Registered Nurse Job Description Example, Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the registered nurse job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

It also highlights the major requirements you may be expected to perform to be hired for the registered nurse role.

What Does a Registered Nurse Do?

Registered nurses, RNs, are healthcare specialists who provide patients with medical care.

The registered nurse job description entails assisting physicians in implementing healthcare plans for patients.

Registered nurses provide a range of services most of which focus on the prevention, treatment, and recovery of patients.

They work at diverse health institutions such as nursing homes, private homes, hospitals, and other medical establishments where they liaise with nursing managers or medical practitioners to provide physical and psychological support to patients.

In performing their duties, RNs maintain accurate record of patient medical history and symptoms.

They use medical equipment such as ECG (electrocardiogram) machine and blood pressure gauge to obtain vital signs and monitor patient condition.

Their role also involves assisting physicians and other healthcare professionals with the analysis of results and diagnosis of patients.

Registered nurses as part of their work description contribute to existing patient healthcare plans or develop new ones.

They work with patients and their families to implement post-treatment strategies necessary for managing illnesses and speeding up the process of recovery.

They also provide patients with personal support services which include assisting them in bathing, dressing, or walking.

Usually, registered nurses monitor patients’ conditions to identify physical/mental deterioration and report to the physician.

They administer medications to patients to treat specific ailments.

They also perform diagnostic tests by collecting blood and urine, and also facilitate laboratory tests.

In fulfilling his/her role, a RN treats and responds to emergency conditions such as stroke, heart attack, and burns.

They ensure patient environment is clean and sterile in accordance with infection control protocols, and also ensure proper documentation of patient care services.

Registered nurses often direct and supervise licensed practical nurses (LPN) and community psychiatric nurses (CPN).

They also provide advice and recommendations on general health maintenance and disease prevention.

The registered nurse job requires an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in nursing to get into; licensure is also required for practice.

Qualities required for the job include attention to details, compassion, and organizational skills.

Registered Nurse Job Description Example/Template

The role of a registered nurse entails various functions in providing quality health care service to patients.

Their work activities usually involve the duties, tasks, and responsibilities given in the following job description example:

• Establish personal rapport with patients in order to fully understand their healthcare requirements
• Provide physical, psychological, and emotional support to patient and their families
• Ensure compliance with nursing philosophies and therapeutic standards
• Adhere to infection control procedures to ensure a safe and clean patient environment
• Document and communicate actions or irregularities in order to maintain continuity among nursing teams
• Protect patient information by maintaining confidentiality of patient test results and other sensitive document
• Maintain nursing inventory by checking stock to identify available supplies and determine the need for restocking
• Comply with manufacturer’s guideline when operating medical equipment
• Evaluate new equipment and study their mode of operation
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to communicate relevant information and work as a team to achieve a common objective
• Modify patient treatment plans to adjust to changing conditions and responses
• Supervise and direct the operations of less-skilled nurses such as licensed practical nurses
• Monitor every aspect of patient healthcare, including their physical and emotional condition
• Proffer recommendations to individuals/groups on ways to prevent diseases and maintain good health
• Attend educational workshops to enhance professional and technical knowledge.

Requirements – Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge – for Registered Nurse Job

To work as a RN, you may be expected by most employers to meet the following requirements:

• Education and Training: To become a registered nurse, you require an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in nursing. To obtain licensure for practice, you need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
• Attention to Detail: Registered nurses are able to track the recovery process of patients to determine if their condition is improving or deteriorating
• Compassion: They are empathic to the needs and condition of patients, thus they respond in an understanding manner
• Organizational Skill: They are well versed in coordinating their schedule to ensure they effectively meet the requirements of patients.

Conclusion

The sample RN job description provided in this post can readily be used as a template for designing an all-inclusive work description employers can use in attracting and hiring the best nurses for the position.

Also, if you are interested in the nursing career, this post will help you to understand what registered nurses do so that you can be better prepared to handle the responsibilities of the role.