Registered nurses provide a critical link between you, the patient, and other members of your healthcare team. They help you communicate your needs to your providers, and they explain important information so that you understand your treatment and participate in your recovery. Nurses administer medications and intravenous fluids, perform treatments, plan your daily care and are responsible for making sure that your personal care needs are met, maintaining personal hygiene, taking vital signs, assisting with meals and helping in other ways to make sure that you’re comfortable. Nurses also provide education about your medical condition and how to continue treatment after discharge.