Health Career: Registered Nurse (RN)
Who are registered nurses and what do they do?
Registered nurses have more education, skills, training and responsibility than licensed practical nurses. They direct or work within a team of health professionals in providing patient care and preventing illness. They educate patients on disease and about how to lead a healthy lifestyle. They also monitor patients' illnesses and record and study their symptoms. They administer medication and treatments prescribed by nurse practitioners and physicians and help patients rehabilitate from illnesses or injuries.
What are some different types of registered nurses, and what do they do?
Hospital nurses are the most common types of nurses. Most are staff nurses, who provide bedside care and give medications. They may also oversee licensed practical nurses and aides. Hospital nurses usually work in one department – such as surgery, maternity, pediatrics, the emergency room or intensive care – but they may also rotate among departments.
Office nurses assist doctors in private doctor's offices, health clinics and emergency medical centers. Some also work in health insurance agencies or for lawyers as experts in patient care. In a clinical setting such as a hospital or doctor's office, nurses prepare patients for and assist doctors with examinations, give injections and medications, dress wounds and incisions, assist with minor surgeries and maintain records. Some also perform laboratory and office work.
Nursing home nurses provide and oversee the care of residents with conditions that range from hip fractures to memory problems such as Alzheimer's disease. Nursing home nurses monitor residents' general health, develop treatment plans and supervise licensed practical nurses and nursing aides. They may also work in specialty-care departments such as long-term rehabilitation units for strokes and head injuries.
Public health nurses work in government and private health agencies and clinics, schools and other community settings. They encourage and educate people in neighborhoods to improve the overall health of their communities. They arrange for immunizations, blood pressure tests and other health screenings.
Occupational health, or industrial, nurses provide nursing care at work sites to employees, customers and others with minor injuries and illnesses. They provide emergency care, prepare accident reports and arrange for more sophisticated medical care as needed. They also offer health counseling, assist with health examinations and inoculations and examine work environments to identify potential health or safety problems.
Head nurses, or nurse supervisors direct nursing activities. They plan work schedules and assign duties to nurses and aides. They provide or arrange for employee training and observe nurses while they are treating patients to make sure the nurse is providing the proper care. They may also check up on health services administrators to be sure that they are maintaining good patient records and ordering the appropriate equipment and supplies.
How do registered nurses typically spend their workday?
As a registered nurse, you can work in hospitals, health clinics, doctor's offices, nursing homes, athletic training rooms, first-aid stations at sporting events, camps, schools, rehabilitation centers, outpatient centers, prisons and other organizations that require medical services all over the world. You may work long hours and under stressful conditions. You will have a lot of interaction with patients and other health professionals. During an average day, you may work in a hospital providing care to ill patients, administering medications and noting any changes in patients' conditions.
What does it take to be a good registered nurse?
As a registered nurse, it is most important for you to be caring, compassionate and interested in helping others and working as part of a team. You should also be hardworking, responsible and physically strong. You should have an interest in science and medicine.
What are some health-related jobs that are similar to that of a registered nurse?
Physician assistant, physical/occupational therapist, EMT, medical social worker.
Related links and helpful information:
- National League for Nursing (NLN)
- American Nurses Association (ANA)
- ANA – Planning a Career in Nursing
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
