Description:
A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed health care professional who helps patients to achieve optimal health and prevent disease or injury.
They coordinate and supervise care provided by other personnel, such as licensed practical nurses or home health aides.
RNs provide health teaching to patients, families, other care providers and the public. They participate in health research and in making
health care policies. RNs may work independently, in collaboration with other health care personnel or under clinical supervision (i.e., from
a physician or nurse practitioner). They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, community residences, mental
health facilities, clinics, private practices, surgery centers, county health departments, correctional facilities, work places, camps, schools
and private homes.
RNs make nursing assessments and nursing diagnoses, and also plan, implement and evaluate nursing care. RNs do not make medical
diagnoses or prescribe medical treatments or drugs.
Educational and Licensing Requirements:
To meet the education requirements for licensure as a registered nurse (RN) and in order to provide nursing services as a RN in New York
State, you must graduate with a bachelor’s or higher degree from a nursing education program acceptable to the New York State
Education Department (NYSED), and within 10 years pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN)
or another license examination acceptable to NYSED. In addition, you should be at least eighteen years of age; be of good moral
character; complete New York State required infection control coursework and child abuse reporting coursework; and apply for an RN
license with NYSED. After you qualify for a license as an RN, NYSED will issue you a license parchment and a registration certificate. Your
license is valid for life, unless it is surrendered, revoked, annulled, or suspended by the New York State Board of Regents. You must renew
your registration every 3 years to continue to practice as an RN in New York State. You are not legally allowed to practice as an RN while
your registration is expired.