Registered Nurse

Overview

Registered nurses work under the direction of doctors to assess, treat and care for people who are sick, disabled or injured. They also offer support to patients and their families through the treatment process.

Work is in hospitals, clinics, aged care settings and other health care facilities in the community.

Suits people with an interest in the wellbeing of others who have strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Day-to-day

• assess the health of patients, listen to their concerns and offer advice on health management
• plan and carry out nursing care according to accepted nursing practice and standards
• monitor the condition and health of patients and record their progress
• work and consult with other health professionals such as doctors
• dress wounds and provide interventions, treatments, therapies and medications
• take part in health education and other health promotion activities
• answer questions and educate patients and families about treatments, care and health
• supervise and coordinate the work of enrolled nurses and other health care workers
• help doctors to examine patients.

Considerations

• irregular hours
• physically demanding
• stressful.