Where Can You Work as a Nurse?

Nurses work in a variety of settings as caregivers, advocates and health educators for patients, families and communities. As a nurse, you can promote wellness, prevent disease and help people cope with illness in hospitals, long-term care facilities, offices, schools, clinics, on the job and at home.

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Hospital Nurses

Forming the largest group of nurses, hospital nurses provide bedside patient care and administer medical regimens. They also supervise LPNs and nursing aides. Usually, hospital nurses choose a specialized area of interest like the ER, medical surgical, OR, maternity, or critical care. Others rotate departments.

Long-Term Care Nurses

These nurses care for those with conditions ranging from a fracture to Alzheimer's disease in nursing homes, assisted living residences, adult day care centers and homes for persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. In addition to administrative and supervisory tasks, RNs also assess residents' health conditions, develop treatment plans, provide bedside care, and supervise licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and nursing aides.

Office Nurses

Office nurses care for outpatients in doctors' offices, clinics or medical centers. Their responsibilities include assisting with exams, dressing wounds, administering injections and medications, assisting with minor surgery and maintaining patient records.

Home Health Nurses

Nurses on the go, home health nurses treat patients in their own homes. They care for a broad range of patients from those recovering from illnesses to those who are still battling illness. They also supervise home health aides.

Public Health Nurses

These nurses work in government and private agencies, clinics, schools, retirement facilities and other community settings. They arrange for immunizations, blood pressure testing, and other health screenings. They focus on populations, advising individuals, groups, and families on health issues like nutrition and childcare. They may also work side by side with community leaders, teachers or physicians to improve community health education.

Occupational Health Nurses

Occupational health nurses serve job sites providing nursing care to employees, customers, and others with minor injuries and illnesses. They also offer health counseling, conduct health exams and assess work environments to identify any health threats.

Head Nurses or Nursing Supervisors

They plan work schedules, assign duties, provide training and observe staff nurses.