Nursing in the United States is a professional health care occupation. It is the largest such occupation, employing millions of certified professionals. As of 2023, 3,175,390 registered nurses were employed, paid a median income of $86,070.[1]
Nurses are not doctors' assistants and practice nursing in a wide variety of specialties and departments. They may act in that capacity, such as in the emergency department or in trauma care, but more often independently care for their patients or assist other nurses.[2] RNs treat patients, record their medical history, provide emotional support, and provide follow-up care. Nurses also help doctors perform diagnostic tests.[3]
Many nurses work in a hospital setting. Options there include: pediatrics, neonatal, maternity, OBGYN, geriatrics, orthopedics, medical-surgical, operating room, ambulatory, and nurse anesthetists and informatics (eHealth). Other options include community health, mental health, clinical nursing specialists, and nurse midwives.[4]
- ^ "Registered Nurses". Bureau of Labor Statistics. Archived from the original on May 3, 2024. Retrieved 2024-05-03.
- ^ "5 Myths about Registered Nurses – Ameritech College of Healthcare". Ameritech College of Healthcare. 6 November 2014. Archived from the original on 30 November 2015. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
- ^ "Registered Nurse (RN) Career and Job Information". careerprofiles.info. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
- ^ "nursing - Advanced nursing practice | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2022-03-10.