About this role
An RN on a General Medical/Surgical Unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient. The nurse must have knowledge of the principles of growth and development and the emotional needs of the patient and family from early adulthood to the end of the life span. The RN must use this knowledge to assess the physical and emotional needs of the patient/family and develop a plan of care which incorporates these principles. The RN must have the ability to implement the plan, to supervise others with the implementation and assess its effectiveness. The RN must be knowledgeable of the policy and procedures of the department and delegate appropriate procedures and supervise their implementation by others. The RN is responsible for the coordination of the patient’s care.