Registered Nurses

Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.

Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.

Record patients' medical information and vital signs.

Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.

Inform physician of patient's condition during anesthesia.

Administer local, inhalation, intravenous, or other anesthetics.

Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.

Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patients' responses and conditions.

Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.

Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.

Hand items to surgeons during operations.

Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.

Prepare patients for and assist with examinations or treatments.

Observe nurses and visit patients to ensure proper nursing care.

Conduct specified laboratory tests.

Instruct individuals, families, or other groups on topics such as health education, disease prevention, or childbirth and develop health improvement programs.

Assess the needs of individuals, families, or communities, including assessment of individuals' home or work environments, to identify potential health or safety problems.

Direct or coordinate infection control programs, advising or consulting with specified personnel about necessary precautions.

Engage in research activities related to nursing.

Prescribe or recommend drugs, medical devices, or other forms of treatment, such as physical therapy, inhalation therapy, or related therapeutic procedures.

Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.

Perform physical examinations, make tentative diagnoses, and treat patients en route to hospitals or at disaster site triage centers.

Perform administrative or managerial functions, such as taking responsibility for a unit's staff, budget, planning, or long-range goals.

Prepare rooms, sterile instruments, equipment, or supplies and ensure that stock of supplies is maintained.

Provide or arrange for training or instruction of auxiliary personnel or students.

Work with individuals, groups, or families to plan or implement programs designed to improve the overall health of communities.

Refer students or patients to specialized health resources or community agencies furnishing assistance.

Consult with institutions or associations regarding issues or concerns relevant to the practice and profession of nursing.