Registered Nurse Job Description

Job Brief:

As a Registered Nurse, you will assess patient health needs, administer medications and treatments, and collaborate with healthcare teams to deliver comprehensive care. Your role involves promoting patient wellness, advocating for patient rights, and maintaining accurate medical records.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct patient assessments, including physical examinations, health histories, and diagnostic tests, to evaluate patient health status and identify healthcare needs.
• Develop and implement individualized care plans for patients, based on assessment findings, medical diagnoses, and treatment goals, coordinating with physicians, therapists, and other healthcare providers.
• Administer medications, treatments, and procedures as prescribed by physicians, monitoring patient responses and outcomes, and adjusting care plans as needed to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Monitor vital signs, symptoms, and changes in patient condition, responding promptly to medical emergencies, adverse reactions, or complications, and providing appropriate interventions and support.
• Educate patients and their families about health conditions, treatment options, medication regimens, and self-care practices, empowering patients to participate in their own care and make informed decisions.
• Provide emotional support and counseling to patients and families, addressing their concerns, fears, and anxieties related to illness, hospitalization, and healthcare procedures.
• Document patient care activities, interventions, and outcomes accurately and comprehensively in electronic medical records (EMR) or paper charts, maintaining confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including physicians, nurses, therapists, and social workers, to coordinate patient care, share information, and ensure continuity of care across settings.
• Assist with diagnostic procedures, surgeries, and medical treatments, preparing patients, assisting physicians, and providing post-procedure care and monitoring as needed.
• Perform nursing interventions and procedures, such as wound care, catheterization, and intravenous therapy, following established protocols, infection control practices, and safety guidelines.
• Conduct patient and family education sessions, classes, and workshops on health promotion, disease prevention, and lifestyle modifications, addressing topics such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, patient safety programs, and clinical research studies, contributing insights and recommendations to improve patient care practices and outcomes.
• Advocate for patient rights, preferences, and needs within the healthcare system, ensuring that patients receive respectful, compassionate, and culturally competent care.
• Maintain professional competence and knowledge through continuing education, training programs, and professional development activities, staying updated on best practices, evidence-based guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Adhere to ethical standards, nursing principles, and legal regulations governing nursing practice, demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and accountability in all interactions and decisions.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing program; master's degree in nursing (MSN) is preferred for advanced practice roles.
• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license from the state board of nursing; additional certifications (e.g., BLS, ACLS, PALS) may be required depending on the specialty area or clinical setting.
• Clinical experience in nursing practice, preferably in acute care hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities, with experience in medical-surgical, critical care, or specialty nursing areas.
• Knowledge of nursing principles, standards of practice, and evidence-based guidelines, with clinical competence in performing nursing assessments, interventions, and procedures.
• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills, with the ability to analyze complex medical data, interpret diagnostic tests, and develop nursing care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish rapport with patients, families, and healthcare teams, and communicate effectively in verbal, written, and electronic formats.
• Compassion and empathy for patients and families, with a commitment to providing holistic, patient-centered care that respects individual preferences, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams, demonstrating teamwork, flexibility, and professionalism in coordinating patient care and addressing healthcare challenges.
• Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) systems, nursing documentation software, and medical devices commonly used in clinical practice.
• Commitment to professional growth and lifelong learning, with a dedication to staying updated on advances in nursing practice, research, and technology through continuing education and professional development activities.

Required Skills:

• Clinical assessment
• Patient care planning
• Medication administration
• Patient education
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking
• Compassion and empathy
• Electronic health records (EHR)
• Lifelong learning

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a registered nurse in Nigeria?

• In Nigeria, a registered nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who has completed the required nursing education program, passed the licensing examination administered by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), and obtained registration with the council. Registered nurses are authorized to provide nursing care to individuals, families, and communities across various healthcare settings.

Is registered nurse a course?

• Yes, becoming a registered nurse involves completing a nursing education program offered by accredited institutions. These programs typically include a combination of theoretical coursework and clinical training in areas such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, and specialized nursing practices. Upon successful completion of the program and passing the licensure examination, graduates are eligible to become registered nurses.

Is registered nurse a diploma?

• In Nigeria, registered nurse training programs can lead to either a diploma or a degree, depending on the institution offering the program. Some nursing schools offer diploma programs that typically last for three years and result in the award of a Registered Nurse (RN) diploma upon completion. Others may offer degree programs, such as Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc), which typically require four years of study.

What does RN stand for?

• RN stands for Registered Nurse. It is a professional designation indicating that an individual has completed the necessary education, passed the licensure examination, and obtained registration with the relevant nursing regulatory body, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). Registered nurses are qualified to provide a wide range of nursing care and services to patients across various healthcare settings.