Most people realize from hearing the news or reading the paper that RNs are in demand. Did you also know what they represent, in the health care industry, the biggest vocation? You may think of an RN as someone who gives you shots in your doctors office or who records you symptoms at the hospital, but they can do many other things as well.

In addition to working directly with patients some RNs go into a more management role overseeing other nurses.

Working in the emergency room or in surgery is how many think of an RN career. While a significant number or RNs do work in hospitals they do not just work in the more common departments. Hospitals have many specialized departments such as maternity and pediatrics.

If you are wondering what type of RN roles exist where someone can really specialize there are several. For instance some work with Alzheimers patients and others work with stroke victims to name a couple.

Traveling to a patients home is common as well in a role called a home health nurse. They may go to someones house to help who is recovering from surgery or other illnesses.

Where else do nurses work? Nurses may also work for companies as industrial nurses and occupational health nurses. Or they may work for the government or a private organization for public health.

Ordering supplies and maintaining the medical equipment may be a job responsibility for head nurses. They also manage nurses under them and plan their schedules.

Many registered nurses wish to advance their career but not in a management role as they may enjoy working with patients more closely as opposed to managing staff. These nurses may consider becoming a nurse practitioner or becoming a specialist such as a clinical nurse specialist.