Registered Nurse Careers
Registered nurses
work in a variety of settings. They perform work such as provide advice and support to patient’s families, educate patients, treat them and do other things involving their medical histories. They also help perform diagnostic tests and then analyze the findings, operate medical machines, administer medications and assist in patient post-recovery and rehabilitation.
Registered Nurses may teach other patients and other family members how to take care of people that are suffering from an illness or injuries. They will also explain information such as medical therapy and administration of medication. Some Registered Nurses may work to promote health by educating people of warning signs and symptoms that they may be experiencing. They also may run general health screenings, blood drives, clinics and public information nights on conditions people suffer from and how to deal with them.
Most Registered Nurses do work in a comfortable health care environment. Home health and public health care workers who are Registered Nurses must travel to locations such as schools, patient homes and other centers or locations. Registered Nurses also spend a lot of time standing, walking, lifting and bending in order to accommodate patients and assist them.
Patients that are in hospitals or other healthcare agencies do require 24-hour care so some Registered Nurses may have to work on holidays, nights and even on the weekend. Many other Registered Nurses are also on call, so they must be able to work on short notice. Nurses that work in schools, offices and other settings do not provide 24-hour care as they are likely to work business hours. About 20% of Registered Nurses worked part time during the year of 2008.
Registered Nurses can come into close contact with infectious germs and diseases. They may also come across potentially hazardous medications and compounds. Registered Nurses must observe their surroundings in order to protect themselves from disease and other germs which can come from radiation, needle sticks, instruments and common chemicals. Following proper procedures and protocols help to reduce this risk.
As the largest occupation, Registered Nurses held close to 2.6 million jobs during the year of 2008. 60% of those were employed in hospitals. About 8% were in offices or clinics, 5% in nursing homes, 5% in home healthcare and 3% in employment facilities. The remainder of these individuals worked in social assistance agencies, education services and government employers.
Employment of Registered Nurses is going to grow close to 22% by the year of 2018, which is must faster than other occupations are expected to grow. Growth is going to be responsible for the big hike, with an increase in technological advances for patient care, health problems and the increasing population. Also, the number of people who are going to need health care service is expected to grow in the near future.
Overall job opportunities are expected to grow and be good for Registered Nurses. Employers in the United States will not have difficulty in obtaining a job. Jobs will be open due to Registered Nurses retiring or finding work in other areas of the hospital or elsewhere.
Employers in the country have reported that attracting and keeping Registered Nurses with them is very hard due to the number of open positions. Health care is always going to be a part of life and people will be needed there to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

