Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.

Registered nurse responsibilities

Registered nurses typically perform the following: Assess a patient's condition; record a patient's medical history and symptoms; observe patients and record observations; administer a patient's medications and treatments;doctor of nursing practice programme in asia develop a patient care plan or provide information for an existing plan; consult with physicians and others and work with healthcare professionals; operate and monitor medical equipment; help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results; teach patients and their families how to manage illness or injury; explain what to do at home after treatment…

Most registered nurses work on a team with doctors and other health care professionals. Some registered nurses supervise licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides.

Some nurses do not work directly with patients, but they must still hold a valid registered nurse license. For example, they may work as nurse educators, health care consultants, or hospital administrators.

Registered nurse work schedule

Nurses who work in hospitals and nursing facilities often work shifts to provide around-the-clock services. They may work evenings,masters in nursing programme in asia weekends, and holidays. They may be on call, which means they are on duty and must be able to work on short notice.

Nurses who work in offices, schools, and other places that do not provide 24-hour care are more likely to work regular business hours.

Education and training

Registered nurses typically take one of three educational pathways: a bachelor's degree in nursing, an associate's degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must be licensed.

Courses taken by registered nurses

Nursing education courses typically include courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, other social and behavioral sciences, and liberal arts. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program typically takes 4 years to complete; the Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN), Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), and diploma programs typically take 2 to 3 years to complete. Diploma programs are usually offered by hospitals or medical centers, and there are far fewer diploma programs than BSN, ADN, and ASN programs. All courses include supervised clinical experience.

Bachelor's degree programs typically include additional education in the physical and social sciences, communication, leadership, and critical thinking. Administrative positions, research, consulting, and teaching typically require a bachelor's degree or higher.

Generally speaking, licensed graduates from any one of three educational programs (bachelor's, associate's, or diploma) are eligible for entry-level positions as nurses. However, employers (especially those in hospitals) may require a bachelor's degree.

Registered nurses with an ADN, ASN, or diploma can return to school to earn a bachelor's degree through an RN-to-BSN program. There are also master's degree programs in nursing, combined bachelor's and master's programs, and accelerated programs for those who wish to enter the nursing field and already have a bachelor's degree in another field. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement.

Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) must earn a master's degree in nursing and typically already have 1 or more years of experience as a registered nurse or related field. Conducting research in the CNS usually requires a PhD.

Most registered nurses start as a staff nurse in a hospital or community health facility. With experience, good performance and continuing education, they can move to other settings or be promoted to positions with more responsibility.

On the management side, nurses can advance from assistant clinical nurse manager, charge nurse, or charge nurse to higher-level administrative positions such as director of nursing, vice president of nursing, or chief nursing officer. Management-level nursing positions increasingly require a graduate degree in nursing or health services administration. Executive positions require leadership, communication, negotiation and good judgment.