Duties of an Registered Nurse

Registered nurses are constantly exercising a variety of job skills. This service-oriented career requires them to go the extra mile in customer care, especially since emotional support must often be established from day one. Not only do they assist and care for their patients, they also exercise their analytical duties, from planning patient care to directly administering the plans themselves. It is safe to say that registered nurses share duties that are familiar to counselors, teachers and laboratory scientists.

Recording

A registered nurse has the duty to observe and record symptoms and changes in the patient's overall condition. These reports need to be both accurate and detailed.

Planning

Nurses establish or contribute to an existing plan of care for the patient.

Administering Treatments

Nurses administer and discontinue medication and intravenous fluid, and directly take part in other therapies or treatments.

Communicating at Work

Not only do nurses communicate and provide customer care with their patients, they also communicate with supervisors, peers and other associates. Patient care requires teamwork and the team must be kept updated with constant changes in the patient's condition.

Educating

Nurses educate both patients and the public about various kinds of medical conditions. They must be able to communicate information about a medical condition in a clear and sensitive manner, while also remaining sensitive to the emotional needs of their patients.

Resources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Registered Nurses
• O*Net: Registered Nurses