Registered nurses (RNs) assess and evaluate patient conditions, and then plan, implement, provide, and document patient care in a manner that follows professional nursing standards and outlined practices. RNs usually do all of this in conjuction with doctors, nursing assistants, and other healthcare professionals. RNs oftentimes have a specialty; common specialties include labor and delivery, oncology, critical care, medical-surgical, and much more. Most RNs work in state, local, or private hospitals.
RNs need to have graduated from an accredited nursing program, typically obtaining a Bachelor's degree in nursing, and possess a license in the state they want to work in. To become licensed, they must take and pass the NCLEX-RN, which is the national licensing exam, and complete any additional licensure requirements, as determined by the state of practice. The best RNs are compassionate, observant, and detail oriented.
- Provide all patient care in a manner that reflects respect for patient rights, dignity, values, culture preferences, and expressed needs
- Assess patient's physical, psychological, and social needs
- Assess pain and implement appropriate pain management techniques
- Develop, implement, and revise care plans that reflect patient's diagnosis and outlined standards of care
- Involve patients and/or significant others in decisions regarding care
- Document patient history, symptoms, assessments, tests, and care according to guidelines
- Review patient history, diagnostics, and lab data, and report any abnormalities
- Educate patient and family on managing injuries and illnesses to ensure a safe and successful discharge
- Administer medicine and treatment to patients
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing preferred
- Must possess a current, valid RN license in state of practice
- Certification in CPR
- 2 years of experience in a healthcare related field preferred
- Excellent communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of professionalism during stressful times
- Strong critical thinking skills
- Dedicated to provide the best patient care possible
- Must have general working knowledge of computers and department specific software