Registered Nurse
What is a registered nurse?
A registered nurse is a healthcare professional who provides essential care to patients in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
What does a registered nurse do?
Usually, a registered nurse does the following tasks:
- Assessing and monitoring the health condition of patients
- Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by doctors
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to plan and provide patient care
- Educating patients and their families about medical conditions and treatment plans
- Recording and maintaining accurate medical records
- Responding to emergencies and providing immediate care
What does the day-to-day life of a registered nurse look like?
A registered nurse usually works in shifts, which can include mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. The hours worked per week can vary depending on the role and healthcare setting.
In a typical day, a registered nurse might:
- Start the shift by receiving a report from the previous nurse about the patients' conditions and any changes in treatment plans.
- Visiting patients to assess their condition, take vital signs, and provide necessary treatments or medications.
- Collaborating with doctors and other healthcare professionals to discuss patient care plans and update them based on the patient's progress.
- Administering medications and treatments according to the prescribed schedule.
- Educating patients and their families about their health conditions, providing instructions for self-care at home, and answering their questions.
- Documenting and updating patient records accurately to ensure continuity of care.
Where does a registered nurse work?
Registered nurses can work in various healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals: Providing care to patients in different departments such as medical, surgical, pediatrics, or intensive care units.
- Clinics: Assisting doctors in diagnosing and treating patients in outpatient settings.
- Nursing Homes: Caring for elderly or long-term care residents.
- Community Health Centers: Providing healthcare services to underserved communities.
- Home Care: Providing care to patients in their own homes.
- Schools: Working as a school nurse to take care of children's health needs.
- Armed Forces: Serving as a nurse in the military.
What tools/software/hardware does a registered nurse use?
A registered nurse uses various tools and equipment including:
- Medical devices: such as stethoscope, blood pressure monitor, and thermometer.
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems: to document and access patient information.
- Communication tools: such as phones, pagers, or nurse call systems.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): to ensure safety while handling patients or performing procedures.
- Medical supplies: such as syringes, IV lines, and wound dressings.
What do I need to become a registered nurse?
There are several paths to become a registered nurse, including:
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN): This is a four-year degree program that provides a comprehensive education in nursing. Graduates are eligible to become registered nurses.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This is a two-year program offered by community colleges and can be a path to starting a nursing career. Additional requirements may apply depending on the region.
- Nursing Diploma: Some hospitals offer diploma programs in nursing, which can take around three years to complete. While less common, it can still lead to becoming a registered nurse.
After completing the educational requirements, aspiring nurses must pass the national licensing exam called the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration in the UK to become a registered nurse.
What career paths are available?
There are several career paths available to registered nurses, including:
- Specialized Nurse: Registered nurses can specialize in specific fields such as pediatrics, mental health, critical care, or oncology. Further education and certifications may be required.
- Advanced Practice Nurse: With additional education and training, registered nurses can become advanced practice nurses, such as Nurse Practitioners or Clinical Nurse Specialists. These roles involve more independence and responsibility in diagnosing and treating patients.
- Nurse Manager: Registered nurses can progress to management positions where they oversee nursing teams and coordinate patient care.
- Nurse Educator: Some registered nurses pursue teaching roles to train and educate future nurses.
- Research Nurse: Registered nurses can work in research settings, assisting in clinical trials and data collection.
To pursue senior roles or alternative career paths, additional education, certifications, and experience may be required.
What jobs are similar to a registered nurse?
- Nurse Practitioner: Similar to a registered nurse but with more autonomy and the ability to diagnose and prescribe medications.
- Midwife: Providing care and support to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
- Paramedic: Responding to emergency medical situations and providing immediate care.
- Occupational Health Nurse: Focusing on the health and safety of workers in various industries.
- Clinical Research Coordinator: Assisting in clinical trials and research studies in the healthcare field.
Are you a registered nurse? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to become a Registered Nurse. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.