is expected of you within your role.
If you are not sure if should be doing something always ask, even when you qualify!
Just ask yourself if what you are doing is best practice or more simply ask yourself if you would be happy if it was a relative of yours on the receiving end of your decision/action.
Remember that you are accountable for your actions!!
Hope this helps .....