What Is the Job of a Registered Nurse?

A registered nurse's duties are extensive: treat patients, sometimes prescribe medications. operate medical devices, provide education to patients and their families, and help patients with post-hospital care. Registered nurses also assist the doctors they work with. Some registered nurses specialize, and their job duties change with specialization. The path to becoming a registered nurse is a four-year bachelor of science degree in nursing, a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a diploma from a certified nursing training program.

Types

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are four ways registered nurses can specialize. First, they can choose a specialization according to work setting, such as hospitals, or type of treatment, such as dialysis. Second, an RN can specialize in certain specific health conditions, for example, diabetes. Third, a registered nurse can specialize in one or more organs, such as the heart. Finally, an RN can choose a particular population to work with, for example, pedatrics. An RN can choose among dozens of specialties, from becoming an HIV/AIDs nurse to an emergency room or psychiatric nurse.

Function

All nurses provide support to doctors, but they also provide front-line care to patients. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most RNs work as part of a health care team providing critical care to patients. RNs also function as supervisors for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and nursing aides.

Significance

Registered nurses are critical in the medical field, because they can perform many of same duties a doctor can but with fewer time constraints. A doctor might not have the time in a hospital or clinic to administer an IV, for example. After a doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes care, the registered nurse follows through with the patient. Registered nurses typically spend more time with patients than doctors do. Registered nurses also provide assistance during surgeries and other procedures.

Geography

Most registered nurses work in hospitals and doctor offices, but they also are employed by schools, laboratories, nursing care facilities, rehabilitation centers, social services agencies and insurance companies.

Potential

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the job outlook to remain excellent for registered nurses. The field was projected to grow 23 percent between 2006 and 2016. Key reasons for this include technological advances, the trend toward preventive health and the aging population. Nurses who specialize in working with older adults might have more opportunities. For example, nurses can specialize in working with Alzheimer's patients or end-of-life care.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Registered Nurses