A Registered Nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional licensed to provide nursing care after completing a bachelor's degree in nursing and passing a registration examination. RNs assess patients, develop care plans, administer medications, perform medical procedures, educate patients, and coordinate with other healthcare providers. They work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, community health, and many other settings. Provincial nursing regulatory bodies (like the College of Nurses in each province) license RNs and set practice standards. RNs have broader scope of practice than Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs). Nursing shortages affect healthcare delivery across Canada.