Health care can be a very demanding field, but at the same time, a very fulfilling field to be in. If you are interested in nursing, starting as a registered nurse or RN is best to have a head start on your nursing career. So, what is a Registered Nurse (RN) and what does an RN do? This blog post focuses on defining the key features of the Registered Nurse’s profession, including the necessary skills and areas of engagement.
The Role of a Registered Nurse
RNs are a key part of the healthcare system, so their main responsibility is to be the patient’s first contact with the rest of the clinical team. They need to ensure that the patient receives comprehensive and quality treatment. This involves assessing the patient’s needs, delivering and monitoring the medical plan, and ensuring that the offered care and treatments are best.
However, the most important tasks within the RNs’ domain are related to patient care cooperation management. This can vary from blood tests to health talks and communication with doctors and other healthcare workers. RNs can handle many of the report’s components and the treatment plan so that those aspects work as effectively as possible.
Core Responsibilities of a Registered Nurse
RNs are rather versatile and their scope of job always varies across different health facilities, the number of nurses they supervising, and the patients they serve. Here are some of the primary responsibilities that Registered Nurses typically handle:
Patient Assessment and Observation
Another significant role of an RN is evaluating and observing patients, which is done at the initial stage of his/her practice. This entails carefully monitoring the patients’ pressure, pulse, physical response, other symptoms, and overall well-being. Hence, the RNs’ assessments should be informative and accurate to be as useful as possible.
Administering Medications and Treatments
Physicians prescribe medicines and therapies; therefore, it is the responsibility of RNs to fulfill them to address the patient’s needs. This includes dispensing the prescribed medications to the patient and monitoring them for possible side effects, allergies, or reactions. RNs need to be acquainted with the varieties of drugs and therapy procedures to protect the client.
Creating and Implementing Care Plans
Another crucial aspect that is considered the responsibility of the RN includes developing, administering, and assessing the patient care plans. These programs are created together with the medical team and are specific to the patient’s case of addiction. RNs must develop such plans and be dynamic depending on the progression of the patient’s condition.
Performing Medical Procedures
Registered Nurses also carry out several operational treatment activities like suturing, catheterization, blood samples, etc. They need to be fully conversant with the medical equipment and competent in the execution of these procedures in a safe and timely manner.
Educating Patients and Families
One of the main components of an RN’s job description is to provide and advocate for patients and family teaching on various illnesses, plans of care, and healthcare measures. Such education is assumed to contribute to the patient’s enhanced understanding of health and its maintenance, leading to improved health statuses.
Coordinating with Healthcare Teams
RNs often assume the role of the central figure in the healthcare team, facilitating care from one specialist and/or healthcare provider to another or giving directions. These actions allow all individuals who may participate in the patient’s treatment to be informed and, in the same process, on a common par regarding the goals.
Supervising Other Nursing Staff
Registered Nurses can assume/manage working relationships with licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nursing assistants, and nursing students. The primary responsibility is managing and coaching them, accompanied by the accountability for guaranteeing that patients receive quality care.
Skills Required to Be a Successful Registered Nurse
To excel as an RN, several key skills are essential:
- Compassion: RNs must be courteous and friendly and be able to provide emotional support to patients and their families.
- Communication: Clear and effective communication is critical, as RNs must convey information accurately to patients and the medical team.
- Critical Thinking: RNs need strong problem-solving skills to handle daily challenges.
- Leadership: RNs often lead teams of healthcare workers, requiring strong leadership abilities to coordinate care and ensure smooth operations.
- Adaptability: Healthcare is dynamic, and RNs must adapt to changing patient conditions and unexpected situations.
Common Work Settings for Registered Nurses
Registered Nurses are employed in different fields since every place presents them with different demands and opportunities. Some common work environments include:
- Hospitals: RNs work in specialized areas within hospitals, including emergency, critical care, pediatric, or oncology units.
- Physicians’ Offices: RNs may handle clinical and administrative tasks in this setting, providing a more stable work environment.
- Surgical Clinics: RNs provide pre-and post-operative care to prepare patients for surgery and help them recover easily.
- Assisted Living Facilities: RNs provide ongoing care and support for elderly or disabled patients.
- Patient Homes: Home health nurses visit patients in their homes, providing personalized care and support.
- Schools: School nurses manage the health needs of students, providing care and education on health issues.
- Corporate and Government Roles: Some RNs work in corporate settings or for government agencies, focusing on occupational health and public health initiatives.
Specializations for Registered Nurses
RNs can specialize in various fields, allowing them to focus on areas of interest and develop expertise. Some popular specializations include:
- Pediatrics: Caring for infants, children, and adolescents.
- Oncology: Providing care for cancer patients.
- Geriatric Care: Focusing on the health needs of elderly patients.
- Ambulatory Care: Treating patients in outpatient settings.
- Rehabilitation: Helping patients recover from injuries or surgeries.
- Radiology: Assisting with diagnostic imaging procedures.
- Family Medicine: Providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages.
Conclusion
Registered Nurses are crucial healthcare team members, ensuring patients receive high-quality, coordinated care. Their diverse responsibilities require a broad skill set and the ability to work in various settings and specializations. Understanding the role of an RN can help aspiring nurses appreciate the impact they can have on patient care and the healthcare system as a whole.
