According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the nursing field will grow by 7% by 2029. As baby boomers age, the need for qualified registered nurses will only increase. If you’re considering becoming a nurse, the time to pursue your dream is now.
If you’re taking the first steps toward investigating nursing careers, you might not be aware of how many types of nurses there are. Not every healthcare professional needs to work in a hospital or office environment! A great nurse can help people in many unique and challenging settings.
Unsure where to start? Check out our guide to nursing jobs. You’ll learn about nursing responsibilities for professionals in some atypical professional environments!
Read on to learn more!
What Does a Nurse Do?
Nurses in any setting have similar responsibilities. Registered nurse responsibilities traditionally include the following:
- Taking health histories
- Conducting physical examinations
- Analyzing emotional and physical needs
- Providing education about healthcare
- Coordinating care
- Performing health-related testing such as drawing blood
- Checking vital signs
- Operating medical machinery, such as life support
These responsibilities can vary based on the setting. Essentially, a nurse’s job is to provide ongoing care to a patient before, during, or after a medical examination or diagnosis.
What Type of Nurse Can I Become?
Sometimes the setting where a nurse works dictates the type of nurse they become. Many nurses work in traditional settings such as hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, or healthcare centers. Other times, the population you work with will dictate your title.
Here are a few types of nurses, including the setting and populations that make each role unique.
Travel Nurse
A travel nurse works in multiple healthcare settings, usually on a short-term contract. They travel the country or the world to offer expertise where it’s needed. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many travel nurses worked in emergency rooms across the country as the virus spiked in various locations.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Family nurse practitioners work as part of a healthcare team, usually in an office, clinic, or hospital setting. They work with families, including children and the elderly.
School Nurse
A school nurse works in a pediatric or adolescent school setting. Settings might include a school nurse’s office, a campus clinic, or an infirmary. Some school nurses work in camps during the summer.
Ambulatory Nurse
Ambulatory nurses provide support in ambulances or on helicopters. They work in the highest stakes scenarios with limited space and supplies.
Neonatal Nurse
Neonatal nurses treat sick babies and their families. They often work with babies who have just been born. They sometimes provide support for new mothers as well.
Will You Become One Of These Types of Nurses?
All types of nurses are vital to keeping the population safe and healthy. Do you have what it takes to work in this challenging, in-demand field? Whether you find yourself on the road or in a clinic, you will make a difference in the lives of your patients every day.
Are you unsure if nursing is for you? Check out the rest of the blog for more posts on career and education. Your dream role is waiting!
