First off what does a registered nurse do? Like most careers, it depends on what type of job the RN is doing, as there are many options available. Generally when most people think about RNs they see them directly working with patients such as in a hospital or doctors office.

In addition to working directly with patients some RNs go into a more management role overseeing other nurses.

A significant number of registered nurses work at hospitals in one of several different departments. Many people may think of the emergency room or the maternity ward but there are many other specialized departments such as 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.

Traveling to a patients home is common as well in a role called a home health nurse. They may go to someones house to help who is recovering from surgery or other illnesses.

Who else hires nurses? Private organizations and the government do for public health nurses. The will work in communities to help provide preventive care or to provide other services such as counseling families.

Training new nurse professionals is part of what a nurse supervisor does. They also plan and setup work schedules for their staff.

Advanced nursing careers are also available such as a certified registered nurse anesthetists or a certified nurse midwife.