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Nursing Overview - Preparation - Specialty Areas - Day In The Life -
Earnings - Employment - Career Path Forecast - Professional Organizations


Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.

RNs teach patients and their families how to manage their illnesses or injuries, explaining post-treatment home care needs; diet, nutrition, and exercise programs; and self-administration of medication and physical therapy. Some RNs may work to promote general health by educating the public on warning signs and symptoms of disease. RNs also might run general health screening or immunization clinics, blood drives, and public seminars on various conditions.

When caring for patients, RNs establish a care plan or contribute to an existing plan. Plans may include numerous activities, such as administering medication, including careful checking of dosages and avoiding interactions; starting, maintaining, and discontinuing intravenous (IV) lines for fluid, medication, blood, and blood products; administering therapies and treatments; observing the patient and recording those observations; and consulting with physicians and other healthcare clinicians. Some RNs provide direction to licensed practical nurses and nursing aides regarding patient care. RNs with advanced educational preparation and training may perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and may have prescriptive authority. Specific work responsibilities will vary from one RN to the next. An RN’s duties and title are often determined by their work setting or patient population served.

Nurse Resources

Online

Overview:
Overview of the work of Nurses
Preparation:
Programs, Accreditation
Specialty Areas:
Special Areas of Study
Day in the Life:
Specialty Areas, the Workplace
Earnings:
Salary Ranges
Employment:
Statistics, Employment Options
Career Path Forecast:
Predictions for Nurses
Professional Organizations:
Resources, Networking, Support
Internet Resources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing

American Nurses Association
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission

Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
 


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