What a registered nurse (RN) does
Registered nurses assess patients, plan and deliver care, administer medications and treatments, and coordinate with physicians and the wider team. In Ontario, RNs are prepared to care for patients with complex and unpredictable needs, and they often supervise or support practical nurses and personal support workers. For an employer, an experienced RN improves patient safety, keeps care plans on track and adds clinical leadership to a busy team.
RNs work in very different settings, from long-term care and home care to surgical clinics, occupational health and family practice, and skills don't always transfer neatly between them. Finch asks about your patient population, the procedures and assessments involved, shift patterns and the support available on each shift. We then look for nurses whose experience matches, and we confirm College of Nurses of Ontario registration before you meet anyone.
Typical responsibilities
- Assess patients and develop, implement and evaluate nursing care plans
- Administer medications, treatments and procedures within the RN scope of practice
- Monitor changes in a patient's condition and escalate concerns promptly
- Educate patients and families about conditions, medications and self-care
- Supervise or support RPNs and PSWs where the setting requires it
- Document care accurately and in line with College of Nurses of Ontario standards
Qualifications and credentials
- Current registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) in the Registered Nurse class
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing or equivalent education recognized for RN registration
- Current CPR or basic life support certification, which employers often require
- Experience in a comparable setting, such as long-term care, home care or ambulatory clinics
- Specialty training where relevant, such as wound care, infection control or perioperative nursing
Who hires a registered nurse (RN)
- Long-term care and retirement homes
- Home and community care organizations
- Family health teams and medical clinics
- Surgical and specialty clinics
- Occupational health and corporate wellness programs
Where we recruit registered nurse (RN) candidates
We fill registered nurse (RN) roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- Confirm CNO registration in the RN class and check for any terms, conditions or limitations
- Review clinical experience against your patient population and acuity
- Confirm certifications such as basic life support or specialty training
- Match availability to your shift patterns, including nights and weekends
- Check references from nursing supervisors or managers
Interview questions to ask
- Tell us about a time you noticed a patient's condition changing and what you did next.
- How do you delegate tasks to RPNs or PSWs while staying accountable for the care plan?
- How do you manage your time when several patients need you at once?