The Registered Nurse:
The Largest Impact on Health Care
What defines a registered nurse? The registered nurse is a multifaceted component to any health care facility. By definition, a registered nurse provides advice and emotional support to those under their care. In many ways, a registered nurse performs duties of patient management.
They typically help perform diagnostic tests, update patients' medical histories and help analyze tests and administer treatment and medication. • One of the main functions of a RN is to communicate with the patients and the family. The RN will, on a regular basis, teach patients and families about the illness and provide resources, such as rehabilitation treatments. Depending on the work environment, some RNs will provide direction to licensed practical nurses regarding patient care. If you become a RN with advanced training, you may be responsible to perform diagnostic testing, as well as therapeutic procedures. A RN may also have prescription authority. • There are basically four areas a registered nurse can specialize in. One popular specialty is becoming a perioperative nurse, which assists in the operating room. As a RN, you may also want specialize in a particular health condition, such as diabetes. A RN can also specialize in particular organs or systems, such as dermatology. Lastly, the RN can specialize in certain types of care. Geriatric nurses are becoming a popular choice due to the increased elderly population. • Generally speaking, a RN can expand and specialize in several areas throughout a career.
