They provide care, treatment, counseling, and health promotion education to ill or injured people. They also provide accident and disease prevention information to healthy people. Nursing demands a high level of integrity, ethical behavior, and emotional stability. Registered nurses monitor their patients' conditions, administer medications and treatments prescribed by the physician or nurse practitioner, and work with the physician and other members of the health care team.
Nurses also direct and supervise nursing support personnel.
In large hospitals, nurses typically work on medical or post-surgical units, or in a certain area such as surgery or intensive care. They may also work with special groups of patients including children, the elderly, or persons with disabilities. Psychomotor skills, creative and critical thinking skills are required. Registered nurses usually work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, medical offices, private industry, and other sites. Registered nurses must complete an accredited professional nursing program.