Individuals who are interested in a career in the medical field, which has many options, may want to consider nursing. There are several types of jobs in nursing working both in and out of a hospital.
For individuals who have an associate degree and are licensed registered nurses, there are several jobs within a hospital. Some nurses work in the emergency room dealing with patients that have conditions and illnesses which require urgent medical attention. For people who like a fast-paced environment, this may be a good career choice.
Nurses in hospitals also work in the intensive care units with critically ill patients. Other nursing jobs in hospitals include, working in pediatrics, the neonatal intensive care unit, and oncology.
Although hospitals employ a large number of nurses, there are many other jobs in nursing that are not in a hospital setting. Insurance companies hire nurses to complete physicals on applicants who apply for insurance polices. Schools may also employ a nurse to treat minor medical problems students may have. Home health agencies and hospice services employ nurses to provide medical care in a patient's home. Hospice nurses provide care for patients with a terminal illness.
Additional jobs in nursing that are outside of a hospital include occupational health nursing. This type of nursing job involves developing programs that help prevent job related illnesses. Nurses may also provide first aid to employees at the work site.
Nurses who have additional education can become nurse anesthetists. This career option requires a masters degree in nursing. Nurse anesthetists work in the operating room administering anesthesia during surgery. Jobs in nursing where additional education is required also include becoming a midwife. Midwives are nurses who provide prenatal care to pregnant women and may deliver a baby instead of a physician.
Keep in mind, not all jobs in nursing require direct patient care. Infection control nurses investigate and track certain infectious diseases in hospitals. Part of their job may be to help develop ways to prevent outbreaks. Nurse case managers also do not provide medical care to patients. Instead, their job is to oversee a patient with a serious medical condition and ensure their needs are being met, including obtaining services such as rehabilitation and social service support.
Many nurses may start off in one area of nursing and move into another area later in their careers. With all the jobs in nursing that are available, it may help prevent boredom and career burnout.
