Printing Australia

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.

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.

Some nurses work at Doctors office or in a medical center and assist the doctor. Other nurses may only work in a laboratory setting.

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.

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.

What type of job requirements do nursing supervisors hold? Of course managing the nursing staff is one of their responsibilities but they may also be responsible for ordering new supplies and making sure the medical equipment is maintained.

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.

< Prev		Next >