What Is an RN?

When it comes to the medical profession, many roles comprise the structure of care and service we encounter whenever we interact with hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other healthcare providers. One of which is an RN. The term ‘RN’ stands for Registered Nurse.

As of 2022, there are an estimated 4.3 million Registered Nurses (RN) currently licensed, with approximately 3.5 million of those actively practicing as RNs. They play a significant role in the overall healthcare system and provide a valuable service to the public in their role.

In this blog post, we’re going to explore the varied role of an RN, the difference between different nursing levels, the practicalities of being an RN, and what educational requirements there are for you to get started.

The Role of an RN

RNs provide comprehensive patient care and conduct a core part of the medical care we see across hospitals and healthcare settings. Their role covers treatment plans, monitoring, and supervising, specifically including:

• Directly treating medical conditions, administering medication, monitoring a patient’s condition, and carrying out various procedures within their specialism or remit.

• Assessing and providing treatment to patients, including wound care and planning the overall care plan.

• Communicating with patients’ families, including informing and educating them on conditions and treatments.

• Supervising CNAs (certified nursing assistants) and LPNs (licensed practical nurses).

The Differences Between RNs and LPNs

When you’re considering a career in healthcare, it’s important for you to understand the key differences between roles to help you decide what you’d like to pursue. Both RNs and LPNs provide essential care to patients, but there is a difference in their scope of practice, with an RN's being broader.

An RN receives more education and training than an LPN. They also take on more leadership roles while an LPN practices under the supervision of an RN. The LPN program is traditionally shorter, lasting around a year, and focuses on basic nursing skills, whereas the RN program is a more comprehensive training program that can take two to four years.

In terms of the working responsibilities of each role, an LPN generally provides the more basic patient care. This often includes taking and measuring a patient’s vital signs and helping with any personal hygiene tasks. In some states, they may also administer medication while being supervised by an RN or physician.

In contrast, an RN typically covers a broader range of responsibilities. Their primary role here is often to assess patients and create the appropriate care plan to treat them. They also take part in implementing the care plan, treating patients, administering medication, and communicating with patients and their families.

There’s also a difference in the monetary compensation of each role, with an RN traditionally earning around $60k-$98k in comparison to an LPN, who earns around $39k-$58k.

RNs at Work

RNs can work in a variety of different settings. Some of the most common include hospitals, assisted living facilities, clinics, schools, at-home health services, and rehabilitation centers. Additionally, there are also travel RNs. Let’s take a look at some of these roles in more detail:

• Hospitals: RNs can work in a range of settings within a hospital, offering specialized care in various departments, such as medical-surgical, critical care, operating theaters, oncology, and neonatal care.

• Assisted living facilities: RNs can also provide specialist care to patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities in long-term care centers and assisted living facilities.

• Clinics: RNs can provide care in clinics and physicians' offices, covering specialties like pediatric care or diabetes.

• Schools: In schools, school nurses often provide key care services to both students and staff.

• At-home health services: They can also provide care to patients in their homes, particularly for chronic illness support or post-surgery, for example.

• Rehabilitation centers: RNs can also work in rehabilitation centers, where they will work with specific patients after an illness or injury to help them recover.

Becoming an RN

If you’re interested in becoming an RN, it’s important that you know what the process looks like. Finding the right RN program for you is the best place to start.

The educational requirements for becoming an RN include either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a two-year program, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This four-year program offers a more comprehensive curriculum and can lead to more career opportunities.

Following accreditation, RNs are then required to undertake the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Once this has been passed, you will then need to apply for licensure in the state you wish to practice in. The requirements for this often vary from state to state, so be sure to check the specific requirements based on where you wish to practice.

When you know that you want to get started with your RN training, the Idaho Healthcare Institute can help. The Idaho Healthcare Institute is an educational partner that connects students to training and scholarship support. We can help you find the right RN program for your needs.

If you have already been through your LPN training and you’re interested in pursuing RN training, the Idaho Healthcare Institute also offers an RN Bridge scholarship program to help you gain your qualifications.

Find RN Learning Opportunities Near You

If you’re looking for an RN program to begin your studies and become a Registered Nurse, choose The Idaho Healthcare Institute. We connect students to the RN program at the College of Eastern Idaho.

The work of an RN is vital within a medical setting. Not only do they treat medical conditions, administer medication, provide care, and supervise other medical staff, but they also offer crucial support to the healthcare system as a whole.

Pursuing your education through an RN program will provide you with a rewarding, notable career path for years to come. Contact the Idaho Healthcare Institute today to learn more about starting the program.