Registered Nurse Job Description

Registered nurses are people who take care of patients. They help people learn about medicine and help if there is an illness. They can also give you comfort and make you feel better.

person in white dress shirt wearing green and white hat

Registered Nurses (RNs) coordinate care among patients, referring them to other medical professionals when needed, and provide emotional support, physical comfort, and assist with treatment using the knowledge of pharmacological and palliative therapeutic measures.

There are many, many different types of nurse work. The two main ones are hospital nurses and clinical practice nurses who work at home healthcare agencies or private practices.

In hospitals, RNs tend to be on their feet for long hours supervising patients' wellbeing in the bedsides, pre-op areas and operating rooms but also performing a wide range of tasks from managing charts and records to assisting in patient care.

Having a registered nurse on staff can reduce the occurrence of medical errors, such as medication mistakes or incorrect health instructions for patients. RNs generally receive more education than LPNs and CNAs and thus are better prepared to provide healthcare with efficiency.

The work environment is different for clinical practice nurses. These nurses are not always focused on providing round the clock care but rather follow scheduled visits and keep records of their patients' health.

Due to the difference in schedules, work hours may vary widely from nurse to nurse with some working nights and long shifts while others work days.

In both situations, RNs are required to have knowledge of the drugs they give to patients and must be licensed. They also need thorough understanding of human anatomy, medical terminology, pharmacology, and biological processes in order to work effectively.

People who become registered nurses are interested in medical care and science but they aren't limited to it. Nurses can choose their own specialty after getting their bachelor's degrees in nursing. Some go into administration while others prefer to go into pediatrics, oncology, psychiatric care, or any other medical field.

In addition, nurses can pursue a variety of post-graduate degrees. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is required for many high level positions and for entry into many advanced degree programs.

Statistics on Registered Nurses

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 7% through 2029; a faster rate than the average for all other occupations. (allnursingschools.com)
This follows a 2010 recommendation by the Institute of Medicine that 80% of nurses needed to earn their BSN by 2020. (allnursingschools.com)
state, local, and private 60% Ambulatory healthcare services 18 (bls.gov)
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $53,410, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $116,230. (bls.gov)

Articles On Registered Nurses

How to Become a Registered Nurse

Learn what you can expect on the job and how you can get started. (allnursingschools.com)

Registered Nurses: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions. (bls.gov)

How to Become a Registered Nurse (RN)

Find out more about how to become a registered nurse, and what the career is all about to decide if it’s the right career for you. (nurse.org)

Registered nurse - Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)

Registered Nurses (onetonline.org)

Registered Nurse

Registered nurses are responsible for monitoring a patient's condition, performing medical procedures and administering medicine. (money.usnews.com)

Registered Nurses at My Next Move (mynextmove.org)

Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered nursing (RN) requires a large base of knowledge used to assess, plan and intervene to promote health, prevent disease and help patients cope. (explorehealthcareers.org)

How to Become a Registered Nurse

Discover the path to becoming a registered nurse (RN) and joining millions of others in one of the most rewarding and valued healthcare positions available. (nursejournal.org)