What Do Registered Nurses (RNs) Do?
Registered Nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide patient care across the lifespan. They work closely with patients, families, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams in critical moments of care and recovery.
RNs are trained to work in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, emergency departments, surgical units, long-term care facilities, and mental health centers.
Where Do Registered Nurses Work?
Registered Nurses can pursue careers in diverse environments, such as:
- Hospitals and critical care units
- Outpatient and primary care clinics
- Emergency rooms and surgical centers
- Long-term care and hospice facilities
- Schools and community health settings
- Mental health clinics and inpatient units
What Types of Care Do Nurses Provide?
RNs deliver comprehensive care at every stage of life:
- Prenatal and newborn care for mothers and infants
- Pediatric care in schools, clinics, and hospitals
- Adult health education, including chronic disease management
- Geriatric care for aging populations, including home care, long-term care, and hospice
In addition to physical care, nurses are trained to support the mental and emotional health of patients and their families.
What Is the Job Outlook for Registered Nurses?
The demand for Registered Nurses remains strong across the United States. Nursing graduates are prepared through classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences to pass the national licensure examination (NCLEX-RN) and pursue careers in a variety of healthcare settings and geographic locations.