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Registered Nurses

At WorkEducation, Training, and ExperienceWork ProspectsImportant Facts
What They Do | Where They Find Work | Related Occupation(s) | Something to Think About
 

What They Do

General duty registered nurses perform some or all of the following duties:


May teach and counsel patients and their families on health-related issues in collaboration with other health care providers.

Registered nurses may specialize in areas such as surgery, obstetrics care, psychiatric care, critical care, pediatrics, geriatrics, community health, occupational health, emergency care, rehabilitation or oncology.

Nurse practitioners are independent care providers with a broader scope of practice relative to registered nurses.

Occupational health nurses develop and implement employee health education programs and provide registered nursing care in private businesses and industry.

Community health nurses provide health education and registered nursing care in public health units and through home visits, manage complex home care cases, participate in community needs assessment and program development, conduct disease screening and deliver immunization programs.

Psychiatric nurses provide nursing care, supportive counselling and life skills programming to patients in psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, long-term care facilities and community-based settings.

Nursing consultants provide consultative services to institutes, associations and health care organizations regarding issues and concerns relevant to the nursing profession and nursing practice.

Nursing researchers engaged in research activities related to nursing are self-employed or are employed by hospitals, public and private organizations and governments.

Clinical nurses provide leadership, advice and counsel on the provision of research-based care for specific patient groups within the care of particular health care organizations.

Assess patients to identify appropriate nursing interventions

Collaborate with members of an interdisciplinary health team to plan, implement, co-ordinate and evaluate patient care in consultation with patients and their families

Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by a physician or according to establish policies and protocols

Monitor, assess, address, document and report symptoms and changes in patients' conditions

Operate or monitor medical apparatus or equipment

Assist in surgery and other medical procedures

May supervise licensed practical nurses and other nursing staff

May develop and implement discharge planning process on admission of patients

Where They Find Work — Top Occupational Areas

Health care and social assistance 96.0%

Tip



The unionization rate (84%) is above the average (32%) for all occupations.


The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Registered Nurses are found in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in Alberta and British Columbia.


Some Related Occupation(s)


Licensed Practical Nurses

Head Nurses and Supervisors

More related Job Titles in these occupations


Something to Think About