Registered Nurse

Updated: 29 February 2024

What Does Registered Nurse Mean?

A registered nurse (RN) is a medical personnel who has completed a nursing program and met the requirements outlined by the state or relevant licensing body to obtain a nursing license. A registered nurse has a limited scope of practice that is usually determined by legislation and regulated by a professional body or council.

Registered nurses can work in a wide variety of professional settings, although they are often specialized in a particular field of practice, such as neonatal care. They may also be responsible for supervising care services delivered by other healthcare workers.

Registered nurses must undertake continuous education and training to keep their license.

Insuranceopedia Explains Registered Nurse

Registered nurses fulfill a wide variety of responsibilities, including the provision and coordination of patient care, patient and public education on various health conditions, and advice and emotional support offering to patients and their family members.

Their roles can include:

  • Providing direct patient care
  • Case management
  • Establishing nursing practice standards
  • Developing quality assurance procedures
  • Managing nursing care systems
  • Conducing clinical research
  • Training
  • Delivering care in specialized settings

Registered nurses can work in different medical care facilities, including hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities. RNs can also work for non-medical institutions, such as correctional facilities, schools, and the military.

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