Patient evaluation

• Usually, a registered nurse will see a patient before the doctor. The nurse writes down notes regarding the patient's medical complaint and medical history. She will take the patient's height and weight. Vital signs such as pulse rate and blood pressure are recorded. These initial evaluations give the doctor the information she needs to begin her evaluation of the patient and saves the doctor the time it takes to perform these routine tasks.
  
  

Assisting in treatments

• Registered nurses follow the doctor's treatment orders. This often involves administering medication, including injections. For more complicated procedures, the doctor performs the treatment and the nurse assists. This can be done by handing instruments or supplies to the doctor, or by taking notes for her. When the treatment is complete, the nurse cleans up the treatment room and sterilizes the equipment for its next use.
  
  

Management and Supervision

• Registered nurses maintain records and are often office managers. Nurses update patient charts with test results and a record of treatments administered. Charts are important medical and legal documents that have strict standards. Maintaining the patient charts is a key area that must be completed promptly after each patient encounter before information can be forgotten. More experienced registered nurses become nurse supervisors. These supervisors oversee the nursing staff, order supplies and make sure their departments run smoothly.