 Registered
nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, perform basic
duties that include treating patients, educating patients and the public
about various medical conditions, and providing advice and emotional
support to patients' family members. RNs record patients' medical
histories and symptoms, help to perform diagnostic tests and analyze
results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and
medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.
RNs teach patients and
their families how to manage their illness or injury, including
post-treatment home care needs, diet and exercise programs, and
self-administration of medication and physical therapy. Some RNs also
are trained to provide grief counseling to family members of critically
ill patients.
 RNs work to promote general health by educating the public
on various warning signs and symptoms of disease and where to go for
help. RNs also might run general health screening or immunization
clinics, blood drives, and public seminars on various conditions.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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