Registered Nurse Job Specifics

What are the daily responsibilities of a registered nurse?

Specific daily tasks of a registered nurse are largely reliant on specialty and employer type. A nurse specializing in infant care and working in a neonatal intensive care unit would feed and bathe babies, while a dermatology nurse likely would not.

However, there are common responsibilities shared by almost all registered nurses. These may include: recording medical histories, assessing symptoms, recording Registered Nurse License

patient observations, managing IV lines for fluid, medication, blood, or blood products; operating medical machinery, assisting with diagnostic tests, administering treatment and medication, and consulting with physicians. Registered nurses are expected to recognize and notify the physician if his or her orders are inappropriate for a particular patient.

Learn more about the registered nurse career path.

In addition to standard medical treatment, patients look to registered nurses for guidance and council which requires sharp communication skills and empathy. Detailed instructions on medications, complicating side effects, and recommended dosages must be explained in a way the patient can fully understand. Nurses often coach patients on illness self-management through methods such as diet, exercise programs, and physical therapy. In unfortunate situations emotional support and advice must be provided to patients and their families. Nurses also assist recovering patients with follow-up and rehabilitation.
An often overlooked responsibility of a registered nurse is the well-being of the general public. By donating skills and expertise they may provide complimentary education on disease and illness; or they may lead events such as blood drives, health screenings, and immunization clinics.

Where do registered nurses work?

Three out of five registered nurse jobs are located in hospitals. The remainder is employed by corporations, state and local governments, non-profit organizations, private practices firms, or the federal government; as well as schools, colleges, and universities; and foundations, trusts, and franchises. Some choose self-employment or work on a contract basis.

How many patients does a registered nurse typically see in one day?

The nurse-to-patient ratio is usually determined by patient acuity, or degree of involvement the patient requires. In an intensive care unit one registered nurse will have no more than three patients. On a medical floor a nurse can have up to six patients, while some clinics require nurses to see over 30.

How many hours is a typical shift?

Shifts depend on employer and the type of work. Most hospital nurses work only three days per week, but endure 12 hour shifts in addition to occasional weekend and holiday time. Nurses working in an office, clinic, or outpatient area tend to keep standard nine-to-five office hours with little or no weekend hours or holidays required.

Are registered nurses required for on-call work?

On-call work is uncommon, and typically applies only to registered nurses specializing in emergency situations. Examples include the PACU (recovery room), operating room, or highly specialized areas like heart transplant units.

Learn more about the registered nurse degree.

Who does a registered nurse report to?

Registered nurses typically report to an experienced staff nurse or nurse manager (titles vary by employer type). These authorities have met a level of criteria based on experience, and are responsible for making patient assignments, staffing, and addressing any issues that may arise.

Are there health risks when working with contagious and diseased patients?

As long as the rules are followed, a registered nurse is at little or no health risk. Universal Precautions is the term given to the practice of treating every patient and body fluid as if it is contagious. Registered nurses are taught to adhere to this policy at all times through consistent hand-washing and by wearing gloves. If the patient has a known contagious disease, bacteria, or virus, specific items such as gowns and masks are worn.

Is there a required level of physical ability?

Although registered nurses are faced with high physical demands, proof of physical capacity is not required to enter the nursing field. Most employers require yearly physicals which usually consist of vaccination updates and general check-ups.

Do registered nurses get emotionally attached to their patients?

Patients must be treated with respect and courtesy. Each relationship is different and may be stronger or weaker depending on personalities and the amount of time the patient is under a nurse’s care. In some instances, such as the neonatal intensive care unit, an infant may be under the care of a registered nurse for 6-7 months, so inevitably relationships with the patient and family develop. Even in these cases patient privacy always takes priority and is protected by established confidentiality procedures. Nurses are trained to use care and compassion while establishing boundaries to keep interactions on a professional level.