A registered nurse (RN) is a specialized healthcare professional who has not only completed advanced nursing coursework in a university or medical school, but has also completed training and certification in healthcare management and other specialized topics in the United States, Canada, and some parts of Europe. Nursing can be a complicated field in many places, at least in terms of hierarchy. A variety of vocational schools and community colleges offer associate’s degrees in nursing, which typically lead to entry-level positions in hospitals and clinics. Students can also enroll in specialized nursing programs, which are almost always required for RNs. These are more intensive and typically lead to bachelor’s, master’s, or both degrees. These more advanced candidates frequently choose between becoming registered nurses (RNs) or nurse practitioners (NPs), and their decision is often based on where they want to devote the majority of their time and energy. In many cases, registered nurses combine patient care with general management responsibilities, including supervisory roles. They frequently work in hospitals under the supervision of doctors and other experts, but they can also be found in doctors’ offices and clinics. There are usually a variety of options available to people with this type of training.
The Nurse’s Role in the Bigger Picture
In most places, the medical field is expanding exponentially, which means that there is a growing demand for nursing staff at various stages of the care process. RNs are frequently in high demand, owing to the fact that they typically have some of the most extensive and rigorous training. The RN credential is only awarded to individuals who have completed a state-approved nursing school program and passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, at least in the United States (NCLEX-RN). Re-certification and, in some cases, re-testing every few years may be necessary.
Job Types and Work Environments
Nursing professionals with an RN license can typically work in almost any medical setting. Hospitals, doctors’ offices, various medical or specialty care facilities, operating rooms, and intensive care units are all places where they can be found (ICUs). During nursing shortages, many RNs find it both meaningful and profitable to personally contract out their services. They have more control over their work hours and pay with this approach. Others, on the other hand, prefer the fixed schedules and employee benefits that are more common in hospital and clinical settings.
What is your role in patient care?
Daily responsibilities may include reviewing patient charts, assisting in the design and implementation of patient care plans, and providing information to patients’ families, depending on the medical facility. RNs typically spend a large portion of their days supervising other nurses and their assistants, ensuring that all necessary tasks are completed.
Duties of supervision and management
A registered nurse usually supervises the work of a large number of other health care professionals, such as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and other medical assistants. RNs must be confident in their ability to delegate tasks to these other employees. LPNs (also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)) must pass a different state licensing exam than RNs called the NCLEX-PN after completing their academic training.
While RNs are responsible for many managerial responsibilities, LPNs and LVNs are responsible for more direct patient care. They are frequently the first members of their health-care team to notice changes in a patient’s care requirements. LPNs frequently administer medications to patients and set up intravenous (IV) fluids as needed.
More Alternative Routes
Nurse practitioners (NPs), legal nurse consultants, and even medical writers are all options for RNs who want to work in medicine. RNs are frequently hired law firms to review their clients’ medical records and provide expert summaries of the care they received. RNs can often apply their training and expertise in a variety of “non-traditional” settings with a little imagination.