Registered nurses (RNs) care for patients and promote their physical, mental, and social well-being. The duties performed by RNs include: monitoring patient status and progress, providing care and rehabilitation, administering medication, and advising patients and their families on preventive health care measures. State laws and specific employer restrictions specify exactly what a registered nurse is allowed to do on the job. The title of registered nurse encompasses a wide range of specialties, among them: hospital nurses (bedside care in various hospital departments), office nurses (office and clinical care which may involve office work), home health nurse (nursing service in the home environment), geriatric nurses (long-term care nursing), public health nurses (community-wide health educator), occupational health/industrial nurses (worksite care), and nurse manager/nurse administrator. RNs may also work in evolving roles such as clinical research team members, rapid response team members, case managers, and in nursing informatics. Specialized training or experience may be necessary for all of these positions. The main difference among them, however, is the setting and/or the population served.
Annual Pay
Education Needed
Where to Get Education
$39,000-$71,000
Must complete an Associates Degree in Nursing or Associates in Applied Science or a Bachelor's in nursing before being eligible for a national certifying exam
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