Role of an RN

Registered nurses make up the largest group of health care professionals in the United States, with 2.5 million jobs held in 2008. RNs perform a variety of roles in medical settings, including acting as liaisons between patients and physicians, as patient advocates, as patient educators and as providers and managers of patient care. Not limited to involvement with direct patient care, RNs also take on a variety of roles related to the legal and managerial aspects of the health care industry.

Types

• There are numerous specializations for RNs both inside and out of hospital settings, and listed here are just a few of the job types available to RNs. Perioperative nurses assist physicians in surgical settings, selecting and handling surgical instruments or operating medical machinery. Ambulatory care nurses assist patients in doctor's offices or clinical settings, providing preventative care or advice to patients. Emergency or trauma nurses work in emergency departments, providing triage and emergency care to patients. Radiology nurses provide assistance to patients undergoing imaging and diagnostic testing. Cardiovascular nurses provide care to heart patients before, during and after heart surgery.

Educators

• RNs act as educators, guiding patients in understanding their illnesses and providing instruction for courses of treatment. RNs teach patients how to manage their injuries or conditions and how to begin or maintain diet and exercise programs. RNs counsel the patient and family members about treatment options and considerations. RNs may also work in a public health capacity, educating the public about health threats and providing information on vaccinations or blood drives.

Patient Advocates

• A critical role for RNs is that of patient advocate. A May 2005 article in AORN Journal by Suzanne C. Beyea discussed the importance of RNs in keeping patients safe inside and out of the operating room. Patients need advocates because of the vulnerability caused by their illnesses or injuries and because of barriers in communication or understanding that may exist between physicians and patients.

Patient Care

• RNs are directly involved in the management of patient care, from establishing a plan of care to administering medications, performing diagnostic tests and recording patient histories. RNs place intravenous (IV) lines, administer therapies and treatments and provide emotional support to their patients.

Additional Roles

• Some RNs have little or no direct contact with patients. For example, forensic nurses aid in criminal investigations. Infection control nurses work to control outbreaks of infectious disease in health settings. Some RNs act as legal or public policy consultants. Nurse informaticists manage data and statistics involving health care and management.