Registered Nurse

Overview What Is an RN?

A registered nurse is responsible for managing and coordinating the various aspects of a patient’s care. An RN can assess patients, request medical tests, make diagnoses and administer treatments. RNs work alongside the healthcare team in caring for the patient.

For patients, and particularly for hospitalized patients,
RNs are the most frequent point of contact within the healthcare system
. Patients rely on nurses to help them understand their diagnoses and treatment recommendations, learn how to take care of themselves, make healthy lifestyle changes, and navigate the healthcare system.

However, registered nurses provide much more than just patient care. They often work with patients during some of the most difficult and trying times of their lives. RNs are an important resource for patients’ family members who rely on nurses to keep them informed of their loved one’s condition.

As of 2022, registered nurses held approximately 3.2 million jobs in the U.S. (See disclaimer 1 )

When researching how to become an RN, it is valuable to know the specific job tasks of an RN that you will be expected to perform, as well as explore, what does an RN do? Nurses not only provide patient care, but also educate patients to help them understand how to manage their injuries, illnesses or chronic medical conditions once they are discharged.

Nurses are expected to demonstrate sound nursing judgment and clinical best practices. They must also carefully follow all regulations, including those issued by professional nursing associations and their own healthcare organizations, as well as federal, state and local authorities.

A day in the life of a registered nurse will vary by area of specialization, but in general, it may include any of the following:

Assess

Nurses assess the condition of patients and conduct physical examinations.

Nursing Diagnosis

Using information from tests and examinations, nurses use their judgment to provide nursing diagnosis.

Plan

Nurses review, develop and contribute to patient care plans, perform tests and procedures, administer medications and set up intravenous infusions.

Implementation

They put care plans into action, implement goals and provide direct care to the patient.

Evaluation

They assess the effectiveness of the treatment, which may also include evaluations and care plan adjustments.

Education

Those wondering how to become an RN should understand the educational requirements. Aspiring nurses must first complete a nursing degree from an accredited university. After earning your degree, you will need to complete and pass the NCLEX-RN (See disclaimer ) exam in order to gain licensure and practice as a registered nurse.

This educational route can lead you to a variety of different options as a nursing professional in the healthcare field
. You can be prepared to apply your advanced knowledge and skills to serve others in your community in a variety of ways.

High School Diploma

If you’re aspiring to become a nurse and are still in high school, connect with your school counseling team. They can help suggest classes that may be applicable to a career as a registered nurse, such as various science courses. You may also consider completing Certified Nursing Assistant training in high school, as this can be a valuable introduction into the nursing and healthcare field.

College Degree

Aspiring nurses need formal education and training before they can take the NCLEX-RN (See disclaimer ) exam to become an RN. While some may choose to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which can qualify them for the exam, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can provide you with a more advanced understanding of the nursing field, focusing on both hands‑on learning and in-depth nursing theory.

Entry‑Level Roles

After passing your NCLEX-RN (See disclaimer ) and becoming licensed as a nursing professional, you will be able to begin entry‑level work as a registered nurse. Your job responsibilities as an entry‑level nurse may include tasks such as providing and coordinating treatment, performing various skills and providing…