Are you a nurse looking to explore different career options? The nursing field offers a diverse range of roles, each with unique responsibilities and settings. In this article, we will walk you through various different jobs for nurses, from traditional roles in hospitals to specialized positions, helping you find the perfect fit for your skills and interests.
Key Takeaways
- Registered Nurses (RNs) play versatile roles in various settings, such as hospitals, home healthcare, and public health, performing tasks like patient care, medication administration, and health education.
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) hold graduate-level degrees and undertake specialized roles, including Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), with responsibilities ranging from clinical diagnoses to advanced anesthesia management.
- Specialized nursing fields, including oncology, cardiac, and neonatal nursing, offer focused care for specific patient populations, providing opportunities for career advancement and significant impacts on patient outcomes.
Registered Nurse (RN) Roles
Providing and coordinating patient care, educating patients and the public, and offering emotional support to patients and their families are among the many responsibilities of Registered Nurses (RNs) in the healthcare system. RNs work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, home healthcare services, and schools, making them one of the most versatile types of nurses.
Approximately 60 percent of registered nurses work in clinical settings or hospitals, where they perform essential procedures like:
- changing catheters or bandages
- helping communicate information between patients and physicians
- recording and monitoring patients
- administering medications
- maintaining medical charts to ensure continuous and effective patient care.
Despite the variety of roles, all registered nurses share a common goal: to protect patient rights and act as a liaison between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care. We will further discuss specific RN roles, such as Hospital RN, Home Health RN, and Public Health RN.
Hospital RN
Hospital RNs are the backbone of hospital staff, working in various departments such as:
- Intensive care units (ICUs)
- Surgical departments
- Cardiac units
- Outpatient facilities
They provide direct patient care, administer medications, stabilize patients, and perform aftercare evaluations. They play a pivotal role in delivering continuous and comprehensive care to patients during their hospital stay.
In addition to their clinical responsibilities, hospital RNs:
- Maintain medical charts
- Communicate critical information between patients and physicians
- Ensure that all members of the healthcare team are informed about the patient’s condition and treatment plan
Their ability to work in high-pressure environments and manage complex patient care needs makes them invaluable to the healthcare system.
Home Health RN
Home Health RNs bring medical care to the comfort of patients’ homes, making healthcare accessible and personalized. They perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Managing treatment plans
- Cleaning wounds
- Changing bandages
- Administering medications
- Providing at-home IV therapy
This role is particularly important for patients who require ongoing medical care but prefer or need to stay at home.
These nurses play a vital role in ensuring that patients receive the necessary support to manage their health conditions independently. They also educate patients and their families about treatment plans and disease management, empowering them to take an active role in their healthcare. Home Health RNs are essential in bridging the gap between hospital care and home recovery.
Public Health RN
Public Health RNs focus on:
- improving community health
- advocating for better public health systems
- educating patients about treatment options, disease prevention, and healthy lifestyles
- working on critical public health issues such as immunization, environmental illness, communicable diseases, and infant mortality.
To become a Public Health RN, one must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an RN license, and a Certified Public Health Nurse certification. These nurses often collaborate with lawmakers and community leaders to promote better health policies and services, making a significant impact on the overall health of their communities.
The job outlook for Public Health RNs is promising, with a growth rate of 9% from 2020 to 2030, slightly better than the national average.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have advanced education and training, allowing them to take on more specialized and independent roles in healthcare. As an advanced practice registered nurse, they typically complete a graduate-level nursing program, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). APRNs can work in various settings, including:
- private practice
- hospitals
- physician offices
- outpatient care facilities
APRNs can specialize in different fields, such as Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), each with unique responsibilities and areas of expertise. The scope of practice for APRNs varies significantly between states and regions, offering a range of opportunities for those looking to advance their nursing careers. Next, we will discuss the roles of NPs, CRNAs, and CNSs in greater detail.
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are responsible for:
- Managing and treating health conditions through comprehensive health assessments and clinical diagnoses
- Developing and implementing treatment plans that may include medications, therapies, and interventions
- Depending on the region, NPs may have prescriptive authority to prescribe medications independently or in collaboration with physicians.
NPs can specialize in various fields, such as family practice, pediatrics, or women’s health, allowing them to provide tailored care to different patient populations. The median salary for a nurse practitioner is $129,480, reflecting the high demand and critical role they play in healthcare. The job growth for NPs is projected to be 45% from 2020 to 2030, making it a promising career choice.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) specialize in the administration and management of anesthesia during surgical procedures. They work alongside surgeons and other healthcare professionals to ensure the safe delivery of anesthesia and pain management services. CRNAs are responsible for stabilizing and monitoring patients’ pain during operations and recovery.
To become a CRNA, one must complete a doctoral degree in nursing, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and pass the National Certification Exam for Nurse Anesthetists. CRNAs are among the highest-paid nurse specialties, with a median annual income of $195,610, due to the high demand for their expertise in surgical settings. The job outlook for CRNAs is also promising, with a projected growth rate of 45% from 2020 to 2030.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) provide clinical expertise in specific areas of healthcare, improving patient care plans and outcomes. They often take on leadership roles, overseeing clinical teams and managing healthcare programs. CNSs are involved in research and quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care outcomes.
To become a CNS, candidates typically need to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a clinical nurse specialist track. CNSs can work in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty care centers. Their median salary is $120,680, reflecting their advanced skills and critical role in healthcare.
Specialized Nursing Fields
Specialized nursing fields cater to specific patient populations and medical conditions, allowing nurses to develop expertise in particular areas of healthcare. These specialties include roles such as Oncology Nurses, Cardiac Nurses, and Neonatal Nurses, each offering unique challenges and rewards.
Specializing in a particular field can open doors for career advancement and provide opportunities to make a significant impact on patients’ lives. Next, we will delve into these specialized nursing roles in more depth.
Oncology Nurse
Oncology nurses provide care and emotional support to cancer patients, ensuring they receive comprehensive treatment throughout their journey. They are responsible for administering medications, creating and implementing care plans, and managing symptoms to ease the patients’ treatment experience.
In addition to their clinical duties, oncology nurses offer emotional support and companionship to patients, helping them cope with the challenges of cancer treatment. They are highly trained to treat cancer and educate patients about their treatment options and remission.
The average annual salary for an Oncology Nurse can be as high as $107,133, reflecting the specialized nature of their work.
Cardiac Nurse
Cardiac Nurses specialize in heart health and cardiology, working in various settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and cardiac care units. They assist with surgical procedures like bypass, angioplasty, or pacemaker surgery, and use medical devices to monitor patients’ heart conditions.
Cardiac Nurses have a variety of responsibilities, including:
- Monitoring and interpreting cardiac rhythms
- Administering medications and treatments
- Assisting with cardiac procedures and surgeries
- Educating patients on managing cardiovascular conditions and maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle
Their expertise in heart health makes them essential in preventing and treating cardiac diseases, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Neonatal Nurse
Neonatal Nurses care for newborns with health issues, working in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). They are responsible for monitoring vital signs, performing neonatal tests, and assisting with care plans for their patients. Labor and delivery nurses work closely with these professionals to ensure a smooth transition for newborns entering the NICU.
To become a Neonatal Nurse, one typically needs an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Neonatal Nurses can earn over $120,000 in some of the highest-paid states, reflecting the critical nature of their work.
Their role in caring for vulnerable newborns is invaluable, providing specialized care to ensure the best possible start in life.
Critical and Emergency Care Nursing
Critical and emergency care nursing focuses on providing life-saving care to critically ill patients and responding to emergency situations. These nurses are trained to handle high-stress environments and make quick, informed decisions. Some roles in this field include:
- Critical Care Nurses
- ICU Nurses
- ER Nurses
- Trauma Nurses
All of these roles play vital roles in providing critical and emergency care.
These nurses work in various settings, including:
- ICUs
- Trauma centers
- Emergency departments
- Outpatient care centers
Their ability to provide immediate and effective care in critical situations makes them essential to the healthcare system. We will further discuss these roles in the following sections.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse
ICU nurses have several important responsibilities, including:
- Treating patients with critical illnesses
- Conducting health assessments
- Monitoring specialized medical equipment to ensure patient stability
- Monitoring patients’ vital signs
- Monitoring the functionality of life-support systems
These tasks are crucial for providing high-quality care to patients in the ICU.
In addition to their clinical duties, ICU nurses provide emotional and informational support to families, helping them understand the patient’s condition and treatment plan. Their role in the ICU is crucial in providing comprehensive care to critically ill patients and supporting their recovery.
Emergency Room (ER) Nurse
ER nurses have a variety of responsibilities, including:
- Stabilizing patients
- Performing aftercare evaluations
- Administering medications
- Maintaining medical charts
- Conducting health assessments to prioritize patient treatment
- Conducting tests
- Administering medications
Quick decision-making skills are essential for ER nurses as they work in fast-paced environments where every second counts. To become an ER RN, one must complete either an ASN or BSN program in nursing, earn the RN license, and optionally obtain Board Certification for Emergency Nursing.
Trauma Nurse
Trauma nurses handle emergencies and treat patients with severe injuries, often working in trauma centers where quick decision-making is crucial. These nurses must quickly evaluate and manage patients with life-threatening injuries, providing immediate and effective care.
In high-pressure environments, trauma nurses must:
- Remain calm and focused
- Ensure that patients receive the best possible care
- Utilize their expertise in emergency care
- Make quick, informed decisions
Their skills and abilities make them an indispensable part of the healthcare team.
Pediatric and Family Nursing
Pediatric and family nursing emphasizes family-centered care, focusing on the health and well-being of children and their families. This approach recognizes parents as critical information sources and part of the caregiving team, improving trust, collaboration, and patient outcomes. Family-centered care can enhance the emotional, physical, and psychological health of children by maintaining familial bonds during treatment.
Nurses in this field, including nurse midwives and nurse midwife professionals, work with children from infancy through adolescence, providing routine check-ups, vaccinations, and managing acute and chronic conditions.
We will further discuss the roles of Pediatric Nurses, Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs), and School Nurses.
Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric nurses provide medical care for children from infancy through adolescence, including routine check-ups and vaccinations. They require patience and a genuine enjoyment of working with children, as their care must be tailored to the needs of young patients.
Adopting family-centered care principles, pediatric nurses:
- Treat each child as an individual
- Support family values and strengths to promote positive outcomes
- Focus on building relationships
- Show empathy
This approach enhances care delivery.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) deliver comprehensive healthcare to individuals and families, managing both acute and chronic conditions across all ages. They are responsible for:
- Diagnosing and treating illnesses
- Conducting physical exams
- Performing diagnostic testing
- Prescribing medications
The career outlook for FNPs is highly favorable, with a projected 45% increase in jobs, significantly higher than the national average. This makes FNPs an excellent choice for those seeking a rewarding and stable nursing career.
School Nurse
School nurses provide care to students within a school or district, performing the following tasks:
- Diagnosing illnesses
- Treating minor injuries
- Assisting with other medical concerns that don’t require further action
- Conducting health screenings
- Treating minor injuries
- Assisting with medication
- Consulting with teaching staff
To become a school nurse, one generally needs an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing, with a BSN usually being the minimum requirement for school nursing jobs.
The average annual salary for school nurses is around $65,052 per year, reflecting the importance of their role in maintaining student health.
Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing
Psychiatric nursing focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, providing crucial support to patients in need. This specialization offers important care for those facing psychological disorders. These nurses:
- Assess patients’ mental health
- Make treatment recommendations
- Provide counseling services
- Work with behavioral health staff to design appropriate care plans.
Mental health nurses:
- Promote wellness through prevention, education, and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders
- Form therapeutic relationships with patients to understand their stories and challenges
- Provide comprehensive care for their emotional and mental needs
We will delve deeper into the roles of Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) and Mental Health Nurses.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) help diagnose and treat patients with mental illnesses or disabilities, aid in medication management, and provide education on mental health conditions. They provide a full range of psychiatric-mental health care across the lifespan, including:
- Diagnosing mental illnesses or disabilities
- Prescribing medications
- Administering psychotherapy
- Providing education on mental health conditions
Individuals aspiring to become a PMHNP must complete the following steps:
- Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
- Obtain a Registered Nurse (RN) license.
- Gain experience as an RN in a mental health setting.
- Complete a Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.
- Obtain certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
- Apply for licensure as a PMHNP in your state.
The average annual salary of a psychiatric nurse practitioner is $115,495, reflecting the specialized nature of their work.
Mental Health Nurse
Mental health nurses engage in the following tasks:
- Crisis intervention
- Stabilization
- Listening and empathy
- Forming therapeutic relationships with patients
- Providing comprehensive care for emotional and mental needs
Their role in promoting mental wellness through prevention, education, and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders is crucial in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Administrative and Educational Nursing Roles
Administrative and educational nursing roles involve leadership, management, and teaching responsibilities. These positions include Nurse Educators, Nurse Managers, and Nursing Administrators, each playing a crucial role in shaping the future of nursing and healthcare delivery.
Nurse educators prepare the next generation of nurses by teaching clinical skills, patient care methods, and best collaboration practices. Nurse managers oversee nursing staff, manage budgets, and ensure quality patient care. Nursing administrators lead entire nursing departments, develop policies, and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. We will discuss these roles further in the following sections.
Nurse Educator
Nurse educators play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of nurses. Their primary responsibilities include:
- Teaching clinical skills
- Ensuring students can perform necessary medical procedures safely and effectively
- Developing and updating curricula to meet current healthcare standards and practices
In addition to teaching, nurse educators:
- Mentor nursing students, providing guidance and support throughout their educational journey
- Help students navigate challenges and foster their professional growth
- Ensure a well-prepared nursing workforce for the future
Nurse Manager
Nurse managers have several important responsibilities, including:
- Overseeing medical care and ensuring adherence to care plans
- Managing nursing staff and ensuring they are providing quality patient care
- Managing budgets and resources effectively
- Providing leadership and guidance to the nursing team
- Maintaining high standards of patient care
To effectively fulfill these responsibilities, nurse managers need to have strong leadership and organizational skills.
Becoming a nurse manager usually requires completing an ASN or BSN program in nursing and obtaining an RN license. Additionally, gaining management experience is also necessary for this role. Nurse managers commonly practice in hospitals, in-home healthcare settings, and physician’s offices, ensuring that healthcare services are delivered efficiently and effectively.
Nursing Administrator
Nursing administrators are responsible for:
- Leading entire nursing departments
- Ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of nursing services within healthcare facilities
- Developing policies and procedures to maintain high standards of nursing care and compliance with healthcare regulations.
To become a nursing administrator, one typically needs a nursing degree and advanced education in healthcare administration or a related field. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills are essential for success in this role. Nursing administrators play a critical role in shaping the quality of patient care and improving healthcare delivery systems.
Travel and Temporary Nursing Positions
Travel and temporary nursing positions offer flexibility and opportunities to work in various healthcare settings. Travel nurses:
- Respond to healthcare facility nursing shortages
- Complete temporary assignments around the country or world
- Work closely with physicians and medical teams to design treatment plans and care for patients.
To become a travel nurse, one must have an associate’s degree in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Travel nurses can earn up to $7,350 per week in certain high-demand roles, making it a lucrative career choice. We will delve deeper into the roles of Travel Nurses and Per Diem Nurses.
Travel Nurse
Nurse staffing agencies, including BOS Medical Staffing, streamline job placement for travel nurses by handling logistical aspects such as credential verification and relocation assistance. This support allows nurses to focus on their clinical responsibilities and enjoy the flexibility of travel nursing.
Travel nurses can enjoy the following benefits:
- Earning up to $7,350 per week in certain high-demand roles
- Working in various healthcare settings
- Gaining diverse clinical experience
- Exploring different parts of the country or world
This makes it a lucrative and rewarding career choice.
Per Diem Nurse
Per diem nurses provide staffing support on an as-needed basis to fill in gaps in healthcare facilities. They earn higher hourly rates compared to full-time staff due to the flexibility and on-demand nature of their work.
Per diem nursing offers the following benefits:
- Flexibility to choose when and where to work
- Ideal option for those seeking a better work-life balance
- Crucial role in ensuring that healthcare facilities can maintain adequate staffing levels during peak times or emergencies.
Choosing Your Nursing Specialty
Choosing the right nursing specialty is a critical decision that can shape your career and personal fulfillment. Creating a vision board or list of your ideal nursing day can help align your career aspirations with your personal values. Reflecting on past clinical experiences where you felt most engaged can guide your specialty choice.
Consider the following steps when choosing a nursing specialty:
- Shadow nurses in different specialties to gain a real-world understanding of various fields.
- Network with professional organizations and attend workshops to gain insights into different nursing specialties.
- Trust your instincts and balance feelings with logical decision-making when making your choice.
By following these steps, you can make an informed decision about which nursing specialty is right for you.
Study To Become a Nurse With BOS Medical Staffing
BOS Medical Staffing is a healthcare and medical staffing agency in Georgia, helping nurses find great jobs and healthcare facilities find great people. They place various types of healthcare professionals, including:
- RNs
- LVN/LPNs
- Technicians
- Nursing aides
- Medical assistants
- Medical office receptionists
- Medical billers
- Office managers
Collaborating with a nurse staffing agency like BOS Medical Staffing can provide ongoing professional support and development opportunities, making them a preferred career partner for many nurses. They offer additional benefits such as high-paying positions, flexible scheduling, and continuous support, positioning nurses favorably for career growth.
Ready To Start Your Nursing Career?
BOS Medical Staffing helps nurses find great jobs and healthcare facilities find great people, offering opportunities to explore nursing programs and job placements for aspiring nurses. They provide job opportunities for various nursing positions, including Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Registered Nurse (RN), with roles in long-term care facilities, clinics, and crisis stabilization units.
Positions offered by BOS Medical Staffing are available in multiple locations across Georgia, such as Athens, Commerce, and Suwanee. Signing up for job alerts with BOS Medical Staffing allows you to be notified of new job opportunities that match your search criteria, ensuring you never miss out on a great opportunity.
Summary
Nursing offers a diverse range of career paths, from traditional roles like Hospital RN to specialized fields such as Oncology Nurse and advanced practice positions like Nurse Practitioner. Each role plays a crucial part in the healthcare system, providing essential care and support to patients and their families.
Whether you’re just starting your nursing career or looking to advance, understanding the different opportunities available can help you find the perfect fit. With the support of agencies like BOS Medical Staffing, you can explore various nursing specialties and find a role that aligns with your personal values and career aspirations. Embrace the journey, and make a difference in the lives of others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main responsibilities of a registered nurse (RN)?
What qualifications are necessary to become a nurse practitioner (NP)?
To become a nurse practitioner (NP), you need to complete a relevant master’s degree such as MSN or proceed to a doctoral program (DNP or PhD) and then obtain an NP license.
What is the role of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)?
The role of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is to specialize in the administration and management of anesthesia during surgical procedures, working alongside surgeons and other healthcare professionals.
How can BOS Medical Staffing help in starting a nursing career?
What is family-centered care in pediatric nursing?
Family-centered care in pediatric nursing is focused on maintaining familial bonds during pediatric treatment, recognizing parents as critical information sources and part of the caregiving team to promote the well-being of children.