Registered Nurse
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What does a Registered Nurse (RN) do?
Most often, the Registered Nurse (RN) is the direct caretaker for patients in the hospital, managing patients’ daily activities, medications, assessments, and scheduled procedures and operations. The RN works closely with fellow healthcare staff and physicians to ensure they know about and understand patient updates and care plans.
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN) differ in their scope of practice, their daily duties often overlap. The RN is usually involved with more complex decision-making, while the LPN primarily handles basic nursing care. A career as an LPN, which only requires a one-year diploma or certificate, offers quick access to the promising field of nursing, while an associate or bachelor’s degree is required to become an RN.
Discover what it’s like to be an RN by viewing a short video.
Note: This video has been provided by the U.S. Department of Labor careeronestop website and the actual duties of this role at the University of Rochester may vary.
Minimum education and training
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and New York State license. Following graduation from an approved program, the RN must take and pass the NCLEX exam, and once passed, can apply for RN licensure in New York State.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
In addition to strong clinical skills, the RN needs to demonstrate compassion, critical thinking, effective communication, and have the ability to remain calm under pressure and manage emotions in high-stress situations. Must have basic computer skills, including keyboarding. Must be able to maintain patient confidentiality and manage time effectively.
Days/hours
Schedule will be based on work location; the RN can be found on all shifts: days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays may be required.
Position locations
- Hospital
- Primary Care offices
- Ambulatory clinics
- Nursing Homes
- Home Care
Work environment
The RN can work in a variety of locations, including hospitals, medical offices, nursing homes, home healthcare services, and outpatient clinics.
- Physical Demands: RNs are often on their feet for long hours, walking between patient rooms and performing tasks. They may need to lift or move patients and equipment.
- Collaboration: RNs work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with physicians, nurse practitioners, LPNs, nursing assistants, and other specialists.
- Emotional Demands and Rewards: The role can be emotionally intense and deeply rewarding, as RNs often care for critically ill or dying patients and support their families. Compassion, emotional resilience, and stress management are essential for handling the demands of the job.
Pay range
Use the code URC 214 to find the pay range in the General and Clinical University pay ranges section of the University’s Compensation page.
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal benchmarking considerations.
Possible career pathway
An example of a pathway within this job family at the University of Rochester:
RN > Advanced Practice Nurse (APRN) > Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator
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