Registered Nurses (RNs) are critical members of the healthcare team who work with patients, families, and other health professionals at the times in life that matter most. RNs are prepared to work in a wide variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, long- term care facilities, emergency rooms, surgery, critical care units, and in mental health clinics or inpatient units.
RNs provide prenatal care, attend to mothers during delivery and are present for the first moments of life for newborn babies. Nurses work with children in schools, clinics, and hospitals. For young and midlife adults, teaching health maintenance and how to control chronic diseases is often the focus. The growing population of older adults needs the care of RNs in a variety of settings- from their home to hospitals to long term care facilities. Some RNs specialize in geriatric care, including specialized roles such as long-term care or hospice nursing. Nurses not only provide care for the physical needs of patients at all stages of life; they are also prepared to care for the mental health needs of patients and their families.
The job market for RNs remains strong. The classroom and clinical experiences that prepare graduates to take the national licensure examination equip nurses to be prepared to work in varied geographical areas.