Launching Your Career
Healthcare is one of the fastest growing and changing segments
of the U.S. economy—and nursing has been one of the careers most
affected. Knowing the direction that nursing is moving in will
help you get the edge in your job search.
How and where nurses work is evolving as our healthcare
system, government policies, attitudes, and population all
change. The emerging model of health care involves a
consumer-oriented, wellness-focused, economically feasible system
of primary care. It offers services along a continuum, ranging
from prevention through acute to postacute care, delivered where
people reside or work.
Nurses work along this entire continuum, so being familiar
with the changes taking place throughout the health industry can
give you an extra advantage when looking for a job. You'll know
where nurses work and what nursing entails at different
locations, which can help you decide what kind of job you'd like.
Because registered nurses (RNs) work in many more setttings than
people realize, this knowledge will give you a leg up in your job
search.
Hospital Nurses
Hospital nurses form the largest group of nurses. Most are staff
nurses, who provide bedside nursing care and carry out the
medical regimen prescribed by physicians. They may also supervise
licensed practical nurses and aides. Hospital nurses are usually
assigned to one area such as surgery, maternity, pediatrics,
emergency room, intensive care, treatment of cancer patients, or
they may rotate among departments.
Office Nurses
Office nurses assist physicians in private practice, clinics,
surgicenters, emergency medical centers, and health maintenance
organizations (HMOs). They prepare patients for and assist with
examinations, administer injections and medications, dress wounds
and incisions, assist with minor surgery, and maintain records.
Some also perform routine laboratory and office work.
Home Health Nurses
Home health nurses provide periodic services, prescribed by a
physician, to patients at home. They care for and instruct
patients and their families. Home health nurses care for a broad
range of patients, such as those recovering from illnesses and
accidents, cancer, and childbirth. They must be able to work
independently.
Nursing Home Nurses
Nursing home nurses manage nursing care for residents with
conditions ranging from a fracture to Alzheimer's disease.
Although they generally spend most of their time on
administrative and supervisory tasks, RNs also assess residents'
medical condition, develop treatment plans, supervise licensed
practical nurses and nursing aides, and perform difficult
procedures such as starting intravenous fluids. They also work in
specialty-care departments, such as long-term rehabilitation
units for strokes and head injuries.
Public Health Nurses
Public health nurses work in government and private agencies and
clinics, schools, retirement communities and other community
settings. They instruct individuals, families, and other groups
in health education, disease prevention, nutrition, and child
care. They arrange for immunizations, blood pressure testing, and
other health screening. These nurses also work with community
leaders, teachers, parents, and physicians in community health
education.
Occupational Health or Industrial
Nurses
These nurses provide nursing care at worksites to employees,
customers, and others with minor injuries and illnesses. They
provide emergency care, prepare accident reports, and arrange for
further care if necessary. They also offer health counseling,
assist with health examinations and inoculations, and work on
accident prevention programs.
Head Nurses or Nurse
Supervisors
These nurses direct nursing activities. They plan work schedules
and assign duties to nurses and aides, provide or arrange for
training, and visit patients to observe nurses and to ensure that
care is proper. They may also ensure that records are maintained
and that equipment and supplies are ordered.
Nurse Practitioner
At the advanced level, nurse practitioners provide basic health
care. They diagnose and treat common acute illnesses and
injuries. Nurse practitioners can prescribe medications in some
states. Other advanced practice nurses include clinical nurse
specialists, nurse anesthetists, and certified
nurse-midwives.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational
Outlook Handbook
