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.

Patients cares is not the path for all registered nurses as some later go on to supervisory positions and manage other RNs.

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.

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.

Where else do nurses work? Nurses may also work for companies as industrial nurses and occupational health nurses. Or they may work for the government or a private organization for public health.

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.