What is a registered nurse?

A registered nurse is a health care professional who assists patients under the supervision of a physician or nurse practitioner. Registered nurses may choose to specialize in fields such as pediatrics or cardiology.  more

After graduating from a nursing school at either a community college or a four-year college, you must take an examination to become a licensed registered nurse. The exam is called the NCLEX examination. NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination. Don t panic, almost everyone passes, and if you don t pass the first time, you can take it again. The state will send your license to you by mail. It will have your RN license number on it. Carry it at all times and display it proudly.  more

The Occupational Outlook Handbook published through The U.S. Department of Labor describes Registered Nurses as professionals who treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients’ family members. RNs record patients’ medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation. When caring for patients, RNs establish a plan of care or contribute to an existing plan. Plans may include numerous activities, such as administering medication, including careful checking of dosages and avoiding interactions; starting, maintaining, and discontinuing intravenous (IV) lines for fluid, medication, blood, and blood products; administering therapies and treatments; observing the patient and recording those observations; and consulting with physicians and other health care ...  more

In the US, a registered nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who has graduated from a state-approved nursing school program and passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Training to become a registered nurse involves both classroom learning and hands-on practical experience. The academic programs designed to prepare students specifically for the NCLEX-RN may include: a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a four-year university Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, or a three-year diploma program. However, fewer than five percent of all current nursing students pursue this third type of training program. Depending on the medical facility employing a particular registered nurse, daily duties might include reviewing patient charts, helping to design and implement patient care plans and providing information to patients’ families. Registered nurses also spend a significant part of their days supervising other nurses and their ...  more