Is AN RN Career For You?

by: ConnieWarenstein
Total views: 31 | Word Count: 337

An RN can have several different job duties and career paths. When most folks think about an RN they probably picture them working in a hospital or maybe working in their Dr.s office. This is common as that is how most people experience face to face contact with a registered nurse.

Advancement to supervisor is common for many RNs during their career. This path is not for everyone though as many people do not enjoy managing others and those types of registered nurses are usually happier working directly with patients.

Working in the emergency room or in surgery is how many think of an RN career. While a significant number or RNs do work in hospitals they do not just work in the more common departments. Hospitals have many specialized departments such as maternity and pediatrics.

Retirement homes and communities also need nurses on staff. These fields as well as all nurses fields are growing as the population ages. In addition to patient care in these fields there are also opportunities in management roles.

Certain types of patients need personal care at home and as such home health nurses go to their home to provide care. These patients have generally recently come out of surgery or are older or newborns. They may also have cancer or a terminal illness.

Other places registered nurses work include the government and private organizations. These entities may hire nurses for public health work. Other nurses may work for companies in certain industries at the place of employment to provide emergency assistance and to give exams to employees.

Ordering supplies and maintaining the medical equipment may be a job responsibility for head nurses. They also manage nurses under them and plan their schedules.

Many registered nurses wish to advance their career but not in a management role as they may enjoy working with patients more closely as opposed to managing staff. These nurses may consider becoming a nurse practitioner or becoming a specialist such as a clinical nurse specialist.

About the Author

Completing an rn program and later going back to school to finish your rn to bsn online is fairly common. A significant number of nurses take this career path.