Picture this: It’s 3 AM in a busy hospital, and a patient’s vital signs suddenly become unstable. The registered nurse quickly assesses the situation, implements immediate interventions, and coordinates with the healthcare team to stabilize the patient.
Think about the last time you or a loved one was in a hospital or medical office. The registered nurse was likely the healthcare professional who spent the most time with you, monitoring your condition, administering medications, and ensuring your comfort and safety.
RNs serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, combining clinical expertise with compassionate care. They work in various settings, from hospitals and clinics to schools and corporate offices.
Total employment: 3,300,100 (2023)
Common Names for Registered Nurses
- Certified Operating Room Nurse
- Charge Nurse
- Emergency Department Registered Nurse
- Oncology Registered Nurse Operating Room Registered Nurse
- Psychiatric Registered Nurse
- Staff Registered Nurse
What Registered Nurses Do
Registered Nurses provide direct patient care and coordinate healthcare services across various settings. Core responsibilities include:
- Patient Assessment: Evaluate patients’ physical conditions, vital signs, and medical histories to determine healthcare needs and develop appropriate care plans, serving as the foundation for all subsequent medical care decisions.
- Care Plan Implementation: Execute physician-prescribed treatments, medications, and procedures while monitoring patient responses to ensure optimal health outcomes and prevent complications.
- Clinical Documentation: Record accurate and timely observations, treatments, and patient responses in medical records to maintain continuity of care and meet legal/regulatory requirements.
- Patient Education: Teach patients and their families about medical conditions, treatments, and preventive health measures to promote better health outcomes and reduce hospital readmissions.
- Care Coordination: Collaborate with healthcare team members, including doctors, specialists, and support staff, to ensure comprehensive patient care and smooth transitions between care phases.
- Medication Management: Administer medications safely and accurately, monitor effects, and educate patients about proper usage and potential side effects to ensure therapeutic success.
- Emergency Response: React quickly and appropriately to urgent medical situations, implementing life-saving interventions and coordinating emergency response efforts when necessary.
- Infection Control: Maintain sterile conditions and follow safety protocols to prevent the spread of infections and ensure patient and staff safety in healthcare settings.
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