What does a RN nurse do?

Question

What exactly does the job entitle? And do RN nurses get to be hands on (for example help during surgeries)?

Answer 1

RN's (registered nurses) can do nearly anything they want to do other than an actual surgery. It is a very fullfilling job, yet the pay scale needs to be re-adjusted. RN's don't get paid like many other college educated professions out there. Here is link to some of the things RN's can do http://www.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AoyXCjqx_At1B9FortNUJcHsy6IX?qid=20061109113501AAzDvyK
Some of this doesn't seem too glamorous, but RN's can choose where they work which, in turn, somewhat dictates what they will have to see and/or do. I've been an RN for years and haven't done much of what's on that list because of where I've chosen to work.

Answer 2

The answers above have given you an idea of what a hospital nurse does...somewhat. I am an RN in a nursing home. Instead of having up to 5-7 patients to look after, I am in charge of 25 on my unit. However, there are differences in what we do. I do assessments of those that are ill and are Medicare skilled, as well as pass medications and do dressing changes and skin assessments. I process Dr. orders, take part in setting up care plans. I admit new residents when needed, and take care of the bodies after death, also dealing with the families and the paperwork involved. I document everything I do. When possible, I visit with the residents to see what else can be done to make their stay as comfortable as possible.
Nursing home RNs do get as much of the adrenaline rush as hospital nurses, who can be working in ER, ICU, surgery, OB/GYN, etc. We do have our exciting moments, when someone falls or becomes ill, but it is not a daily occurrence. We have humorous moments. It is not all gloom and doom as some would think. We get to develop relatioinships with our residents and build respect between both sides. We supervise the aides that work under us, and we coordinate care between the different disciplines, such as physical and occumpational and speech therapies, laundry, maintenance, dietary, and MDS coordinators (which are also RNs). Some RNS become DONs, or Directors of Nursing.
Some nurses choose to be corporate nurses, or school health nurses, work in clinics, teach nursing, or become public health nurses. Each has its own challenges and rewards.
Nurses are in great demand these days. There is a definite shortage that does not seem to be growing smaller. In the area where I work, RNs are some of the best jobs for women because the pay is better than flilpping burgers or working as a sales clerk. The hours can be long and hard, and the frustratioins can be enormous. But the emotional rewards can be so wonderful. When you have an aide tell you that you are a terrific charge nurse, when you get a compliment on a job well done by a physician, and when your supervisor compliments you on your performance, but especially when you get that smile and pat on the hand from the residents as thank you for caring. That is the best emotional reward you can ever get. And it feels great.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

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Answer 5

RNs and LPN do just about the same things except:hang the first bag of blood,and do IV pushes(put medication through the line). I hate it when people say that LPNs do nothing but wash butt.
Anyway, they do: charting, pass medication,preform treatments on wounds, give shots,start IVs, draw blood,supervisor positions,be a director of nursing, work in all areas of a hospital and nursing home, hospice nurse(care of the dieing)

But in order to be a good nurse you need to be compasionant to familys and the patient. Must be willing to do all the care needed by the patient not just the charting and pass meds. The CNAs need your help at times as well.Dont become what I call the golden hands nurse.They wont do a thing for anyone that they do not have to. To be a true nurse you need to start at the bottom and work your way up, it takes a little longer but, you get a better understanding of your patients.

The one thing to always remember is, Treat your patients as though they are a loved one close to you.(pataints,compation,honesty,soft touch,understanding,soft tone voice)

Answer 6

What RN nurses do get to be hands on is quite a lot. Underneath you find thr primary duties.
Working with a variety of patients, from pediatric to geriatric, or specializing in one of numerous possible areas such as neo-natal intensive care, cardiac care, neurologic care or dermatology
Observing and recording patient behavior
Consulting with physicians and other healthcare professionals
Establishing treatment plans, operating medical equipment
Supervising licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nurse assistants (CNAs)
Performing diagnostic tests
Treating medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, car accidents and burns as well as recovering post-operative patients
Administering medications and treatments
For more infos check out http://RNDutiesandResponsibilities.nursing-info.com

Answer 7

What Does A Nurse Do

Answer 8

It depends on the speciality you choose in nursing. In the operating room a nurse assists the surgeon by making sure he has the proper instruments as he needs them. A nurse anesthetist works with the anestheologist to monitor the patients level of anesthesia. There are also supervisory positions for nurses in the hospital setting . Nurses can specialize in midwifery and deliver babies, as a nurse practitioner in a doctors office and function as a doctor under supervision, and there are many specialty areas in the hospital setting. In my years working as a nurse, I preferred the actual hands on bedside nursing care of patients.

Answer 9

An RN gets to administer drugs, aid in surgeries and do all the good stuff. LPN are the people that wash the patients and do all of the dirtier jobs.

And an RN isn't redundant since there are different types of nurses

Answer 10

Some RN's can be mean and spiteful. May you be a good one!