11 Job Options for Registered Nurses

Critical care nurses take care of people, from infants to older adults, who have life-threatening illnesses or injuries. They play a pivotal role in stabilizing patients and managing complex technology. These nurses need strong communication skills, must practice good logistics, and stay calm in a stressful and fast-paced environment.

Occupational health nurses specialize in preventing injury and illness in a variety of industries. These RNs assess hazards, provide education, and collaborate with the employer to create a safe and healthy work environment to support employee safety and productivity.

Informatics nurses integrate nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage data and knowledge in nursing practice. These RNs leverage technology to enhance patient care and improve workflow efficiency to facilitate decision-making in the healthcare setting.

Certified nurse-midwives are advanced practice nurses who specialize in women’s reproductive health and childbirth. These nurses provide their patients with prenatal, labor, and postpartum care, including gynecological services and family planning.

Travel nurses are RNs who work temporary assignments in a variety of settings across the country. Assignments typically last several weeks to several months, offering nurses the opportunity to network and gain new clinical skills.

Family nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) who focus on providing primary care to individuals and families. They diagnose and treat common acute and chronic health conditions, promote health maintenance, and emphasize preventive care.

Public health nurses focus on improving the health and well-being of communities using preventive care and health promotion strategies. These nurses assess the needs of the community and use this information to develop and implement programs, collaborating with a variety of stakeholders to address these issues.

Geriatric and continuing care nurses specialize in providing comprehensive healthcare to senior adults with chronic illnesses or disabilities. RNs in this job assess, manage, and coordinate services tailored to promote quality of life and continuity of care across a variety of healthcare settings.

Oncology nursing focuses on providing specialized care to patients with cancer and their families. These nurses play a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer. They offer support, education, and compassionate care throughout their journey with cancer.

Legal nurse consultants are RNs who lend their expertise in healthcare to legal proceedings. These nurses bridge a gap between healthcare and the law, which helps attorneys who have medical- or health-related cases by reviewing records, interpreting information, and offering insight into complex healthcare issues. They perform medical literature searches, educate attorneys, and provide evidence at trial.

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are APRNs who specialize in administering anesthesia and managing pain during surgical procedures. CRNAs play a vital role in patient safety throughout an operation.