Registered Nurse (RN) Job Information
A registered nurse is responsible for numerous tasks surrounding patient care. In addition to coordinating and administering treatment, registered nurses are tasked with educating patients and providing emotional support for family members.
Registered nurses generally work in a healthcare facility such as a hospital. However in some roles they are asked to travel to patient homes and other places in need of healthcare.
Responsibilities of a registered nurse:
- Record patient medical history and symptoms
- Administer medicine and treatment
- Coordinate patient treatment plans
- Observe patients and document their reaction or progress
- Communicate with doctors and other medical personnel about patient health
- Operate and monitor medical equipment
- Perform tests and analyze results
- Educate patients and families about treatments
The role of a registered nurse can range from direct patient care to case management. At times a nurse may be tasked with creating quality assurance procedures, clinical research, teaching programs, and more. Most registered nurses work as part of a team with doctors, physicians, medical personnel, and other nurses.
Registered nurses typically have three educational paths to choose from: a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN), and associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Students in any nursing school usually take courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, and other sciences.
Registered nurses spend much of their day walking and standing during 12-hour shifts. They encounter a variety of situations throughout the day that may cause stress and added pressure. All nurses need to be able to handle human suffering, emergencies and traumatic occurrences.