Registered General Nurse

The Role of a Registered General Nurse (RGN) in a Care Home

The role of a Registered General Nurse involves more than taking responsibility for clinical nursing care. While the job requires the same compassionate, caring and professional attitude as a nurse within the NHS, being an RGN within a care home setting comes with a different set of duties and requirements.

What are the Duties of an RGN in a Care Home?

• Managing Medication

In addition to administering medication, an RGN is responsible for ordering, receiving and auditing all medication that is stored at the care home. The return of any unused medication is also completed by the Registered General Nurse in charge. The RGN would check quantities and ensure that the administration of all medication is properly recorded as stated in the guidelines set by the NMC and NICE. When it is time for a resident to have their medication reviewed, the Registered General Nurse would make the necessary arrangements with the resident s GP to have the medication reassessed.

• Completing Assessments and Personalised Care Plans

Registered Nurses work closely with each resident and the care team to implement care plans that reflect the best interests of the resident. Assessments that highlight the needs and risks faced by the resident are all considered in the care planning process. Registered General Nurses are responsible for monitoring the care of residents in areas such as mobility, food and fluid intake, level of dependency and ability to maintain safety to name a few. These person-centred risk assessments and care plans are regularly reviewed by the RGN as care planning is an ongoing process.

• Leading a Care Team

The on-duty registered nurse is responsible for ensuring the care team works together whilst actively supporting the care staff. In a mentor-like capacity, the Registered General Nurse has a priority to deliver a high standard of care and to make sure that the care staff work to the same high standard. The RGN along with managers and team leaders ensure all Healthcare assistants and care workers adhere to the policies and procedures of the care home and complete duties effectively according to the NMC. A Registered Nurse based in a care setting needs to be a good decision-maker as it is often necessary to allocate staff to different areas of the home as well as delegate duties amongst the care staff.

• Coordinating Multi-Disciplinary Teams

Registered General Nurses working in care homes liaise with many professionals in the Health and Social care sector. From registering new residents with the local GP to making referrals to various health care specialists such as psychiatrists, an RGN is responsible for communicating with all team members involved in the care of the residents. It is important for the Registered Nurse to maintain a strong relationship with the residents in their care and to have a keen clinical eye so that any changes in the resident s health can be spotted early and the RGN can make the relevant referrals.

• Communication and Record-Keeping

At the beginning and end of every shift, the RGN will carry out a handover with the nurse and care staff who are taking over the next shift. Good communication and documenting skills are necessary for all aspects of caring for the well-being of others. Registered General Nurses are responsible for accurate record-keeping either digitally or manually. All changes to monitoring forms, care plans and risk assessments etc are conducted by the Registered Nurse who updates documents frequently where required. Prompt reporting of changes or information regarding the residents is necessary so all care plans are up to date and relevant. Being able to communicate with residents is just as important. Having an approachable manner is expected to build relations

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