What is one key role of a registered nurse in a healthcare team?

One key role of a registered nurse in a healthcare team is to advocate for the patient’s needs and preferences. This involves actively representing the patient's interests to ensure that their voices are heard in the decision-making process. Advocacy may include communicating the patient's concerns to other healthcare team members, ensuring that care is aligned with the patient’s values and wishes, and helping patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. By prioritizing the patient’s needs, nurses contribute to a more patient-centered approach to care, fostering trust and collaboration within the healthcare team.

Other options, while they may contain elements of a nurse's responsibilities, do not capture the essence of the nurse's foundational role within the team. For instance, performing all medical procedures is not feasible or realistic, as many procedures are outside the registered nurse’s scope of practice and are typically performed by other healthcare professionals. Managing the healthcare team is usually the role of a nurse leader or manager, rather than the direct service provider. Educating the family about finance is also outside the typical scope of nursing practice, which focuses more on health education and support, rather than financial matters.