Registered Nurse · Education, Scope of Practice, and More

A registered nurse (RN) is an individual who has a license to practice nursing after completing all of the requirements as set by the Board of Nursing in each state. RNs often have a wide range of responsibilities, such as performing a complete nursing process (i.e., assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care); administering medications; using medical equipment to run diagnostic tests; educating family members and affected individuals on diseases and treatments; as well as documenting patient information and vital signs.

Registered nurses also assign responsibilities to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs), depending on their scope of practice and competencies.

Individuals interested in becoming an RN must attend an accredited college or technical school. They can either obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which typically takes two years or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which takes about four years. Receiving a BSN usually also involves instructional learning and clinical rotations. Shorter courses of study, like diploma programs, also exist, but they are relatively rare. Diploma nurses attend classes and hands-on training at nursing schools associated with hospitals or medical facilities rather than traditional colleges. Currently, some of the courses are also offered online. Lastly, all RN graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed.

The NCLEX-RN, also known as the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, is a state board exam required for those applying to become a registered nurse in the United States and Canada. Individuals are tested on using critical thinking skills to make nursing judgments. The test is computer-adaptive, which means that the computer selects the questions a candidate is asked based on their performance on the previous question. The first question of the exam is relatively easy and below the level of minimum competency. The computer selects a slightly more complicated question if the candidate answers it correctly. If answered incorrectly, a somewhat easier question is provided. As the individual continues taking the test, the computer can determine the candidate’s level of competence.

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, as well as educate patients, family members of patients, and the public about various health conditions. Their primary job duties include assessing and observing each patient under their care and recording individuals' medical history and symptoms as necessary. Their responsibilities also include administering the prescribed medications, addressing wounds (e.g., wound care), drawing blood, and obtaining samples for laboratory work. The RN’s scope of practice is to educate the affected individuals and their family members on managing their medical condition. Collaborating with the medical team is necessary to create the best healthcare plan.