Where Does a Registered Nurse (RN) Work?
Florence Nightingale. Mary Todd Lincoln. Clara Barton.
These are some of history's most famous and influential nurses. They cared for people living in poverty, tended to wounded soldiers and sick presidents, and founded the world's largest humanitarian network. Yes, nurses have played an important role in making the world a better place. Today, millions more are following in the footsteps of those who came before them.
In fact, today's nurses have taken the torch passed on to them and expanded the profession's reach and importance. They still work in hospitals, but they also work in a variety of other settings that just might surprise you. Here's a look at where nurses work--and how they're helping more people than ever.
Primary Care Clinics
There are thousands of nurses across the country who work in primary care clinics (according to the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing). Nurses who work in primary care clinics typically don't care for critically ill or injured patients like their colleagues in hospitals. But they do evaluate patients, record their symptoms, assist doctors during exams, dress wounds, and educate patients about self-care and the importance of healthy living.
Home Healthcare
There are more than 45 million people in the United States who are 65 or older according to the Administration for Community Living and many are homebound. Those who are fortunate enough to have a nurse working in their homes enjoy greater independence, health, and vitality. Nurses who work in patients' homes assist with basic living activities and the administration of medicine.
Home healthcare nurse also get to know their patients on a personal level, making the job even more rewarding (according to the Home Healthcare Nurses Association).
Hospices
Hospice nurses have what some would call the most important job of all nurses: caring for patients who are terminally ill or dying. Nurses build trusting relationships with patients and their families, ensure patients' last moments are as comfortable as possible and work to ensure that patients' wishes are honored.
The job can be emotionally taxing and also incredibly rewarding. The Hospice & Palliative Nurse Association is a great resource for people who want to learn more about what it's like to work as a hospice nurse.
Nursing Education
It has been said that educators are the future of the nursing profession. Nurses educators are registered nurses who train aspiring nurses and nurses seeking advanced degrees in the art and science of the profession. They serve as faculty members at nursing schools and teaching hospitals, sharing their knowledge on everything from skills to technology to the soft skills required to be a successful nurse.
One of the nice things about becoming a nurse educator is that you likely won't have difficulty finding a job--nurse educators are in high demand (according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing).
Mental Health Agencies
Mental health nurses work with some of the country's most vulnerable. Patients include children, adults, families and groups who are affected by mental health conditions. Mental health nurses assess patients' needs, diagnose conditions and develop care plans that can include the use of prescription medication, therapy and psychotherapy.
Mental health nurses don't just work in psychiatric clinics. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association states many work in private practices, government organizations and even corporations.
Military
Military nurses play a critical role in keeping the country's military members and their families healthy. Many military nurses work on bases across the country and around the world. Some serve in war zones. Their duties can range from caring for the critically ill or injured to ensuring that military families are receiving proper primary care.
Military nurses are part of the Armed Services, so many join organizations associated with specific branches of the military.
Industry
A healthy workforce is critically important to businesses as well as the nation's economy. For that reason, businesses in every industry employ occupational health nurses to ensure that workers are fit and able to perform their job duties. This is especially important in healthcare, transportation and other industries that are highly regulated by the government.
Learn more about the important role occupational health nurses play in our country by visiting the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses website.
Where will you make a difference as a nurse?
Nurses have played a critical role in keeping people well for centuries. Florence Nightingale worked in a military hospital. Mary Todd Lincoln cared for her husband, President Abraham Lincoln, and played an important role in establishing the nation's nursing corps. Clara Barton started the Red Cross. Today, nurses continue to care for the ill and advance the profession in hospitals, primary care clinic and other settings.
If you're interested in becoming a registered nurse (RN) and are looking to earn your Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, consider ECPI University for your educational needs. With an accelerated schedule and year-round classes, you could earn your degree faster and start working sooner. For more information and to talk to a knowledgeable admissions advisor, contact ECPI University today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Nursing (RN) - Associate’s
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