Registered Nurse Job Description

A Registered Nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare professional who provides and coordinates patient care, educates patients and families, and collaborates with physicians and other healthcare staff. 

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Core Responsibilities

Patient Assessment & Care Planning

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments 
• Develop and update individualized care plans 
• Monitor symptoms, progress, and response to treatment 

Clinical & Medical Duties

• Administer medications (oral, IV, injections) 
• Perform treatments (wound care, IV therapy, catheterization) 
• Operate and monitor medical equipment 
• Assist in diagnostic tests and analyze results 

Coordination & Supervision

• Collaborate with physicians and healthcare teams 
• Supervise LPNs and CNAs 
• Delegate tasks appropriately 

Patient Education

• Teach patients about conditions, medications, and recovery 
• Provide discharge instructions 
• Promote health and disease prevention 

Documentation

• Maintain detailed medical records 
• Chart patient progress and interventions 
• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations 

Typical Lifting Requirements

• Frequent lifting: 25–50 pounds 
• Occasional lifting: up to 75–100 pounds (usually with assistance) 
• Assisted transfers: moving patients who may weigh significantly more, using equipment or team lifts 

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Common Lifting Tasks

• Transferring patients (bed ? chair, stretcher ? bed) 
• Repositioning patients in bed (turning, boosting) 
• Assisting with standing and walking 
• Handling equipment (wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, supplies)

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Work Settings

• Hospitals 
• Nursing homes and long-term care facilities 
• Rehabilitation facilities

Required Skills

• Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking 
• Excellent communication and leadership 
• Attention to detail 
• Emotional resilience and empathy 
• Time management and multitasking 

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Education & Licensing

• Active licensure in good standing with the state. 

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Scope of Practice

• Make clinical decisions and care plans 
• Perform advanced procedures