What do registered nurses do?
Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families. 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. In addition, RNs also • Plan, deliver, and supervise patient care; • Carry out prescribed medical and nursing treatments; • Evaluate the outcomes of care, instituting appropriate changes and reporting patient progress; • Teach and counsel patients and their families; • Plan, implement and evaluate programs to meet community needs; and • Conduct research or quality improvement projects to identify and institute best practices. RNs teach patients and their families how to manage their illnesses or injuries, explaining post-treatment home care needs; diet
