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Registered nurses (RNs) provide expert healthcare directly to patients. They also work in public health education, research, and administration. RNs use strong critical thinking skills to coordinate care, lead healthcare teams, perform full assessments, provide holistic care, and more.
Most RNs work in hospitals. But they also work in many different settings such as community or public health, outpatient care, nursing education, occupational health, long-term care, hospice programs, and schools.
In Alberta, RNs who meet additional educational and clinical practice requirements can prescribe certain medicines and order some tests. RNs graduate from an approved 4-year bachelor’s degree in nursing from a university. All graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to practise as an RN. RNs must hold a current license from the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta to practise in Alberta.
Adaptation Date: 2/23/2024
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Healthwise, Incorporated (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
