A registered Nurse is an individual who has passed through the academic and professional requirements in Nursing and is now certified or licensed to practice as a medical professional Nurse in a medical institution or community. Registered nurses play a crucial role in providing compassionate and skilled patient care. Beyond their essential medical knowledge, they embody empathy, dedication, and the ability to make a significant impact on the lives of patients. They work in Hospitals, prisons, Nursing homes, Academic institutions, and long-term care facilities.   Registered nurses are responsible for a wide range of patient care tasks and are often the first point of contact for individuals seeking medical attention. 

Responsibilities Of a Registered Nurse

The primary responsibilities of a registered nurse include: 

• Patient Assessment and Monitoring: Registered nurses are trained to assess and monitor patients’ conditions, including vital signs, symptoms, and changes in health status. They use this information to provide appropriate care, administer medications, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
• Care Planning and Implementation: develop individualized care plans based on the patient’s needs, incorporating medical interventions, medication administration, and treatments. They execute these plans, ensuring patients receive timely and effective care.
• Health Education and Counseling: Registered nurses educate patients and their families on various health topics, such as disease prevention, medication management, and lifestyle modifications. They provide emotional support, answer questions, and promote healthy behaviors to optimize overall wellness.
• Collaboration and Coordination: They collaborate with physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care. They communicate significant findings, update medical records, and facilitate a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare delivery.
• Documentation and Record-Keeping: Registered Nurses are responsible for Maintaining accurate and complete healthcare records and reports, They document patient care activities and interventions and Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards in healthcare documentation.
• Emergency Response: They Provide immediate medical care in emergencies, and also assist surgeons during operations and other medical procedures.

Requirements To become a Registered Nurse 

 To become a registered nurse, you must meet specific educational requirements. These typically include: 

• Nursing Education: Aspiring registered nurses usually complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. Both paths provide the necessary knowledge and skills required for nursing practice.
• Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria(NMCN). Or other Nursing professional bodies in their country.
• Qualities of a Registered Nurse: Aside from their technical skills, successful registered nurses possess several essential qualities that contribute to their effectiveness:
• Compassion and Empathy: Registered nurses are empathetic caregivers who provide comfort and emotional support to patients during challenging times. They demonstrate compassion and understanding, fostering a trusting and therapeutic relationship.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: RNs must think critically and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations. They analyze complex information, anticipate potential complications, and implement appropriate interventions promptly.
• Effective Communication: Clear and concise communication is vital for registered nurses. They must effectively communicate with patients, their families, and the healthcare team to ensure accurate information exchange and coordinated care.

Getting a license as a nurse in Nigeria is based on your level and nursing specialty. However, according to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria(NMCN),

Here are the basic procedures to get licensed as a nurse in Nigeria.

1. Applicant should submit  a completed application form with the following documents:

• Letter of identification from the school of training addressed to the Registrar, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
• Submit an Original copy of the certificate/statement of result for sighting.
• Photocopy of the certificate of recent qualification(s).
• Photocopy of certificate of previous qualification(s)/registration with the Council.

2. Original transcripts for the Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and MSc in Nursing Education are needed for those with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing or Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc).

3. Post Basic application packs are addressed and forwarded to the Registrar, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria by the school with the duplicate teller and computer printout as proof of payment and must be accompanied by a covering letter containing the list of applicants.

4. Applicants should Pay a non-refundable application/registration fee of N61,092.00 for Midwives/ Psychiatric Nurses and N44,500 for other Post Basic Nurses into the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria through REMITA in any bank.

Penalty for late registration is payable after 90 days of the release of the result:

• N77, 500.00 – Per school

• N16, 250.00 – Per individual

5. All payments from individuals/schools should be deposited into the bank as the council does not accept Cash. 

6. Applicants are required to collect a notification of registration after the registration process (individual application). For more details on how to get a license as a Nurse, visit the NMCN website; www.nmcn.gov.ng.