Imagine that you are a little sick and have to go to the hospital. Maybe you are in a ward or a clinic. The surroundings are new and you feel a little scared. When you need help, when you want to know something, there is someone who comes to you and talks to you very kindly, right? This person who wears a white coat, listens to your details, gives you medicine on time, and listens to your pain is the one we all affectionately call 'nurse lady' or 'nurse man'. But who is this Registered Nurse (RN) or registered nurse? What is their role? Let's talk about it precisely and simply today.
Who is a 'Registered Nurse' (RN)?
Simply put, a Registered Nurse (RN) is a government-certified health professional who is trained to provide patient-centered, or you-first, care. They don't work alone. They work as part of a team with the doctors and other health care professionals who treat you.
Just like doctors, nurses also specialize in different areas. Think about it this way: some nurses are specially trained to care for people with heart conditions. Others are skilled in working in a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). Others specialize in caring for young children, treating cancer patients, and providing post-operative care. This allows them to provide the most appropriate care for your condition.
When you're in the hospital, going for a routine checkup, or need to know more about a family member's medical condition, an RN may be the one to help you. They have an amazing ability to break down complex medical information from the doctor into simple language that you and your family can understand.
Remember, an RN is not just an assistant. They are a professional who has received proper education and rigorous training, passed government exams, obtained registration, and has the knowledge and skills needed to provide you with the best care.
Where do we find a nurse?
Nurses don't just work in hospitals. You'd be surprised how many different places they work.
- In hospitals: As you know, they are everywhere in government and private hospitals, including wards, emergency treatment units (ETUs), operating rooms, and intensive care units (ICUs).
- Doctors' offices: Where you channel to see a doctor, or in private clinics, there is a nurse to assist you.
- Outpatient clinics: You will meet with them in clinics located in the hospital, such as the diabetes clinic and the hypertension clinic.
- In schools: Some large schools may have a nurse to look after the health of the children.
- At community health centers: Places like the maternity clinic and family health center in your village.
- In nursing homes and care centers: Take care of the elderly or those who need special care.
- Home health care: Sometimes, after a patient is discharged from the hospital, a nurse comes to the patient's home to care for them.
What are the main things a nurse does?
The duties of a nurse may vary depending on where they work and their specialty. But in general, these are some of the things they do for you. Let's look at this in a table to understand it clearly.
| Duty | A Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Physical examination | Checking your body. For example, checking your blood pressure, checking your temperature, checking your pulse, and listening to your breathing. |
| Talking about medical history and symptoms | They will ask you and record important details such as what problems you are having, how long you have had them, any previous illnesses, and what medications you are taking. This information is very important to the doctor. |
| Recording health observations | Changes in your condition, whether there is any improvement, or whether there are any new symptoms, are observed and noted in your report (BHT). |
| Providing medication and other treatments | A nurse will administer the medication (pills, injections, saline) prescribed by the doctor to you at the right time. They will also clean and dress the wounds. |
| Assisting with diagnostic tests | A nurse will prepare you for and assist you with tests such as taking a blood sample, urine sample, or ECG. |
| Coordinating the care plan | Nurses act as a liaison between everyone who is treating you, such as the doctor, physiotherapist, and dietitian. They collect everyone's advice and ensure that you are given the best service. |
| Informing you and your family | We will explain your medical condition, its treatment, and how to take care of yourself after you go home in a simple way to you and your family. |
What are the things a nurse cannot do?
No matter how much a nurse helps you with your care, there are some things they cannot do, or are not responsible for. It is important to be aware of this.
- Diagnosing an illness: A nurse cannot determine exactly what illness you have. That is the responsibility of the doctor.
- Independently creating a treatment plan: They can't decide on the overall treatment plan for you on their own. That's what the doctor does. The nurse's job is to help implement that plan.
- Prescribe: A nurse cannot prescribe a pill for you. Only a doctor has that power.
In some countries, there is a category called 'Nurse Practitioners' who have undergone special postgraduate training. They are allowed to diagnose certain diseases and prescribe medications. However, this is not yet very common in our country's health system. So remember, your doctor makes the final decisions about your disease and treatment.
Let's also learn about the Pediatric Registered Nurses in the pediatric ward.
Have you ever been to a children's ward? Have you ever noticed that the nurses there are a little different? They are called Pediatric Registered Nurses . They are specially trained to care for young children, from infants to young adults.
Imagine, when a little baby needs an injection, the baby cries. The mother gets worried. But a pediatric nurse knows how to calm the baby and encourage the mother. They have a deep understanding of children's illnesses, their mentality, and how to communicate with them. They are also very good at explaining the child's illness to the parents in a way that they can understand.
How does one become a Registered Nurse?
This is a question on the minds of many. Becoming a nurse is not an easy journey. It requires a lot of dedication, education, and training. These are the main steps.
1. Complete a nursing education program: First, you need to earn a bachelor's or diploma in nursing from a government-accredited nursing school or university. There are several main paths to this:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This is a four-year degree program. Many organizations now prefer hiring people with a BSN degree.
- Diploma in Nursing: This is usually a three-year course. This training is provided by government nursing colleges.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This is a two-year course.
Regardless of which path they take, they will have to study subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Biology, and Psychology . They will also have to go to hospitals and gain clinical experience. Additional subjects like Leadership and Communication are also taught in the BSN degree.
2. Passing the examination for registration: After completing their education, they must pass a final examination conducted by a recognized body such as the Sri Lanka Nursing Council (SLNC). This examination is what determines whether they are qualified to care for patients safely and effectively.
3. Obtaining Registration: After passing the exam, they receive registration with the Sri Lanka Nursing Council. Only then can they officially work as a 'Registered Nurse' (RN).
It usually takes 2 to 4 years to become a nurse. Even though it takes 4 years to earn a BSN degree, it is a great stepping stone to advance in your career.
When you're receiving treatment, it's normal to be confused about the positions and roles of the healthcare workers around you. But knowing a little about what they do and the training they've received can go a long way in alleviating your fears and doubts.
Registered nurses are people who have the training and skills to provide direct care to you, educate you and your family, and work with the rest of your healthcare team. So, don’t hesitate to ask a nurse a question or tell them what’s on your mind. They will listen, guide you, and help you get the additional information you need.
Take-Home Message
- A Registered Nurse (RN) is not just a doctor's assistant. They are an important healthcare professional who has received proper education and training and is registered with the government.
- Their main job is to directly care for the patient, provide support, and constantly monitor the patient's condition.
- A nurse cannot diagnose or prescribe medication. That is always done by your doctor.
- Because they have in-depth knowledge of patient care, don't hesitate to ask them any questions you have about your illness, treatment, or medication.
- On your journey to recovery, like your doctor, your nurse is an essential and trusted member of your healthcare team.
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