Registered Nurse (RN) Job Description
Observing and recording patient behavior.
Performing physical exams and diagnostic tests.
Collecting patient health histories.
Counseling patients and their families.
Educating patients about treatment plans.
Administering medications, wound care, and other treatment options.
Interpreting patient information and making decisions about necessary actions, where appropriate.
Consulting with nurse supervisors and physicians to determine best treatment plans for patients.
Directing and supervising the care of other healthcare professionals, including licensed practical nurses, certified nurse assistants, and nurse aides.
Conducting research to improve patient outcomes and healthcare processes.
What we are looking for:
Compassion – Registered nurses must be a sympathetic to the needs of their patients. Their compassion helps them deal with patients in various states of trauma and pain, as well as the often distressed or worried family members and friends of these patients.
Patience – Some patients may be resistant to treatment, nervous about medical procedures, or generally ill-tempered. Registered nurses must rely on their patience to give the best care under these circumstances.
Communication skills – Registered nurses must communicate directly with patients and their loved ones, who may be worried, in pain, shocked, or scared. These people will likely have questions about their treatment. Registered nurses must answer these questions calmly and in terms people without medical training can understand. They rely on their communication skills to listen to the concerns of patients and their loved ones and address these without inciting panic.
Critical thinking - Registered nurses must assess a patient's health and symptoms and note any changes in their condition. Their critical thinking skills help them diagnose problems and determine when medical intervention is required.
Attention to detail – Administering the correct dosage of medication, assisting in operations, and working with specific treatments all require a keen attention to detail. Without this, registered nurses could make mistakes that could put their patients' health or lives at risk.
Organization skills – At any one time, registered nurses are responsible for the well-being of several different patients, all with various health conditions, needs, and risk factors. Their organizational skills help them give the right care to the right patients and prioritize which patients need the most urgent attention.
Physical endurance – Working as a registered nurse is physically demanding. Registered nurses spend most of their shifts on their feet and on the go. They may be required to support the weight of patients unsteady on their feet or push their beds and equipment to other locations. All of these tasks require a good level of physical fitness.
Ability to work under pressure – Registered nurses often work in fast-paced environments. Often their patients face medical emergencies, where the wrong decision could mean the difference between life and death. Being able to perform well and make the best decisions in these high-pressure situations is crucial for any registered nurse.
Ability to cope with stress – Working as a registered nurse can be very stressful and demanding. All registered nurses must be able to withstand the stress they face to ensure longevity in the profession.