RN Staff Nurse

A Registered Nurse, or RN, is responsible for working with other healthcare professionals to help treat patients with various injuries, illnesses or disabilities. Their duties include communicating with Doctor's and other Registered Nurses about patient needs, administering IVs and medications to aid their patients' health and using medical equipment to monitor patients' vital signs.

Registered Nurse duties and responsibilities:

The duties of an RN may vary depending on the work environment, but they generally include the following:

• Observe and record patient behavior
• Perform physical examinations and diagnostic tests
• Collect patient health history
• Counsel and educate patients and their families on treatment plans
• Administer medication, change wound dressings and care for other treatment options
• Read and interpret patient information, making treatment decisions when appropriate
• Consult with supervisors and doctors to decide on the best treatment plan for patients
• Direct and supervise nurses, nurse assistants and nurse aides
• Research ways to improve healthcare processes and improve patient outcomes

What does a Registered Nurse do?

They work closely with other Registered Nurses to divide care tasks, conduct health assessments and administer medication to their patients. Their job is to insert IVs, check their patients' vital signs, give vaccinations and help patients feel comfortable. They may also be responsible for assisting a patient's loved ones to learn how to perform specific tasks like changing dressings or administering medications once the patient goes home.

Registered Nurse skills and qualifications:

An RN needs to have a number of skills to be a great RN. Necessary skills include the following:

• RNs need to be organized as they often care for a number of patients at the same time
• A kind and compassionate RN will be considerate, sympathetic, non-judgemental and can comfort the patient.
• A vital skill for RNs is to be able to interact well with patients, coworkers and doctors. Communication skills are essential for good interaction.
• Patience will help an RN to cope with anxiety, misunderstandings and help to make good decisions.
• Dedication will help an RN to keep improving their skills and be committed to patients.
• An RN spends long hours on their feet, requiring stamina. The job also require physical strength when lifting and helping patients.
• An RN must be able to analyze, review and judge different situations they face and take the right actions according to the situation.

Registered Nurse education and training requirements

Candidates need to have earned the minimum of an associate degree in nursing, but many RNs pursue a bachelor's or master's degree. After graduating with a degree, a candidate must earn state licensure.