What does a registered nurse do?

A career in health care is appealing to many who want to care for others with compassion. Registered nurses (RNs) care for patients and keep everyone happy and healthy. Learning more about the daily responsibilities of a RN may help you decide whether you want to pursue this health care career. Learn more about what these health care professionals do, including different specialties and health care settings.

What is a RN?

A RN is a licensed medical professional who provides hands-on care in different medical and community settings. They serve as the main contact point between patients and the rest of the health care team.

What does a RN do?

Common duties you may perform as a RN include:

Take, monitor, and record patient vital signs
Administer medication according to the patient's treatment plan
Collaborate with health care teams to create comprehensive patient treatment plans
Monitor and record patient progress and notify the health care team about any changes
Educate patients and their families about diagnoses and treatment plans
Perform wound and skin care to promote healing
Collect patient lab work and deliver it to the correct department

There are also several other duties you may perform based on the health care setting, such as a physician's office or operating room. These tasks include:

File and maintain patient paperwork
Answer phone calls and schedule patient appointments
Assist physicians and surgeons with surgical procedures
Mentor and educate licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses, certified nursing assistants, and nursing students

Where do RNs work?

RNs can work beyond a traditional hospital setting. Some may work at schools or company offices, while others can work at:

Long-term care facilities
Rehabilitation centers
Outpatient clinics
Military bases
Private physician's offices

How do RNs differ from other types of nurses?

There are several different levels of nursing, each with its own education requirements and scope of practice. These different levels include CNAs, LPNs, and RNs; more senior roles include advanced practice registered nurses and nurse managers. CNAs and LPNs generally require less education than an RN and have a smaller scope of responsibilities, whereas APRNs and nurse managers have more education and a higher level of patient responsibility.

CNAs and LPNs may have more direct patient care; however, many tasks may focus more on patient hygiene rather than physical care tasks. These individuals work in a supporting role under the direct supervision of an RN.

APRNs have more of an administrative role in patient care and direct the patient treatment plans rather than administering these plans themselves. Continuing in the leadership order, nurse managers are focused more on the administrative tasks of a clinic rather than direct patient care.

"A registered nurse is a health care professional who sees to the care and well-being of patients."

RN specialties

RNs can specialize in different types of health care, serving patients of all kinds. These specialties include:

Addiction

RNs who specialize in caring for patients in addiction centers perform additional tasks to ensure their safety and wellness. RNs who specialize in addiction nursing provide support by administering medication, monitoring and managing withdrawal symptoms, and communicating patient progress to the health care teams.

Rehabilitation

RNs who specialize in rehabilitation provide support to people with temporary or permanent disabilities. These nurses may be more involved in the treatment process by massaging or moving limbs to help promote blood flow and recovery. Some rehabilitation nurses may also educate patients about ways to adapt to an altered lifestyle.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular RNs work with patients who have been diagnosed with a heart condition or disease. They watch for important signs and symptoms to ensure timely intervention and management of heart problems. These nurses also help prepare patients for heart surgery and assist with their recovery.

Critical care

Critical care nurses provide close monitoring of patients with serious, complex, and acute conditions. These nurses provide a higher level of monitoring than traditional RNs as critical conditions often need immediate intervention and strict treatment plans to promote positive health outcomes.

Genetics

Genetics nurses may have a smaller scope of practice as they provide screening, counseling, and treatment for patients with genetic disorders. These nurses also may educate caregivers about managing genetic condition symptoms.

Neonatal

Neonatal nurses provide care for newborn babies with health issues, including premature babies. This type of medicine involves altering the concepts from critical care nursing to best fit the unique care needed for babies with critical health conditions. Neonatal nurses also support parents and caregivers by educating them about the care of their babies.

Public health

Public health nurses promote the health of a community by educating people about the signs and symptoms of chronic health conditions, which can help with early identification and intervention of these conditions. Some public health RNs also host community health screenings, conduct immunization clinics, take part in community blood drives, and promote outreach programs.

Education

Some RNs transition away from direct patient care toward a role in education. A nurse educator or consultant can help companies promote health and wellness in the workplace. These nurses may create educational programs, plan seminars, and lead courses on nursing concepts. Some nurses continue their own education to become professors that prepare the next generation of nurses to enter the health care field.

Interesting facts about RNs

Here are some interesting facts about RNs:

Registered nurses earn an average salary of $89,000 per year.
Florence Nightingale was essential in the development of modern hygiene and sanitation practices.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for RNs is expected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, which is slightly higher than the average.

Now that you know what registered nurses do, you can make a more educated decision about this career path. If you're ready to find a job as an RN, creating a nursing profile can help employers find you and understand how you can benefit their health care practice. Nursing is a rewarding career because you can help people feel better and start on the right track to happiness and good health.