Where Do Registered Nurses Work? – (Top 15 Settings)
Written By:
Darby Faubion
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »» RN, BSN, MBA
In the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, registered nurses have crucial roles in delivering care to patients in a wide range of settings. Many people wonder, "Where do registered nurses work?” I have been a nurse for many years, and I have had opportunities to work in various settings. Each opportunity brought a new level of satisfaction and fulfillment that helped me develop and grow professionally and personally.
In this article, I will share 15 settings where registered nurses most commonly work. As you continue reading, you will learn about the duties and responsibilities of RNs in each of these settings and discover what the work environments and schedules are like. As the demand for healthcare services continues to grow, today's registered nurses are discovering not only traditional work environments but innovative new work environments, as well.
Where Do Registered Nurses Work?
(The following are the 15 settings where registered nurses most commonly work.)
WORK SETTING #1: Hospitals
Typical Duties & Responsibilities in this Setting: RNs who work in hospitals have a wide range of duties and responsibilities. Registered nurses who work in a clinical role may provide direct patient care, including administering medications, performing wound care and other procedures, and providing general patient services. RNs collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to develop and implement patient care plans, ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and procedures, and may supervise other nursing staff.
Work Environment in this Setting: The work environment in hospitals is multi-faceted and challenging. It is also very rewarding. In hospitals, registered nurses work closely with interdisciplinary team members, which requires a collaborative approach and atmosphere. Working in a hospital can be physically and emotionally intense, as RNs may face working with patient suffering, end-of-life care, and critical health situations.
Work Schedule in this Setting: The work schedule for RNs in hospitals typically depends on the job title or role. Registered nurses who work in administrative positions, such as a Director of Nursing or another leadership role, may work typical office hours, Monday through Friday. Nurses who have clinical roles may work during day, evening, or night shifts. Some nurses work rotating shifts with every other weekend off, while others prefer to work only weekends.
WORK SETTING #2: Urgent Care Centers
Typical Duties & Responsibilities in this Setting: In urgent care centers, RNs are tasked with ensuring patients receive timely care for non-life-threatening conditions. Some of the duties and responsibilities associated with this setting include patient triage, performing nursing assessments, collecting samples for lab tests, conducting basic diagnostic tests, and administering treatments.
Work Environment in this Setting: Urgent care centers offer a dynamic, fast-paced environment. This setting caters to patients who need immediate care but do not require emergency action. The environment is dynamic because nurses see a broad range of patients from diverse backgrounds experience conditions from minor illnesses and injuries to more urgent, non-life-threatening conditions.
One of my friends does contract nursing, and she shared with me that one of her favorite places to work is urgent care. She told me that the fact that there is such diversity in the patient population and every patient has unique and urgent needs, she feels motivated to stay alert and ready for the unexpected!
Work Schedule in this Setting: Urgent care clinics typically have extended hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, to accommodate patient needs after regular physicians' offices close. Registered nurses who work in this setting may work shift work or rotating schedules, as well.
WORK SETTING #3: Nursing Homes
Typical Duties & Responsibilities in this Setting: Registered nurses have various duties and responsibilities in nursing homes. The requirements of an RN position in this setting depend on your job title. For example, many nursing homes hire registered nurses to work as the Director of Nursing or Assistant Director of Nursing. In these positions, you are responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of all nursing staff, including creating work schedules, developing and implementing care plans, and collaborating with doctors, support staff, and family. RNs in nursing homes may work as charge nurses, wound care nurses, or admissions coordinators, as well.
Work Environment in this Setting: The environment of nursing homes is typically set up as community living. Some residents have private rooms, while others share a room with a roommate. Well-run nursing homes try and promote a home-like feel. This type of environment makes it easier to get to know patients on a more personal level.
One thing I always loved about working in nursing homes was that I had opportunities to build long-term relationships with my patients. We celebrated birthdays, holidays, and other important events with a family-like approach. Although it has been many years since I worked in a nursing home, I still have fond memories of many of the people I cared for, and I have also been privileged to have ongoing friendships with some of their family.
Work Schedule in this Setting: Like other places where registered nurses work, the work schedule varies. In my experience, most nursing homes have three shifts: day, evening, and night. Some nursing homes schedule their nurses to work a set number of days on and off work, which creates a rotating shift. Administrative nursing staff often work typical office hours unless there is an emergency or other event that requires their presence at the home. Additionally, many nursing homes hire weekend RNs to supervise the home when administrative nursing staff are off work.
WORK SETTING #4: Physicians’ Offices
Typical Duties & Responsibilities in this Setting: The duties and responsibilities of registered nurses who work in physicians' offices often depend on the size of the office and the patient population receiving care. For instance, registered nurses who work in family practice or non-urgent care centers often hold management positions, which involve overseeing the daily activities of the clinic. RNs who work in specialty clinics may work more closely with physicians, providing hands-on care, administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, and providing patient education.
Work Environment in this Setting: The work environment for physicians’ offices is typically structured and predictable. Nurses who work in this setting often experience less physical demand compared to other settings and usually have more comfortable workspaces.
Depending on the type of physicians’ office where you work, you may see the same patients throughout their lives. For example, my friend Rachel is a nurse manager at a large primary care facility. When I asked her what she liked most about working in that type of setting. Rachel shared that some of the adult patients who come to her clinic and bring their children for care were patients there as children themselves. She said being able to be a part of her patients’ lives through all their stages makes her happy.
Work Schedule in this Setting: Unlike hospitals or nursing homes, nurses who work in physicians' offices typically work traditional office hours. The schedule is usually Monday through Friday, with nights, weekends, and holidays off. Because of this structured schedule, many nurses with school-aged children find working in physicians' offices to be a great choice.
WORK SETTING #5: Schools
Typical Duties & Responsibilities in this Setting: Registered nurses who work in school settings promote the health and well-being of students. The duties of nurses in this role include educating students, parents, and staff on health-related issues, including nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention. RNs in schools may help develop and implement health education programs, conduct routine health screenings, or provide immediate care for acute illnesses or injuries that occur during school hours. Additionally, registered nurses in schools may help manage chronic illnesses and diseases. For example, students who need medications due to health conditions such as diabetes or asthma may be treated by the registered nurse.
Work Environment in this Setting: The work environment for nurses who work in schools is generally calm and structured. However, although the setting is less intense than hospital registered nurse work settings, there are days when emergencies occur or several students require assistance. In those cases, adaptability is crucial.
Work Schedule in this Setting: One of the perks of being a nurse working in a school is that you don’t have to worry about working nights or weekends, and you have extended holiday time off. In some states, school nurses participate in summer programs, but in other states, school nurses also enjoy having summers off.
WORK SETTING #6: Home Health Agencies
Typical Duties & Responsibilities in this Setting: Another top setting where registered nurses work is home health agencies. RNs who work in home health provide care to patients in their own homes. The duties required of registered nurses in this setting vary and are personalized to meet the individual needs of each patient. Some responsibilities include performing patient assessments, developing and implementing care plans, providing wound care, patient education, and care coordination.
Work Environment in this Setting: Home health nurses provide care to patients in their own homes. Therefore, the environment can vary significantly from one patient to the next. When I worked as a home health nurse, I cared for patients who lived in some of the most lavish homes. I also cared for patients who lived in older homes with inadequate heat sources, many of whom had very little resources to help them. At first, it was shocking to me to see how differently people live.
When home health nurses are not in the field working, they often have scheduled time to be in the office. The office environment is usually structured to promote collaboration between staff and to complete patient reviews, which requires a lot of give and take and true teamwork.
Work Schedule in this Setting: Most home health nurses work Monday through Friday. However, agencies typically have weekend or on-call nurses who make after-hours visits if they are scheduled or if an unforeseen event occurs requiring a nurse visit.
WORK SETTING #7: Pharmaceutical Companies
Typical Duties & Responsibilities in this Setting: One setting many people do not realize where registered nurses work is pharmaceutical companies. In pharmaceutical companies, registered nurses have the unique opportunity to combine their clinical experience with research. Some of the duties of RNs in pharmaceutical companies include recruiting and screening patients for clinical trials, collecting and analyzing data from trials, and educating patients and clinical trial staff about medications and protocols for the trials.
Additionally, RNs in pharmaceutical companies may assist with writing clinical study reports or other documentation, work with the research and development team to help develop and market new pharmaceutical products and act as liaisons between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers.
Work Environment in this Setting: Work environments for nurses who work with pharmaceutical companies vary depending on their role. Many RNs who work in this setting work in office settings, where their focus is on documentation, research, and data analysis. Some RNs work in clinical research sites or laboratories overseeing trials. Further, some registered nurses who work for pharmaceutical companies travel, visit and monitor different sites, attend conferences, or work remotely.
Work Schedule in this Setting: Nurses who work for pharmaceutical companies usually enjoy predictable work schedules during the typical Monday through Friday workweek. However, there may be times when schedules vary based on the demands of the project or phases of a clinical trial. Another perk of working for pharmaceutical companies is that these nursing roles usually do not require shift work or on-call schedules.
WORK SETTING #8: Hospice Agencies
Typical Duties & Responsibilities in this Setting: Another setting where registered nurses work is hospice agencies. In this role, the focus is on enhancing the patient’s quality of life by providing comfort and support during the end-of-life. Registered nurses who work in hospice care perform patient assessments, administer pain and symptom management measures, educate patients and families about disease processes and what to expect during the end-of-life phase, and provide emotional support to patients and their families.
Work Environment in this Setting: The work environment for hospice agencies may differ, depending on where the patient is most comfortable. Many hospice patients remain in their homes during this phase of their lives, which means hospice nurses perform patient care in the patient’s home. Other hospice patients may reside in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Additionally, some hospice agencies have inpatient facilities where patients stay, especially during the final stage of their lives.
The goal of hospice care is to make patients as comfortable as possible during the end-of-life phase. Therefore, families and staff are encouraged to create a peaceful environment that facilitates easy patient care and time for friends and family to be together.
Work Schedule in this Setting: Hospice nurses typically have flexible schedules designed to accommodate the individual needs of their patients. When patients are admitted to hospice care, their initial care plan outlines the visit frequency for nurses and other staff. However, because each patient's status could change at any time, hospice nurses must be prepared to change their schedules as needed. Some hospice agencies require nurses to be on-call for certain periods or to take rotating shifts, ensuring there are adequate staff to address patients' needs 24 hours a day.
When I worked in hospice care, one of my jobs was Bereavement Coordinator. Part of my responsibilities required me to not only perform nursing assessments and visits, but I also counseled and assisted patients in their families as they tried to cope with their illnesses and end-of-life plans. There were times when I would receive calls in the middle of the night because a patient was transitioning and close to death, which meant they needed me. I can honestly say there is not one visit I would take back or give to someone else because every patient had an impact on my life in their own way.
WORK SETTING #9: Public Health Departments
Typical Duties & Responsibilities in this Setting: Registered nurses who work in public health departments have a broad range of duties and responsibilities, most of which revolve around promoting community health education and issues. Some of the key duties in this setting include performing community health assessments to identify needs, developing and implementing programs that promote healthy lifestyles, monitoring infectious disease outbreaks, and organizing and conducting health screenings.
Work Environment in this Setting: RNs who work for public health departments work in diverse settings. Some nurses work with community outreach programs, often partnering with community organizations, to serve high-risk populations. Some RNs work in emergency shelters, operate public health clinics, or staff mobile health units designed to bring health services to individuals in underserved communities.
Work Schedule in this Setting: Like many registered nurse work settings, public health departments may have varying schedules. Many RNs work regular business hours, typically during the day, Monday through Friday. Some registered nurse roles require flexible scheduling to accommodate community campaigns or events, such as health fairs, outreach events, or vaccine clinics. When public health crises occur, RNs may need to respond by working irregular hours until the situation is resolved.
WORK SETTING #10: Correctional Facilities
Typical Duties & Responsibilities in this Setting: Correctional facilities are a top registered nurse work setting. In this setting, nurses have a unique, often challenging, role as they provide care to inmates. The roles and responsibilities of RNs in correctional facilities include conducting initial health screenings, administering prescribed medications and treatments, providing first aid, stabilizing inmates who may need further medical assistance until they can be transported, and educating inmates about issues that impact health. Registered nurses in correctional facilities coordinate care with physicians and mental health professionals, maintain health-related records, and provide crisis intervention as needed.
Work Environment in this Setting: The work environment for nurses who work in correctional facilities is quite different from traditional healthcare settings. Correctional facilities feature high-security environments, which is crucial to protecting the safety of both nurses and inmates. Nurses who work in correctional facilities quickly learn that the environment can be tense, at times. It is important for nurses to know and follow agency procedures, not only for the inmates' safety, but for their and their coworkers, as well.
Work Schedule in this Setting: Correctional facilities usually have nurses available on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The day shift usually has more nursing staff available, as this is the typical time when initial assessments and medication passes occur. Depending on the size of the facility, the evening or night shifts may have fewer nurses, as the role during these times is usually to manage acute or emergency situations. Registered nurses who work in administrative positions in correctional facilities typically work normal office hours.
WORK SETTING #11: Travel Nursing Agencies
Typical Duties & Responsibilities in this Setting: If you love nursing but do not like being in one place all the time,
travel nursing could be a great option! Some nurses prefer to work in one type of setting, such as long-term care or intensive care. Other traveling nurses like to mix up the type of contracts they accept, which means duties and responsibilities may vary significantly. Registered nurses who work for travel nursing agencies perform the same duties and responsibilities as nurses who are employed by the healthcare facilities, including direct patient care, medication administration, wound care, documentation, patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Work Environment in this Setting: Travel nursing can include any setting where patient care is provided. For example, travel nurse companies help place qualified nurses in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, physicians' offices, behavioral health centers, intensive care units, and correctional facilities. The work environment is as diverse as the positions being filled. For instance, intensive care units or emergency departments may be fast-paced. Physicians' offices and nursing homes may have a slower pace and a more family-oriented setting.
Work Schedule in this Setting: One of the great things about travel nursing is that you may have more options for flexible scheduling. Most travel nurse contracts are for a designated amount of time and maybe for a specific shift, which means you can choose the contract you want, allowing for more freedom when it comes to when and where you work.
For example, my friend Dee is a registered nurse who exclusively does travel nursing. She prefers to work nights and weekends because those shifts often offer higher pay. So, her travel nurse agent notifies her when they have contracts available with those schedules.
WORK SETTING #12: Inpatient Addiction Recovery Centers
Typical Duties & Responsibilities in this Setting: Addiction and substance abuse recovery centers employ registered nurses to monitor the physical and mental health of clients. In this registered nurse work setting, RNs monitor patients as they go through the process of detoxification, including managing withdrawal symptoms and providing prescribed medications, as needed. In this setting, nurses develop and implement care plans that are individualized to each patient’s unique needs. This setting requires close collaboration between clients, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Registered nurses provide education and emotional support and respond to psychological and medical crises by providing acute care and intervention.
Work Environment in this Setting: Registered nurses who work in addiction recovery centers have a critical role in the support and treatment of clients with a history of substance abuse disorders. Staff in these settings work diligently to create an atmosphere that is peaceful and conducive to healing both physically and emotionally. However, because substance abuse can cause a plethora of symptoms and withdrawal can be lengthy, it is common for the environment to become tense at times.
Work Schedule in this Setting: Inpatient addiction recovery centers provide round-the-clock care and monitoring for clients dealing with addiction and substance abuse disorders. Therefore, having 24-hour nursing staff is crucial. As with other registered nurse jobs, the schedule you work in one of these settings mostly depends on the position you hold. Registered nurses who work in administrative positions often work typical office hours. RNs who perform more direct client care may work days, evenings, or nights and may rotate shifts.
WORK SETTING #13: Telehealth Services
Typical Duties & Responsibilities in this Setting: One type of nursing job that has grown in popularity, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, is
telehealth nursing. Telehealth registered nurses provide health services to patients remotely. Job duties and responsibilities in this setting include conducting virtual assessments, determining the urgency of the patient’s complaints, coordinating care with other healthcare professionals, and providing medication and health education services. Telehealth RNs also use remote monitoring tools to help monitor and track changes in patient statuses.
Work Environment in this Setting: Telehealth nursing jobs offer one of the most relaxed work environments. Most nurses who work in telehealth work remotely from their homes. The work environment is usually a quiet, private space that supports patient privacy and confidentiality. In telehealth nursing, most patient and team collaboration occurs via phone calls, video calls, or online messaging. Telehealth nurses typically have high levels of autonomy, which means they must be self-disciplined and have good time-management skills.
Work Schedule in this Setting: Work schedules for telehealth registered nurses vary and are usually determined by the type of telehealth service provided. Many telehealth nurses work standard office hours. Some telehealth nurse jobs have flexible or rotating shifts to accommodate patients in different time zones. Some telehealth nurses may have on-call shifts, helping patients during off-hours.
WORK SETTING #14: Academia
Typical Duties & Responsibilities in this Setting: Registered nurses who work in academia have diverse roles that combine education, leadership, and research. Some of the primary duties and responsibilities in this setting include providing classroom instruction, mentoring students, supervising clinical practicums, and designing and implementing nursing curriculum and educational materials. Some RNs who work in academia conduct research, helping to advance evidence-based practices in the nursing field. Additionally, registered nurses working in academia may serve on academic committees or contribute to nursing and knowledge by publishing research findings.
Work Environment in this Setting: Registered nurses who work in academia often work on college and university campuses. At times, some classes may be held in hospital settings or laboratories. Also, some RNs who work in academic roles may teach hybrid or online classes, making it possible to work from home.
Work Schedule in this Setting: Most academic settings where registered nurses work have the option of day or evening classes. Therefore, it is at the discretion of the school and based on the nurse's title or role to determine the work schedule. When I taught nursing and allied health, most of the full-time nursing faculty worked during the day, and adjunct or part-time instructors conducted evening classes. However, the schedule may vary depending on the size of the school, the number of students, and where classes are held.
WORK SETTING #15: Research Institutions
Typical Duties & Responsibilities in this Setting: Registered nurses can play a vital role in improving patient care and advancing medical science through clinical research. Some of the responsibilities in this registered nurse work setting include identifying, screening, and recruiting patients to participate in clinical trials, collecting and recording data from study participants, administering experimental treatments and interventions, and monitoring study participants for side effects or adverse reactions. This role requires close collaboration with researchers and other healthcare providers, accurate record-keeping, and the ability to educate patients and their families about clinical studies and any potential health implications.
Work Environment in this Setting: Research facilities are known to be a collaborative work environment. Registered nurses who work in this setting work closely with research teams and study participants. Many nurse researchers spend a great deal of time in laboratories, and others have designated office spaces equipped with computers and other equipment used for managing research data and information.
Work Schedule in this Setting: Research facilities typically have flexible schedules. However, if a study requires adherence to a specific timeline, the RN’s work schedule may change or require attendance at more structured times.
My Final Thoughts
The nursing profession is filled with diverse opportunities. I am often asked, “Where do registered nurses work?” or “What is the best place to work as a registered nurse?” In this article, I answered that question by sharing with you the 15 settings where registered nurses most commonly work. Each option offers unique experiences and opportunities. Whether you want a fast-paced job like working in a hospital or urgent care center, or you prefer to contribute to medical advances through research, you can find your niche in nursing!
Frequently Asked Questions Answered By Our Expert
1. Which Is The Best Place To Work As A Registered Nurse?
I believe it is a matter of opinion as to what the best place to work as a registered nurse is. We all have different career goals and interests which lead us to choose different paths in nursing. It has been my experience that the place that is best for me may not be the best place for you, and vice versa. However, at the end of the day, all nurses in every setting and role are vital members of the healthcare team!
2. Can A Registered Nurse Work From Home?
Yes, there are many options for work-from-home jobs for registered nurses.
3. Where Do The Happiest Registered Nurses Work?
Every nurse has a preferred place to work where they feel happiest. I have found that nurses are happiest in settings that offer good work-life balance.
4. Which Is The Most Fun Place To Work As A Registered Nurse?
The most fun place to work as a registered nurse is subjective, based on what you find most fulfilling. Some nurses love event nursing, where they offer nursing services at events like concerts, festivals, or ballgames. Nurses who enjoy traveling may find a travel nurse job or cruise nurse job offers more fun.
5. Where Do Registered Nurses Have The Highest Job Satisfaction?
According to the
National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, registered nurses who work in ambulatory, outpatient, and other clinical or office settings experience the highest job satisfaction rate.
6. Where Do Registered Nurses Get Paid The Most?
Registered nurses tend to earn higher incomes in high-demand or specialized settings. For example, neonatal intensive care nurses, pain management nurses, travel nurses, and informatics nurses are among some of the top RN money earners.
7. Where Do Registered Nurses Get Paid The Least?
RNs typically earn lower salaries in settings such as school nursing, hospice nursing, home health nursing, and nursing homes or long-term care facilities.
8. Which Is The Least Stressful Place To Work As A Registered Nurse?
While all nursing can be stressful at times, the registered nurse work settings that tend to be
least stressful include physicians’ offices, school nursing, and telehealth nursing.
9. Which Is The Most Stressful Place To Work As A Registered Nurse?
Some of the most stressful places to work as a registered nurse include emergency departments, intensive care units, psychiatric wards, and correctional facilities.
10. Which Place Offers The Best Career Advancement Opportunities For Registered Nurses?
Most settings where registered nurses work offer some type of advancement opportunities. The best career advancement opportunities are usually found in hospitals, academic institutions, healthcare administration, and public health.
11. Where Do Male Registered Nurses Mostly Work?
While male nurses can work in any healthcare setting, many male registered nurses work in hospitals, especially in critical care units and emergency departments.
12. Where Do Female Registered Nurses Mostly Work?
Female nurses work in a broad range of settings, as well. Some of the most common places for female registered nurses to work include hospitals, home health care, school nursing, and long-term care facilities.
13. Where Do Old Registered Nurses Mostly Work?
Older, more experienced nurses often gravitate toward settings that require less physical strain and better schedules. Some settings where you may find older nurses include academia, case management, telehealth nursing, and nursing administration.
14. What Are The Top 3 Direct Patient Care Places To Work As A Registered Nurse?
Three of the top direct patient care places where registered nurses work include hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health.
15. What Are The Top 3 Indirect Patient Care Places To Work As A Registered Nurse?
The top three indirect patient care places to work as a registered nurse are healthcare administration, nursing education, and informatics nursing.
16. Where Do New Grad Registered Nurses Most Commonly Work?
Most new-grad registered nurses work in hospitals. Some new RNs may also work in outpatient care centers or long-term care facilities.
17. Which Is The Best Place To Work As A New Grad Registered Nurse?
Having been a nurse for more than 20 years and working in healthcare education, I genuinely believe the best starting place for a new graduate registered nurse to work is a hospital. New grad RNs can work in medical-surgical units, critical care units, and emergency departments within hospitals, where they can gain a broad range of experience to help develop clinical skills.
List Of Sources Used For This Article
1.
“Pros and Cons of Being a Telehealth Nurse” (
nursingprocess.org)
2.
“13 Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Nurse” (
nursingprocess.org)
3.
“Job Satisfaction Among Registered Nurses" (
National Center for Health Workforce Analysis)
4.
“30 Least Stressful Nursing Jobs (That Also Pay Well) in 2024” (
nursingprocess.org)
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.