Registered Nurse

A registered nurse (RN) is a nurse who has graduated from a nursing program and has passed a national licensing exam to obtain a nursing license.[1] An RN's scope of practice is determined by local legislation governing nurses, and usually regulated by a professional body or council.

Registered nurses are employed in a wide variety of professional settings, often specializing in their field of practice. They may be responsible for supervising care delivered by other healthcare workers including enrolled nurses, licensed practical nurses, unlicensed assistive personnel, nursing students, and less-experienced RNs.

Registered nurses must usually meet a minimum practice hours requirement and undertake continuing education in order to maintain their registration.[2] Furthermore, there is often a requirement that an RN remain free from serious criminal convictions.