RN, RN Nurse, Healthcare Nursing

Registered Nurse

The RN implements professional nursing practice centered on the patient as a whole person. The focus is on creating a caring environment that emphasizes healing and wellness. Nursing practices are based on evidence, current research, hospital policies, regulatory standards, and professional guidelines. Clinical decision-making incorporates all four phases of the nursing process, critical thinking, and creativity. Nursing excellence is promoted through helping relationships among nursing staff and across other disciplines.

The RN coordinates, ensures, and provides direct patient care activities on the unit. This includes provision of nursing rounds, assessments, and treatments. Facilitating admission, transfer, and discharge activities is essential. The RN provides patient and family-centered education, care coordination, and individualized treatment planning as applicable. Assessment of patient needs is performed in accordance with the RN's scope of practice and hospital policies.

The RN considers the patient's culture, age, and developmental level. Identifying patient risk factors and presenting complaints is part of the role. The RN obtains patient health information from family or others as necessary. Objective and subjective data is collected and documented comprehensively. The RN verifies the initial admission assessment if obtained by other members of the healthcare team. A problem list is developed, prioritizing patient needs based on input from the inter-professional team.

Actions and interventions are designed relevant to the patient's culture and age. Desired outcomes are determined in coordination with the patient and family in accordance with the medical plan of care. The RN fully implements patient care therapies and procedures with empowerment and clinical autonomy. Procedures, treatments, and processes are explained to patients and families. Actions are initiated to alleviate patient stress and discomfort.

The RN recognizes, responds to, and communicates changes in patient condition appropriately. Ongoing assessments and responses to procedures and therapies are conducted and documented. Tasks are delegated appropriately, and the RN oversees team members in the performance of activities regarding patient care. The accuracy and completeness of delegated patient care provided by other team members are monitored. The RN identifies and addresses educational needs of patients related to prioritized problems.

Facilitating the patient discharge process by executing discharge orders in a timely manner is critical. Input into patient/nurse assignments is provided considering available staffing, unit activity, and patient acuity. Active participation in unit-based activities is expected to support organizational values and priorities. Promoting a positive group dynamic and a healing environment through words and actions is essential. Nursing excellence is assured in accordance with accepted standards, evidence-based practice, current research, and a caring philosophy.

Participation in department and/or unit quality improvement activities and core measures is expected. The RN uses a holistic perspective regarding patient care.