Registered nurses (RNs) provide direct care to patients by working with physicians to diagnose and treat disease; observing, assessing and recording symptoms and progress; and assisting in convalescence and rehabilitation. They also work with families and communities to instruct in proper patient care, promote health and wellness, prevent disease, and cope with illness.
As a registered nurse, you may work in a hospital, physicians’ private office, nursing home, clinic, school, or in patients’ homes. You’ll work under the direction of health professionals such as physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists and others. You must be caring and compassionate, able to accept responsibility and follow orders precisely, and able to delegate, supervise and request a consultation when appropriate. As a member of the healthcare profession, you must act as a patient advocate and health educator.