No matter how much the health care industry changes and grows, there is one thing that will never change: the need for Registered Nurses (RN). By 2024, employment for RNs is expected to increase 16 percent. Nursing is one of the highest paying and most flexible occupations there is in the workforce right now. The average salary for an RN is $66,640 and the benefits are pretty impressive, too.

There are many avenues open to RNs, but being a nurse is no easy task. When we think of nurses, we may think scrubs, shots, and stethoscopes. However, there is so much more behind the uniform!

Let’s learn the ins and outs of what it takes to be a Registered Nurse.

Responsibilities

 Although there are many different specialties that may influence what a nurse may be required to do, there are some things we know for a fact. Nurses deal with all kinds of patients for long hours and use some of the most advanced tools in the medical field. RNS wear many hats. They act as a patient support system, an educator, a student, and more. These are the primary responsibilities that are expected for RNs:

• Observe and record patients’ behavior and symptoms
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to build customized care plans
• Provide emotional and psychological support to patients and their families by creating a pleasant environment
• Diagnose the disease by analyzing symptoms and taking required actions for recovery
• Maintain reports of patients’ medical histories
• Carry out the necessary treatments and medications
• Direct and supervise LPNs and CNAs
• Check the inventory and place orders if required
• Change patient’s medication depending on their conditions and responses
• Follow proper protocols, rules, and regulations to maintain complete medical records
• Provide instant care during medical emergencies
• Provide necessary guidance on health maintenance and disease prevention
• Prepare rooms and decontaminate equipment and instruments
• Prepare patients for examinations
• Educate patients’ families about the disease and treatment
• Assist doctors during surgery
• Attend educational workshops to enhance professional and technical knowledge
• Perform lab work and give complete information to the physician about patient’s condition

Settings

Registered Nurses don’t only work in hospitals! Some RNs may work in nursing homes, medical offices, ambulatory care centers, community health centers, and schools. Others might work in places that may surprise you, like camps, homeless shelters, and prisons. Depending on their role and placement, they will have different job requirements. For example, an RN in a hospital might have to leave their duties to handle an emergency, while an RN in a clinic won’t work in such a fast-paced environment or see patients with life-threatening injuries.

Career Outlook

There are other opportunities for Registered Nurses to grow in the workplace.

Clinical Nurse Manager

The role of a clinical nurse manager is to supervise the daily activities of the nursing unit. They will assess the nurses’ performance and will provide mentoring and feedback. They also oversee the budget and keep an up-to-date inventory of supplies, medicines, and equipment.

Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists are advanced practical nurses. They work primarily with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and medical professionals to provide anesthesia during surgeries. They also help care for patients before, after, and during surgery.

Labor and Delivery Nurse

Labor and delivery nurses help mothers deliver and take care of their new born babies. They also help treat any complications and educate the parents on the delivery, overall health of the baby, and what to do once discharged. They must have great critical thinking and quick decision-making skills.

Certified Nurse Midwife

Midwives don’t only work in hospitals. They can also work in birth centers and patients’ homes. They help with pre-delivery, delivery, and post-delivery, but they also provide well-woman gynecological and low-risk obstetrical care.

Patient Educator

Patient educators are nurses who develop educational programs for those in the health care system. They also explain the necessary or recommended home care medical procedures and surgical treatments.

Chief Nursing Officer

The chief nursing officer is the highest position in the field. They direct the staff nurses and nurse managers, but also create and execute patient care plans.

Critical Care Nurse

Critical care nurses evaluate patients and implement the necessary care plan. They work where there are high-intensity treatments and regular supervision, so they will be placed in ICUs, pediatric intensive care units, neonatal and cardiac units.

Contact Ascend National Healthcare Staffing

If you are looking for job placement as a Registered Nurse, contact Ascend National Healthcare Staffing. Ascend National will make sure that you will be doing what you love in an environment you love. Formerly known as Texas PRN, Ascend National helps anyone and everyone in the healthcare industry find a workplace that fits their wants and needs. Visit our website for more information, and contact one of our recruiters today!