Not All Nurses Work in Hospitals
Hospital nursing is not the only role for nurses, although approximately 3 out of 5 nurses do work in hospitals according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And many roles in the hospital are changing to accommodate the aging population of nurses.
Other Venues and Roles
Nurses work in industry as health care educators and industrial health nurses; they assist on movies sets providing first aid and medical assistance and sometimes as consultants or coaches for those portraying medical personnel.
They work in home health, doctors offices, public health clinics, and as flight nurses assisting patients who need to be transported. Nurses are a vital part of the armed forces throughout the world. Research nurses work in areas such as pharmaceuticals, and clinical trials of drugs and other treatment modalities.
Pharmaceutical companies also employ nurses as drug reps to educate physicians and pharmacists on new medications. Medical supply companies hire nurses to educate other nurses and healthcare workers on their products such as wound care supplies.
Insurance companies utilize nurses in a variety of roles from educating patients to case managing care for patients from single episodes to catastrophic illnesses.
Nurse Educators for Nurses and Patients
Of course nurses are educators who not only educate other nurses and healthcare workers, but those who specialize in diseases such as diabetes also educate patients and other healthcare workers in managing chronic illnesses.
Nursing education (clinicals) takes place primarily in hospitals to give nurses the general skills that will take them on their journey throughout their career.
Advanced Education Needed?
Nursing roles expand constantly to meet the needs of patients and the healthcare and wellness environments. Some roles require advanced or specialized education. Others just require the courage to make a change. If you're not happy in your current role; investigate a change before you give up nursing all together.
