What Kind of Jobs Do RNs Do?
Registered nurses (RN) have broad roles in medical care settings within and outside care facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses account for about 2.6 million jobs in the healthcare industry. Out of these positions, approximately 60 percent of registered nurses work in hospitals and 20 percent work on a part-time basis.
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Training
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Registered nurses are required to complete a nursing training program and obtain certification before being allowed to practice. According to the BLS, RNs complete training through diploma, community college or university programs. Diploma programs are typically operated by hospitals and take about three years to complete. Community college programs lead to an associate's degree in nursing and require two to three years to finish. A bachelor's degree in nursing is completed at four-year institutions and offers the best prospects for career advancement.
Hospitals
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The job of a registered nurse depends largely on an employer. For example, RNs caring for patients in hospitals have active roles in the care plans of patients. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses plan or contribute to patient care, monitor for medication interactions, manage intravenous care and consult with doctors. In addition, some registered nurses have supervisory positions directing the work of nurse aides or licensed practical nurses.
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Specialties
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Aside from working in hospitals, registered nurses have the option to specialize in a particular field of medical care. For instance, home healthcare nurses provide services to patients recovering at home after discharge from the hospital. Occupational health nurses are focused on preventing injuries in the workplace. In addition, occupational health nurses help employers put injury prevention plans in place. Emergency room or trauma nurses work in emergency departments to treat patients with serious and life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
Working Conditions
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Registered nurses typically work in settings that require limited physical exertion and irregular work hours. According to the BLS, nurses work in healthcare facilities that include hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices and patients' homes. In addition, the physical strain on nurses comes from walking and standing for long periods of time. Depending on employer, nurses may be obligated to work odd hours like night shifts, weekends and holidays. Twenty-four-hour care facilities may also have registered nurses on call to work outside of traditional work hours.
Management
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Although most registered nurses begin their careers as staff nurses in healthcare facilities, RNs have the opportunity to advance to management positions. The BLS reports that RNs with a record of performance and experience have the potential to advance to unit manager or head nurse. More senior roles include administrative positions within hospital nursing departments such as director, chief or vice president of nursing. An RN who prefers to remain in the medical field can move on to advanced practice nurse positions in which the focus is on working with doctors and primary care.
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