Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members.
Average Hourly Earnings
$30.38
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Tasks
- Record patients' medical histories and symptoms
- Administer patients' medicines and treatments
- Set up plans for patients' care or contribute to existing plans
- Observe patients and record observations
- Consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals
- Operate and monitor medical equipment
- Help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results
- Teach patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries
Work Environment
Most registered nurses work in well-lit, comfortable healthcare facilities. RNs communicate frequently by phone or face-to-face. They must be very accurate in their work and conveying exact information. RNs often have regular close physical contact with people who have diseases or infections. Home health and public health nurses travel to patients’ homes, schools, and other sites. Because patients in hospitals and nursing care facilities need round-the-clock care, nurses in these settings often work in rotating shifts. RNs may work nights, weekends, and holidays and may sometimes be on call. Nurses who work in offices and schools are more likely to work regular business hours.
Key Traits
Social. Regularly includes working with, communicating with, and teaching people. Frequently involves helping or providing service to others.