Caregivers and credentials
Registered nurse (RN)
A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed nurse who assesses patients, gives medicines and treatments, helps make care plans, and teaches patients and families how to manage illness at home. RNs graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a state-recognized licensing exam.
Why it matters for your family
RNs lead medical care in many settings. At home, an RN may assess a patient, oversee care plans, and teach a family how to manage a condition. RNs can supervise LPNs and aides in many settings. A common mistake is expecting a non-medical caregiver to do what an RN does. Ask the doctor which tasks need nursing. Families can check an RN's license with the state board of nursing. For skilled care at home, Medicare may cover part-time nursing when a person meets its rules. Non-medical caregiving is a different service.
Source: bls.gov
Related terms
- Licensed practical nurse (LPN)A licensed practical nurse (LPN), called a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in some states, gives basic medical care, such as monitoring vital signs, changing bandages, and helping with bathing and dressing.
- Skilled nursing careSkilled nursing care is nursing and therapy that only licensed professionals, or staff supervised by them, can safely provide.
- Home health careHome health care is medical care given at home for an illness or injury, such as skilled nursing and therapy.
- Private duty nursingPrivate duty nursing is one-on-one nursing care at home or another setting, delivered by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.
- Certified nursing assistant (CNA)A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a trained worker who gives basic care, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, moving patients, and taking vital signs, under the supervision of a nurse.
- Care planA care plan is a written plan that lists a person's needs, goals, tasks, schedule and who does what.
