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Can you share insights into the typical daily responsibilities and challenges of a registered nurse, and how these may vary in different healthcare settings or specialties?
I'm currently enrolled in trade school, pursuing a career in healthcare to become a Registered Nurse. I am particularly interested in gaining insights from experienced Registered Nurses to better understand the nuances of the profession.
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Jenifer’s Answer
Hi Yessybel,
Congratulations on being in school to become a Registered Nurse!
I would answer this question by stating that the typical responsibilities of being a nurse would depend a lot upon where you decide to practice nursing. When working in a hospital, long-term care facility, or rehab facility – the role of being a nurse is very demanding (but also very rewarding). You will learn how to prioritize your day and your patients. As a new nurse, it takes a little time to learn how to do this. Also, mastering forward thinking and how to "act not react" are other examples in nursing that take time to master as well. I would always tell my student to learn to love the “F-word”…FLEXIBILITY! You may walk in to work one morning with an assignment of five patients, two admissions on the way, call-bells going off, and a patient of yours not feeling well. You are THE nurse. But…you also have resources around you to utilize. Learning how to handle stress is important, as is self-care. One way I managed stress when I worked in the hospital was to decompress at home in the shower. I remember taking extra-long showers and lifting-up my day and patients to God, it really helped me.
Responsibilities as a nurse are great no matter where you end up working. Peoples’ wellbeing and lives are in YOUR hands. Four of your greatest responsibilities as a Registered Nurse (in my opinion) are patient assessments, critical thinking, mediation administration, and documentation.
- Assessments & Critical Thinking: You need to have good assessment skills to be able to gain information to convey to providers who in turn make health care decisions from what YOU assessed. You will also be making decisions based off your assessments as well through critical thinking. Nothing is at face value, ever. Never assume. Always dig a little deeper, because I can tell you, 9 times out of 10 there is something else going on! I remember once I had a patient not acting her happy self. I performed an assessment and auscultated wheezing in her lungs. I mentioned this to the nurse from the prior shift and she said “nahhh, I talked with her, and she said she really doesn’t feel like having student nurses today”. I brought my assessment findings to the Supervisor (as I was a teacher at the time). The next day in morning report, I found out the patient I assessed was diagnosed with pneumonia. If I took this patient’s behavior at face value and accepted that she just didn’t want student nurses that day, she very well may have become significantly ill…or worse. So, always dig deeper!
-Medication administration: your hand is the last stop before that medicine enters a person’s body. Double and triple check your order, dose, route, time, patient, and anything else surrounding that medication. If you aren’t sure – ask!
-Documentation: it is a necessary step in all patient care. I can say a pitfall in documentation is trying to document sparsely or autofill/copy/paste – don’t do that. Remember, the nurse before you may have copied the nurse’s documentation from the last shift, and so forth. Break that cycle. Document YOUR findings; remember, peoples’ lives depend on it.
I would say to gain hospital experience right out of school if you can; it is invaluable. Hospital experience is the baseline for all other nursing experiences. I knew right away that I did not want to remain a hospital nurse, but I gained the experience, and I am so thankful I did because I still utilize that experience to this day!
Finally, never stop being a patient advocate; you are all they have.
I hope this helps!
Congratulations on being in school to become a Registered Nurse!
I would answer this question by stating that the typical responsibilities of being a nurse would depend a lot upon where you decide to practice nursing. When working in a hospital, long-term care facility, or rehab facility – the role of being a nurse is very demanding (but also very rewarding). You will learn how to prioritize your day and your patients. As a new nurse, it takes a little time to learn how to do this. Also, mastering forward thinking and how to "act not react" are other examples in nursing that take time to master as well. I would always tell my student to learn to love the “F-word”…FLEXIBILITY! You may walk in to work one morning with an assignment of five patients, two admissions on the way, call-bells going off, and a patient of yours not feeling well. You are THE nurse. But…you also have resources around you to utilize. Learning how to handle stress is important, as is self-care. One way I managed stress when I worked in the hospital was to decompress at home in the shower. I remember taking extra-long showers and lifting-up my day and patients to God, it really helped me.
Responsibilities as a nurse are great no matter where you end up working. Peoples’ wellbeing and lives are in YOUR hands. Four of your greatest responsibilities as a Registered Nurse (in my opinion) are patient assessments, critical thinking, mediation administration, and documentation.
- Assessments & Critical Thinking: You need to have good assessment skills to be able to gain information to convey to providers who in turn make health care decisions from what YOU assessed. You will also be making decisions based off your assessments as well through critical thinking. Nothing is at face value, ever. Never assume. Always dig a little deeper, because I can tell you, 9 times out of 10 there is something else going on! I remember once I had a patient not acting her happy self. I performed an assessment and auscultated wheezing in her lungs. I mentioned this to the nurse from the prior shift and she said “nahhh, I talked with her, and she said she really doesn’t feel like having student nurses today”. I brought my assessment findings to the Supervisor (as I was a teacher at the time). The next day in morning report, I found out the patient I assessed was diagnosed with pneumonia. If I took this patient’s behavior at face value and accepted that she just didn’t want student nurses that day, she very well may have become significantly ill…or worse. So, always dig deeper!
-Medication administration: your hand is the last stop before that medicine enters a person’s body. Double and triple check your order, dose, route, time, patient, and anything else surrounding that medication. If you aren’t sure – ask!
-Documentation: it is a necessary step in all patient care. I can say a pitfall in documentation is trying to document sparsely or autofill/copy/paste – don’t do that. Remember, the nurse before you may have copied the nurse’s documentation from the last shift, and so forth. Break that cycle. Document YOUR findings; remember, peoples’ lives depend on it.
I would say to gain hospital experience right out of school if you can; it is invaluable. Hospital experience is the baseline for all other nursing experiences. I knew right away that I did not want to remain a hospital nurse, but I gained the experience, and I am so thankful I did because I still utilize that experience to this day!
Finally, never stop being a patient advocate; you are all they have.
I hope this helps!
Loved reading this, thanks!
Yessybel
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Yessybel,
Understanding the Daily Tasks of a Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs) are pivotal figures in healthcare, delivering hands-on patient care, administering medications, and working in sync with other medical practitioners. Their day-to-day tasks can be divided into three main areas: patient care, record-keeping, and teamwork.
Patient Care
The chief duty of an RN is to ensure excellent patient care. This involves evaluating patients' health, devising and executing care plans, administering medications and treatments, monitoring vital signs, and educating patients and their families about various health conditions and self-care techniques.
Record-Keeping
RNs are also tasked with maintaining precise and current medical records. They record patients' symptoms, treatments, progress, and any changes in their health. This data is vital for monitoring patients' health and coordinating care among different medical practitioners.
Teamwork
Registered nurses work in tandem with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, physiotherapists, and social workers to deliver comprehensive and coordinated care to patients. They communicate with team members to share information, discuss treatment strategies, and coordinate patient care.
Variations in Daily Tasks Based on Healthcare Environments and Specializations
The daily tasks of an RN can differ greatly depending on the healthcare environment and specialization. RNs can be found in various settings including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, and public health departments.
Hospitals
In hospitals, RNs can specialize in areas like emergency care, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, oncology, and psychiatry. Their roles may involve managing complex patient cases, working in high-pressure environments, and closely collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
Clinics
In clinics, RNs often provide primary care services, manage chronic conditions, and conduct preventive health screenings. They may also educate patients about disease prevention, nutrition, and physical activity.
Nursing Homes
In nursing homes, RNs focus on long-term care for the elderly and those with chronic diseases. Their roles involve managing medication schedules, monitoring patients' health, and providing emotional support to patients and their families.
Schools
School nurses deliver healthcare services to students, including administering medications, managing illnesses and injuries, and educating students about health and safety.
Public Health Departments
Public health nurses concentrate on community health programs, disease prevention, and health education. They may work on vaccination programs, conduct community outreach, and collaborate with other public health agencies.
Challenges Encountered by Registered Nurses
Registered nurses face several hurdles in their daily work, including:
Patient overload: Staffing shortages and growing patient demand may make it difficult for RNs to provide sufficient care to all patients.
Emotional stress: Dealing with critically ill patients, end-of-life care, and challenging family dynamics can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout.
Physical strain: Nurses often work long hours on their feet, leading to physical fatigue and increased injury risk.
Technological advancements: Staying updated with new technologies and electronic health record systems can be challenging, especially for long-serving nurses.
Regulatory compliance: RNs must abide by strict regulatory guidelines and standards, which can be complex and time-consuming to navigate.
Conclusion
Registered nurses are essential in the healthcare industry, providing direct patient care and working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals. Their daily tasks can differ based on the healthcare environment and specialization, necessitating adaptability and versatility. Despite encountering various challenges, RNs remain dedicated to delivering top-notch care to their patients.
Authoritative Reference Titles
American Nurses Association - This organization offers resources and advocates for nurses at all practice levels. It provides guidance on professional development, education, and advocacy efforts.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing - This organization represents nursing regulatory bodies across the United States. It provides resources related to licensure, continuing education, and nursing practice standards.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing - This organization represents nursing schools across the country. It provides resources related to nursing education, workforce development, and policy issues impacting the nursing profession.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Understanding the Daily Tasks of a Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs) are pivotal figures in healthcare, delivering hands-on patient care, administering medications, and working in sync with other medical practitioners. Their day-to-day tasks can be divided into three main areas: patient care, record-keeping, and teamwork.
Patient Care
The chief duty of an RN is to ensure excellent patient care. This involves evaluating patients' health, devising and executing care plans, administering medications and treatments, monitoring vital signs, and educating patients and their families about various health conditions and self-care techniques.
Record-Keeping
RNs are also tasked with maintaining precise and current medical records. They record patients' symptoms, treatments, progress, and any changes in their health. This data is vital for monitoring patients' health and coordinating care among different medical practitioners.
Teamwork
Registered nurses work in tandem with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, physiotherapists, and social workers to deliver comprehensive and coordinated care to patients. They communicate with team members to share information, discuss treatment strategies, and coordinate patient care.
Variations in Daily Tasks Based on Healthcare Environments and Specializations
The daily tasks of an RN can differ greatly depending on the healthcare environment and specialization. RNs can be found in various settings including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, and public health departments.
Hospitals
In hospitals, RNs can specialize in areas like emergency care, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, oncology, and psychiatry. Their roles may involve managing complex patient cases, working in high-pressure environments, and closely collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
Clinics
In clinics, RNs often provide primary care services, manage chronic conditions, and conduct preventive health screenings. They may also educate patients about disease prevention, nutrition, and physical activity.
Nursing Homes
In nursing homes, RNs focus on long-term care for the elderly and those with chronic diseases. Their roles involve managing medication schedules, monitoring patients' health, and providing emotional support to patients and their families.
Schools
School nurses deliver healthcare services to students, including administering medications, managing illnesses and injuries, and educating students about health and safety.
Public Health Departments
Public health nurses concentrate on community health programs, disease prevention, and health education. They may work on vaccination programs, conduct community outreach, and collaborate with other public health agencies.
Challenges Encountered by Registered Nurses
Registered nurses face several hurdles in their daily work, including:
Patient overload: Staffing shortages and growing patient demand may make it difficult for RNs to provide sufficient care to all patients.
Emotional stress: Dealing with critically ill patients, end-of-life care, and challenging family dynamics can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout.
Physical strain: Nurses often work long hours on their feet, leading to physical fatigue and increased injury risk.
Technological advancements: Staying updated with new technologies and electronic health record systems can be challenging, especially for long-serving nurses.
Regulatory compliance: RNs must abide by strict regulatory guidelines and standards, which can be complex and time-consuming to navigate.
Conclusion
Registered nurses are essential in the healthcare industry, providing direct patient care and working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals. Their daily tasks can differ based on the healthcare environment and specialization, necessitating adaptability and versatility. Despite encountering various challenges, RNs remain dedicated to delivering top-notch care to their patients.
Authoritative Reference Titles
American Nurses Association - This organization offers resources and advocates for nurses at all practice levels. It provides guidance on professional development, education, and advocacy efforts.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing - This organization represents nursing regulatory bodies across the United States. It provides resources related to licensure, continuing education, and nursing practice standards.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing - This organization represents nursing schools across the country. It provides resources related to nursing education, workforce development, and policy issues impacting the nursing profession.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
James Constantine, thank you!
Yessybel
Updated
Daraka’s Answer
Nursing is a very rewarding career but it is not for the faint of heart. Rumors of excellent pay do necessarily feel adequate with the amount of work, dedication and education required to work in this field. A typical day for me starts with hopefully a decent report of how the patient did in the previous shift, then meeting and creating a relationship with the patient while assessing them and giving medications. Establishing a good relationship will make or break the rest of the day. The remainder of they day is spent doing 100 different things ranging from cleaning up stool to performing CPR during a Rapid Response/Code Blue. It's rarely boring and there are very few opportunities to sit around without something to do. I'm typing this during a lull in my shift which rarely happens but greatly appreciated. Good luck in your endeavors and make sure your heart is in this and you truly care for others.
Thank you, Daraka for the advice.
Yessybel