What Does a Registered Nurse (RN) Do?

FAQ

Registered nurses (RN’s) assist physicians by carrying out the treatment that is recommended to patients who are suffering from a number of health conditions. RN’s may administer medication, administer blood and blood products, perform patient assessments, monitor the progress and recovery of a patient, educate both patients and their families on prevention of disease and any post-hospital care, and more.

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The RN scope of practice is strict and encompasses a variety of tasks requiring different skill sets that each individual should be capable of performing at some point in their career. RN’s may be pulled in many different directions at any given time with various tasks on their minds that need to be completed. This means that RN’s must always be prepared to critically think and prioritize care at all times for the best interests of each and every patient they come into contact with.

Two different work environments with big commonalities are hospitals and private clinics.

RNs in a General Hospital

  • An RN begins the day by taking a report from the previous shift. This “passing on” of patients help nurses know what they will need to do during their shift.
  • The day-to-day duties of an RN change depending on the patients they are caring for.
  • Nurses manage and document patient charts.
  • Nurses administer medication.
  • Nurses end their shift by “passing on” their patient reports to the next nurse on duty.

RNs in a Private Clinic

  • An RN begins the day by preparing exam rooms, medical equipment, and patient charts. This is often done before the doctor arrives in the morning.
  • The RN checks the vitals, height, and weight of the patient.
  • The RN interviews the patient for more information about why they came in that day.
  • The RN handles all follow-up medical exams and patient education.
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