Registered Nurses:

• Perform physical exams and client assessments to identify and address health problems and patient care needs.

• Develop comprehensive care plans and performs nursing interventions

  • bereavement counseling

  • ostomy care

• Perform medical treatments as ordered by a physician, such as:

  • medication set up and administration

  • wound care and sterile dressing changes

  • urinary catheterizations

  • oral or tracheal suctioning

  • ventilator care

• Provide health teaching and emotional support to help clients and their families adjust to or manage serious or chronic illnesses or injuries.

• Supervise care delivered by other health care personnel, such as:

  • licensed practical nurses

  • home health aides

  • companion homemakers

• Work with physicians, and other health care practitioners to ensure that patients receive appropriate, timely, well-coordinated care.

• Conduct health screenings to detect and address signs of early disease or risk factors for disease and then provide health teaching, speak with the physical, or make referrals, as appropriate.

RNs make nursing assessments and nursing diagnoses, and also plan, implement and evaluate nursing care. RNs do not make medical diagnoses or prescribe medical treatments or drugs.