Nurses assess and treat patients, carry out procedures under the instruction of doctors, and collaborate with various health professionals. They often coordinate the work of others involved in patient care and liaise with the patient's family. Another important responsibility is to protect the patient, ensuring a healthy and safe environment free of infection. Educating the patient and their family on health issues gives the patient the best possible chances of a recovery and ongoing good health. They may also give grief counseling to family members of patients who are critically ill.