Better Information Retention

 

 Registered Nurse Jobs

Registered Nurse Jobs

In the United States, registered nurses possess a master’s or doctoral degree and hold a diploma in nursing. These employees are considered the backbone of hospital staffs. Registered nurses participate in three types of patient care: direct care, administration, or research (according to National Council of State Boards of Nursing). They work in hospitals and nursing homes as well as outpatient health centers and private practice facilities. 

The U.S Bureau for Labor Statistics projects that by 2026 there will be over 1 million new jobs created for registered nurses nationwide (U.S Bureau for Labor Statistics).

In the United States, registered nurses possess a master’s or doctoral degree and hold a diploma in nursing. These employees are considered the backbone of hospital staffs. Registered nurses participate in three types of patient care: direct care, administration, or research (according to National Council of State Boards of Nursing). They work in hospitals and nursing homes as well as outpatient health centers and private practice facilities. 

The U.S Bureau for Labor Statistics projects that by 2026 there will be over 1 million new jobs created for registered nurses nationwide (U.S Bureau for Labor Statistics).

A registered nurse is in a physician's hospital or medical center with the responsibility of maintaining the continuity of care of all patients. A registered nurse performs activities, such as examining and diagnosing patients, administering medication, preparing meals, caring for sick and dying persons, performing basic life support, monitoring vital signs and caring for clients who are in need of nursing services. A registered nurse aids patients in their rooms by providing them with personal care and assistance with feeding. A registered nurse also may assist a physician by interpreting medical information to the patient. 

Registered nurses generally work in hospitals and health centers that use nursing as one of the core services. These nurses practice in a number of different areas, and all are considered necessary for an effortless recovery. 

There are many jobs available for registered nurses in private, hospital or clinic settings. Hospitals tend to be the most common place to find registered nurses working. They may work in caring for patients who were admitted to their hospital or they may perform administrative duties that are vital to a smooth running medical facility.

The work of a registered nurse can vary widely depending on their location of employment and where they choose to specialize within the field. A new graduate will generally take on the role of an associate nurse and will rotate through general or basic duties depending on their location and employer's choice of practices at that time. After new graduates have spent some time practicing their chosen specialty, they may be promoted to leadership positions in their facility. They may even have the opportunity to take on new duties because of the increasing needs of their facility.

The main duties of a registered nurse can be broken down into three main areas: patient care, leadership and administration. 

Patient care is essential for a nurse to complete. It encompasses many different tasks that are vital for patients who are in need of medical attention or hospitalization. These tasks include providing basic care from dressing wounds, ensuring proper nutrition and immune system development, administering medication and assisting patients with problem-solving skills to enable them to manage health issues on their own when possible (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). A huge part of patient care, and one that is often overlooked by those outside of the medical field, is the emotional support that a nurse provides patients during their recovery process. This can include helping patients deal with pain, and providing them with a shoulder to lean on when going through troubling times in their lives. 

Leadership and administrative duties are also vital for registered nurses to fulfill in order for them to complete the duties expected of them at their facility. Their duties generally include ensuring the safety of all patients by analyzing the risk factors associated with each patient, deciding which tests will be necessary for diagnoses and providing a smooth transition from nurse to nurse in case an absence occurs during shift changes (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Registered nurses are also in charge of the medical records at their facility, a task that is vital in order to ensure continuity of care (National Council of State Boards of Nursing). Registered nurses must develop strong leadership skills and be willing to work under difficult situations in order to be successful in their role. These duties can also vary greatly depending on where registered nurses are employed at as well as where they choose to specialize within the field (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Registered nurses provide various services while working, including medical assistance, professional care, patient and client counseling and education, communication with patients and other health staff members, administrative support for physicians and other professionals and clerical support for the health center. Registered nurses can also provide referrals to other health care providers when the patient requires more in-depth care than they are able to provide.

The duties of a registered nurse include providing basic bedside care and administering medication. They also work with patients and health professionals in an effort to develop health improvement plans, meet treatment goals and ensure compliance with medical orders (National Council of State Boards of Nursing). In some states, registered nurses are required to become certified in cardiac life support, emergency medicine and other specialties before they can administer medications. Some registered nurses also must become certified specialists in areas such as addiction nursing or pediatric nursing before beginning their career or continuing it.

Registered nurses are required to have a license from the state in which they practice as it is required by law that they are in good standing with their state and obtain any necessary documentation to remain in compliance with their duties (NVIC). They must also sign an annual national agreement of no-fault care that ensures the quality of care given by nurses. 

Registered nurses perform many roles throughout their careers that are vital to maintaining a healthy lifestyle while working. These include: assisting patients with activities of daily living, performing physical assessments, providing medication education and counseling, developing patient/client care plans, assisting physicians and other health professionals with patient visits and ensuring the safety of each patient at all times (American Nurses Association).

Mary Reid is an example of the many registered nurses that are employed in various fields throughout America. Mary Reid is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP), which makes her specialized in child and adolescent healthcare. She has been employed by Gundersen Health System for the past 25 years and has worked in various roles such as supervisor, nurse manager, quality improvement coordinator, RN coordinator and nursing professional quality assurance (NQA) coach.

The duties of a registered nurse include; performing patient assessments, providing medication education and counseling to patients and families/caregivers and implementing health improvement plans. Registered nurses are involved with the patient's overall care throughout their lives. Registered nurses can also provide referrals to other health care providers when the patient requires more in-depth care than they are able to provide (American Nurses Association).

Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) are employees who may be in training, or are employed by a nursing facility, hospital or other medical institution. CNAs work under the supervision of a RN and with patients while still undergoing on-the-job training. They must undergo a criminal background check and drug screening before being hired and receive additional training after being hired. They are trained to perform basic tasks including vital sign monitoring, ambulation assistance, proper nutrition and hydration, catheter care and performing dressing changes.

Conclusion

Registered nurses work in many different environments and play many roles within these environments. Registered nurse's roles vary from unique environments to the roles that they take on at large hospital networks. Regardless of the environment, it is important for a registered nurse to always maintain professionalism and communication with physicians, colleagues, patients and families. In regards to professional development, registered nurses can attend conferences or take part in educational studies to help them increase their knowledge or learn new information about certain areas of care. Registered nurses also have many avenues that they can explore as a professional such as becoming certified in CPR, certifying themselves as an addiction nursing expert or taking medication administration courses.