What is a Registered Nurse?

Nursing represents the largest profession in healthcare, and registered nurses (RNs) play a fundamental role in the healthcare system by providing care, support, and education to patients across various settings. They’re essential members of the medical team, working alongside physicians, specialists, and other professionals to ensure patients receive high-quality care.

This guide explores the roles and responsibilities of RNs, their education and certification requirements, work settings, job outlook and salary, and the challenges and benefits of the profession.

Roles and responsibilities of an RN

RNs have a wide range of duties that vary depending on their work setting, specialty, and patient population. However, some core responsibilities are common across all RN roles:

Patient care:

Assessing patients’ health status by conducting physical exams, taking medical histories, and listening to patients' concerns
Administering medications, treatments, and therapies as prescribed or directed by physicians
Monitoring patients' progress and vital signs and adjusting care plans accordingly
Providing wound care, IV therapy, and other hands-on treatments

Patient education:

Educating patients and their families about managing illnesses, injuries, and posttreatment care
Teaching patients about medication management, healthy lifestyle choices, and disease prevention

Care coordination:

Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop, implement, and manage patient care plans
Coordinating with specialists, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare team members to ensure comprehensive patient care
Arranging for patient transfers and discharge planning, including coordinating home healthcare or rehabilitation services

Documentation:

Maintaining accurate and detailed patient records, including treatment plans, medical histories, and progress notes
Documenting changes in patients' conditions and communicating these to the healthcare team

Advocacy:

Advocating for patients' needs and rights, ensuring they receive appropriate care and support
Communicating patients' concerns and preferences to the healthcare team

Specialized roles:

Depending on their training and certifications, RNs may specialize in areas like pediatrics, oncology, critical care, and more
Specialized RNs may perform additional tasks related to their field, such as administering chemotherapy, managing ventilators, or providing neonatal care

Education and certification requirements

Becoming an RN requires a combination of formal education, clinical training, and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The typical pathway includes:

Educational programs:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This is a two-year program offered by community colleges that provides foundational nursing education and relevant clinical experience.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This is a four-year degree offered by colleges and universities that includes a more comprehensive education in nursing, leadership training, and clinical experience. BSN programs may also offer accelerated options for students with prior degrees or nursing experience.

Clinical experience:

Nursing programs include clinical rotations in various healthcare settings, allowing students to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced nurses and instructors
Clinical training covers a wide range of specialties, including medical-surgical, pediatrics, maternity, and psychiatric nursing.

Licensing:

After completing an accredited nursing program, the next step for nurse graduates is to pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure. The exam tests knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective nursing practice.

Certification and continuing education:

RNs can pursue certification in specialized areas through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
Continuing education is often required to maintain licensure and certifications, ensuring RNs stay current with advancements in nursing practice and healthcare.

Work settings for registered nurses

Registered nurses work in diverse settings, each offering unique opportunities and challenges:

Hospitals:

Hospitals are the largest employers of RNs, where they work in various departments such as emergency, intensive care, surgery, pediatrics, and maternity.
Hospital RNs provide acute care, manage complex medical conditions, and work in fast-paced, high-stress environments.

Outpatient clinics:

RNs in outpatient clinics provide care for patients with chronic conditions, conduct routine exams, and assist with minor procedures.
These settings often offer regular hours and a more predictable work schedule.

Home healthcare:

Home health RNs provide care to patients in their homes, often working with older adults, disabled, or chronically ill.
They perform tasks such as wound care, medication management, and patient education, promoting independence and quality of life.

Long-term care facilities:

RNs in settings like nursing homes and assisted living facilities care for residents with ongoing healthcare needs.
They manage chronic conditions, provide rehabilitation services, and support daily living activities.

Public health:

Public health nurses work in community settings, focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and education.
They may conduct screenings, immunization clinics, and community outreach programs.

Schools:

School nurses provide healthcare services to students, managing chronic conditions, administering medications, and addressing acute health issues.
They also promote health education and wellness programs within the school community.

Occupational health:

Occupational health nurses work in industrial and corporate settings, focusing on employee health and safety.
They conduct health assessments, manage workplace injuries, and promote wellness programs.

Job outlook and salary for RNs

The demand for registered nurses is strong and projected to grow, driven by an aging population, increasing chronic conditions, and the need for healthcare services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Job growth:

Employment of RNs is expected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032.
Growth will be driven by the need for healthcare services in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics.

Salary:

The median annual salary for RNs was $80,000, according to Nurse.com’s 2024 Nurse Salary and Work-Life Report.
Salaries can vary based on factors such as education, experience, geographic location, and specialty.

Challenges and benefits of being a registered nurse

While being an RN is rewarding, it also comes with its share of challenges:

Challenges:

Physical demands: Nursing can be physically demanding, involving long hours, lifting patients, and being on one’s feet for extended periods.
Emotional stress: RNs often deal with emotionally charged situations, including patient suffering, death, and family dynamics.
Workplace hazards: Exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous materials, and workplace violence are potential risks for RNs.
Burnout: High levels of stress, heavy workloads, and inadequate staffing can lead to burnout and job dissatisfaction. In the Nurse.com report, 59% of nurses across all license types reported experiencing burnout in the past two years.

Benefits:

Job security: The demand for RNs ensures strong job security and opportunities for career advancement.
Variety: Nursing offers a wide range of specialties and work settings, allowing RNs to find areas that match their interests and skills.
Making a difference: RNs can make a significant impact on patients’ lives, providing care, comfort, and support during critical times.
Competitive salaries: Nursing offers competitive salaries and benefits, with opportunities for higher earnings through advanced education and certifications.
Professional growth: RNs have access to continuing education and professional development opportunities, allowing them to advance their careers and stay current with medical advancements.

Registered nurses are integral to the healthcare system, providing essential care, education, and support to patients across various settings. Their roles and responsibilities are diverse, encompassing direct patient care, education, advocacy, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

Becoming an RN requires rigorous education and training, but the profession offers strong job security, competitive salaries, and numerous opportunities for specialization and advancement. While the challenges of being an RN are significant, the rewards of making a positive impact on patients' lives make it a fulfilling and respected career choice.