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Registered nurse (RN) means nurses who have completed a bachelor's degree in nursing and have registered themselves as a professional. The job of a registered nurse is multifaceted – it includes planning, supervisory, and communication-related work. Also, the workplace settings can vary from hospitals and clinics to aged care facilities and homes.
In terms of planning responsibilities, an RN is involved in developing the treatment plan for the patient. Depending on the patient's needs, the RN may also have to modify the plan. Besides working with doctors and other team members on creating the plan, the nurse also coordinates resources to implement the plan.
In a supervisory capacity, the RN may have to supervise multiple enrolled nurses (EN) and other support staff employed by the health care facility. An EN have completed a diploma in nursing. RN usually delegate various types of tasks to the ENs based on the plan for the patient.
Communication is yet another aspect of a registered nurse's responsibilities. They communicate important information to patients and colleagues. RNs also work to form a professional relationship with the patients and their families during and after the treatment. They help them recover and communicate to them how to take care of themselves once discharged.
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) has certain criteria for assessing the practice of a registered nurse. This criterion exists in the form of 7 standards. These standards apply to the RN in conjunction with other NMBA standards and codes.
Standard 5 mentions the RN’s responsibilities in terms of planning and communication. According to this standard, the registered nurse:
5.1 uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan
5.2 collaboratively constructs nursing practice plans until contingencies, options priorities, goals, actions, outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the relevant persons
5.3 documents, evaluates and modifies plans accordingly to facilitate the agreed outcomes
5.4 plans and negotiates how practice will be evaluated and the time frame of engagement, and
5.5 coordinates resources effectively and efficiently for planned actions.
Nurses are in high demand in Australia. Registered nurses care for patients of all mental and physical abilities and different ages and circumstances. Besides serving as criteria to judge a practice, the standards also provide an overview of the different roles RNs play as healthcare professionals.
Reference: https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Statements/Professional-standards/registered-nurse-standards-for-practice.aspx
