What is the role of a registered nurse (RN)?

The role of a registered nurse (RN) primarily revolves around providing patient care within their scope of practice. This includes a wide range of responsibilities such as assessing patient health, developing and implementing nursing care plans, administering medications and treatments, and educating patients about their conditions and care plans. RNs are also instrumental in monitoring patient recovery and progress, coordinating patient care, and advocating for the patients’ needs in various healthcare settings.

This role is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of nursing principles, patient interaction, and medical knowledge. RNs work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure the delivery of high-quality care, making their role crucial in any healthcare environment.

The other options highlight tasks that, while important in certain aspects of healthcare, do not accurately describe the primary responsibilities of an RN. Performing surgical procedures, for instance, typically falls within the domain of surgeons and advanced practice nurses rather than RNs themselves. Similarly, diagnosing medical conditions is primarily within the realm of physicians and, in certain capacities, nurse practitioners who have advanced training. Overseeing administrative staff tends to be a role more suited for healthcare administrators or managers rather than nurses directly involved in patient care.