What is a Registered Nurse?

A Registered Nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who has completed a nursing program and passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain a nursing license. RNs play a crucial role in providing and coordinating patient care, performing diagnostic tests, administering medications, and educating patients and their families about health conditions and treatment options. They work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, and community health centers.

RNs may also specialize in specific areas of nursing practice, such as pediatrics, critical care, oncology, mental health, or geriatrics, based on their interests and career aspirations.

What Does a Registered Nurse Do?

Registered nurses have a wide range of duties and responsibilities that include direct patient care, education, advocacy, and healthcare coordination. Here are some key responsibilities:

• Patient Assessment: RNs conduct thorough assessments, including physical exams and medical histories, monitor vital signs, and identify changes in patient conditions to provide timely interventions.
• Care Planning and Implementation: They develop individualized care plans based on assessments and administer treatments and medications according to physician orders and established protocols.
• Patient Education: RNs educate patients and their families about health conditions, treatment plans, and self-care strategies, promoting optimal health and wellness.
• Coordination of Care: They serve as liaisons between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care and facilitating referrals to other professionals as needed.
• Advocacy: RNs advocate for patients’ rights and preferences, ensuring they receive compassionate care and support in making informed health decisions.
• Clinical Procedures and Interventions: RNs perform various clinical tasks, such as administering medications, inserting IV lines, dressing wounds, and providing emergency care.
• Documentation and Recordkeeping: They maintain accurate medical records, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards to support continuity of care and legal accountability.

Types of Registered Nurses

There are several types of registered nurses, each specializing in different areas. Here are some common types and their roles:

Type of Nurse	Description
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)	Holds a graduate-level education and specializes as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or certified nurse midwife.
Critical Care Nurse	Works in ICUs, providing care to critically ill patients, monitoring vital signs, and administering medications.
Emergency Room Nurse	Provides care in emergency departments, assessing and treating patients with acute conditions and trauma.
Geriatric Nurse	Specializes in caring for older adults, focusing on chronic illnesses and disabilities.
Home Health Nurse	Provides care in patients’ homes, administering medications and educating families about condition management.
Informatics Nurse Specialist	Combines nursing and IT to improve patient care through data management and healthcare technology.
Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (MSRN)	Provides care for patients recovering from surgery or dealing with acute illnesses in various settings.
Nurse Educator	Teaches nursing students or trains nursing staff, often in academic institutions or healthcare facilities.
Nurse Researcher	Conducts research to improve patient care and advance nursing practices through studies and evaluations.
Obstetric Nurse	Cares for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, monitoring both mother and baby.
Oncology Nurse	Specializes in caring for cancer patients, administering treatments, and providing emotional support.
Operating Room Nurse	Supports surgical teams in the operating room, providing care before, during, and after surgery.
Pediatric Nurse	Focuses on the healthcare of infants, children, and adolescents in various medical settings.
Psychiatric Nurse	Provides care for patients with mental health issues, offering therapy and medication management.
Public Health Nurse	Works on health promotion and disease prevention at the community level, conducting screenings and vaccinations.
Rehabilitation Nurse	Aids patients in recovery from injuries or illnesses, helping them regain strength and mobility.
Trauma Nurse	Specializes in emergency care for patients with traumatic injuries, stabilizing and treating them effectively.

Registered nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system, and their diverse specializations allow them to meet the varied needs of patients across different settings.