Definition of Nurse, registered

Nurse, registered: A nurse who has completed a two- to four-year degree program in nursing, and provides direct patient care for acutely or chronically ill patients. RNs may further specialize in a particular area. For example, psychiatric nurses are RNs with special training in working with mentally ill patients, and trauma nurses work with doctors and surgeons to help patients in the emergency room of a hospital. Abbreviated RN.