Definition

Noun: A registered nurse is a healthcare professional who has completed a formal nursing education program (such as a diploma, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree) and has passed a national licensing examination. This registration grants them the legal authority to practice nursing and provide a wide range of patient care.

Usage

The term "registered nurse" is used to specify a nurse's official, licensed status. It distinguishes them from student nurses, nursing assistants, or nurses in other categories (like licensed practical nurses). It is often used in formal, professional, and legal contexts.

Examples

• She has worked as a registered nurse in the emergency department for ten years.
• The hospital is hiring registered nurses for the new cardiac unit.
• After graduating, you must pass the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse.
• Please report your symptoms to the registered nurse at the front desk.

Advanced Usage

• As a title (RN): The abbreviation "RN" is commonly used after a nurse's name to denote their credential.
  • The patient was assessed by Anna Kim, RN.
• In legal/regulatory contexts: The term specifies who is legally permitted to perform certain medical procedures.
  • The state law requires that intravenous medications be administered by a registered nurse or a physician.

Variants and Related Words

• RN: The standard abbreviation for "registered nurse."
• Nurse: A broader term that can include registered nurses, but also other types of nurses and caregivers. "Registered nurse" is a specific type of nurse.
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): A nurse with different educational and licensing requirements who works under the direction of registered nurses and doctors.

Synonyms

• Licensed nurse
• Professional nurse (Note: These synonyms emphasize the official, credentialed aspect but "registered nurse" is the most precise and common term.)

Related Phrases

• Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN): A registered nurse with additional graduate-level education and training in a specialized role, such as a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist.
• Register as a nurse: The process of obtaining a nursing license.
  • She plans to register as a nurse in two different states.

Noun

1. a graduate nurse who has passed examinations for registration