Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse

A Registered Nurse (RN) is a nurse who has graduated from a nursing program and met the requirements outlined by a country, state, province or similar licensing body to obtain a nursing license. An RN's scope of practice is determined by legislation, and is regulated by a professional body or council.

Registered nurses are employed in a wide variety of professional settings, and often specialize in a field of practice. They may be responsible for supervising care delivered by other healthcare workers, including student nurses, licensed practical nurses, unlicensed assistive personnel, and less-experienced RNs.

Education and licensure[edit | edit source]

Registered nurses must usually complete a degree program at a nursing school. Some nurses may also receive additional education in a specialty field. After completing their education, prospective RNs must pass a national licensing examination, known as the NCLEX-RN, to obtain their nursing license.

Roles and functions[edit | edit source]

Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members. They may also conduct research in support of improved practice and patient outcomes.

Specialties and certifications[edit | edit source]

Registered nurses can specialize in a particular area of patient care. There are many different types of specialties, and each has its own training and certification process. Some examples of specialties include pediatric nursing, geriatric nursing, cardiac nursing, and oncology nursing.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Registered Nurse Resources
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