Registered Nurse Career Guide

Registered Nurses (RNs) provide direct patient care, assess health status, create and implement nursing care plans, administer medications and treatments, monitor patient progress, coordinate with interdisciplinary teams, educate patients and families, and document care. Day-to-day duties vary by setting—hospitals, clinics, long-term care, home health—but commonly include patient assessments, medication administration, IV management, wound care, patient and family education, charting in electronic health records, and collaborating with physicians and allied health professionals. RNs must balance clinical judgment, communication, time management, and compassionate care in fast-paced environments.