What is a Registered Nurse?

Background
A registered nurse (RN) is a graduate of an accredited school of nursing who has passed an intense examination administered by the State Board of Registration in Nursing in order to become a licensed practitioner. In order to comply with state regulations and maintain registration status, the registered nurse must submit evidence of receiving fifteen contact hours of continuing education at each time of renewal.

Nursing is an art, science, and discipline based on the natural, behavioral, and social sciences. It is an independent, autonomous, and self-regulating profession whose primary responsibility is to help the public achieve its highest level of health. The scope of practice for nurses is defined by state Nurse Practice Acts. Nurses utilize the nursing process and holistic approach to assess the individual's healthcare status, develop and implement nursing interventions that will assure continuity of care, and evaluate patient outcomes. Nursing involves the promotion of health, prevention of illness, assistance in the cure of disease, and provision of support to the dying patient.

What do registered nurses do at RLI?
The nursing staff at Rippe Lifestyle Institute has multiple roles and responsibilities. They monitor and supervise all clinical activities and emergency procedures, as well as perform physical assessments on study participants. Nurses at RLI are study coordinators and also help develop and institute study protocols. In addition, they are responsible for educating other staff members on new clinical policies and procedures.