What Does a Registered Nurse Do?

Registered nurses (RNs) provide a wide range of patient care services and act as a critical link between patients and other healthcare professionals. Their responsibilities are diverse, and their work environment can vary from hospitals to clinics, long-term care facilities, and even patients' homes. This article provides a detailed look at the daily duties, specialized roles, and the essential impact of registered nurses in healthcare.

The role of a registered nurse

RNs are licensed healthcare professionals responsible for a variety of patient care tasks. Their primary duties include assessing patient health issues, creating and executing nursing care plans, and maintaining medical documentation. RNs also administer care to patients who are ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled and may provide patients guidance on health maintenance and disease prevention.

Daily responsibilities

The daily responsibilities of a registered nurse can be broadly categorized into patient care, administrative duties, and coordination of care.

Patient care

Assessment and monitoring: RNs are often the first point of contact for patients. They conduct initial patient assessments, monitor vital signs, and continuously evaluate patients' conditions throughout their care.
Administering medications and treatments: RNs administer prescribed medications, start intravenous lines, and provide treatments such as wound care.
Patient education: They educate patients and their families about managing illnesses or injuries, understanding medical procedures, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Support and comfort: RNs provide emotional and physical support to patients and their families. They help manage pain and ensure comfort throughout their care.

Administrative duties

Documentation: Accurate and timely documentation of patient care is crucial. RNs maintain detailed records of patients' histories, symptoms, examinations, treatments, and outcomes.
Care plans: RNs coordinate patient care with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, physical therapists, and social workers, to ensure comprehensive treatment plans.
Compliance and safety: Ensuring that all procedures and treatments comply with healthcare regulations and safety standards is a fundamental responsibility.

Coordination of care

Team collaboration: Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, RNs communicate patient needs and care plans effectively with colleagues to ensure cohesive care.
Patient advocacy: Acting as advocates for patients, RNs ensure that patients' needs and preferences are respected in all aspects of their care.

Specialized roles

Beyond general patient care, RNs can pursue specialized roles based on their interests and additional training. Some of these specializations include:

Critical care nurse: These nurses work in intensive care units (ICUs) or emergency departments (EDs), providing care for patients with life-threatening or serious conditions. They’re skilled in advanced life support, managing complex equipment, and making quick, critical decisions.

Pediatric nurse: Nurses in this role specialize in caring for children, from newborns to adolescents. They’re trained to handle the specific challenges of pediatric illnesses and treatments. They work closely with families to support children's health and development.

Oncology nurse: In this role, nurses care for patients with cancer. They administer chemotherapy, manage symptoms and side effects, and provide emotional support to patients and their families throughout their cancer journey.

Geriatric nurse: These nurses focus on the health needs of older adult patients. They manage chronic conditions, promote healthy aging, and address the physical, emotional, and cognitive changes associated with aging.

Psychiatric nurse: In this role, nurses work with patients with mental health disorders. They provide therapeutic care, administer medications, and collaborate with mental health professionals to develop treatment plans.

Nurse educator: These nursing professionals teach and train aspiring nurses in academic and clinical settings. They develop curricula, conduct research, and mentor students to prepare the next generation of nurses.

The impact of registered nurses

Registered nurses have a profound impact on patient care and the overall healthcare system. Their contributions extend beyond direct patient care to influencing healthcare policies, improving patient outcomes, and advancing medical research.

Improving patient outcomes

Quality care: The comprehensive care provided by RNs ensures that patients receive timely and appropriate treatments, leading to improved health outcomes.

Patient satisfaction: Nurses are often the primary caregivers, and their compassionate care significantly enhances patient satisfaction and trust in the healthcare system.

Preventive care: By educating patients on disease prevention and healthy living, RNs help reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and hospital readmissions.

Advancing healthcare practices

Evidence-based practice: RNs use evidence-based practices to provide the most effective care, contributing to the continuous improvement of healthcare standards.

Research and innovation: Many RNs are involved in clinical research, helping to develop new treatments and improve existing protocols.

Healthcare policy: Nurses advocate for policies that improve patient care, access to healthcare services, and working conditions within the profession.

Supporting families and communities

Family education: Educating families about managing illnesses and injuries at home empowers them to provide better care and support for their loved ones.

Community health: RNs often participate in community health programs, providing screenings, vaccinations, and health education to promote public health.

Educational pathways and licensing

Becoming a registered nurse requires specific educational qualifications and licensing. The pathway typically includes:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This two-year program provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed for nursing practice.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A BSN program takes four years to complete and offers more comprehensive training in nursing, including leadership, research, and public health.
Accelerated BSN Programs: For individuals with a bachelor's degree not in nursing, accelerated BSN programs offer a fast-track option to enter the nursing profession.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): For RNs seeking advanced practice roles or specializations, MSN programs offer in-depth training in areas such as nurse practitioner and nurse educator.

To practice as an RN, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam assesses the knowledge and skills necessary for safe, effective nursing practice. Additionally, RNs must obtain a state-specific nursing license, which may have continuing education requirements for renewal.

Challenges faced by RNs

While the nursing profession is rewarding, it also comes with its challenges. Understanding these challenges is essential for addressing them and ensuring the well-being of nurses.

High stress levels: Nurses often work in high-stress environments, dealing with critically ill patients, emergencies, and high patient loads.

Long working hours: Nurses frequently work long shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Extended hours can lead to fatigue and burnout, affecting job performance and personal life.

Emotional strain: Providing care for patients with serious illnesses or injuries can be emotionally taxing. Nurses must find ways to cope with the emotional demands of their job to prevent compassion fatigue.

Physical demands: Nursing is physically demanding, involving tasks such as lifting patients, standing for long periods, and performing repetitive motions. Proper ergonomics and self-care can prevent injuries.

Workforce shortages: Many healthcare systems face nursing shortages, leading to increased workloads and pressure on existing staff.

The future of nursing

The nursing profession continues to evolve, with new challenges and opportunities shaping its future. The rise of technology in nursing, such as telehealth services, allows RNs to provide care remotely, expanding access to healthcare, especially in underserved areas. In addition, AI technologies will assist in diagnostics, treatment planning, and predictive analytics, supporting nurses in delivering more precise care.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts the job outlook for registered nurses to grow 6% from 2022 through 2032. With a projected 193,100 job openings projected for RNs, the future of nursing looks bright with the support of RNs.

Advanced practice roles for registered nurses

Nurse practitioner (NP): NPs have advanced training and can provide primary and specialized care, helping to fill gaps in healthcare services.

Clinical nurse specialist (CNS): CNSs focus on improving patient outcomes in specific areas, such as pediatrics or critical care.

Nurse anesthetist (CRNA): CRNAs provide anesthesia care, playing a critical role in surgical and procedural settings.

Registered nurses are essential to the healthcare system, providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients across various settings. Their roles are diverse, encompassing patient care, education, coordination, and advocacy.

Despite the challenges they face, the dedication and expertise of RNs significantly impact patient outcomes, healthcare practices, and community health. As the healthcare landscape evolves, the demand for skilled and adaptable registered nurses will continue to grow, highlighting the importance of this vital profession.