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Registered Nurse Careers
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Registered nursing is the largest occupation in health care, with over 2 million jobs. While registered nurses generally work to improve the health of patients, there are many career paths available for registered nurses to follow.
General duties of RNs include providing patient care by observing and recording symptoms, assisting physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and injuries, and assisting patients and families during recuperation and convalescence. Nurses can develop treatment plans, and instruct and educate the patient on how to cope and recover from a disease.
The specific duties performed by RNs typically depend on where they are employed, and the type of patients they work with. Here are some job titles and duties performed by nurses:
Hospital Nurses
This is the largest group of nurses. They typically work in one area of the hospital, such as maternity, the emergency room, surgery, or intensive care, and provide bedside assistance for patients. They may also have supervisory responsibility for nursing aides and practical nurses.
Office Nurses
Working in individual physician's offices or clinics, these nurses work with doctors and outpatients by assisting with examinations, counseling patients and administering medicines. Depending on the size of the office, they may also assist with lab work, or perform front office duties.
Public Health Nurses
Working in the community, public health nurses work to improve the overall health of its population. They may be employed by government or private agencies. Their responsibilities include planning and running health programs, instructing individuals and groups on proper health procedures and issues, and conducting health screenings.
Other Types of Registered Nurses
Registered nurses may also work in nursing homes, where they manage the care of residents and supervise the activities of LPNs and nursing aides. Home health nurses provide care to patients at their homes. Industrial nurses work for companies, providing on-site care and counseling at the workplace.
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