There are many types of nurses who work in different environments. Many nurses work in hospital departments, such as ICUs, NICUs, and PACUs. Others work outside of hospitals in private homes, law firms, corporations, government departments, and rehabilitation centers.
Many nurses work in hospitals, but there are many possibilities beyond this traditional setting. Where do nurses work beyond the hospital, and what do nurses do in different settings? Nurses can work in non‑hospital healthcare facilities such as urgent care centers and residential facilities, as well as private homes, corporations, and law firms. Their responsibilities vary depending on their nursing specialty and work setting.
If switching careers to nursing appeals to you, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) faster with Concordia University Texas’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track. After completing any required prerequisites, you could graduate in as few as 16 months and be prepared to pursue any nursing specialty in various work settings.
As you explore your career plans, consider the various types of nurses and their work settings. Examine hospital nursing careers and where nurses can work outside the hospital.
Where Can Nurses Work?
Nurses often work in state, local, or private hospitals, but they can also work in many other settings. A nurse’s specialty often influences their choice of work setting. For example, a labor and delivery nurse may work in birthing centers or hospitals. School nurses may work in K-12 schools or at colleges and universities.
Hospital Nursing Careers and Specialized Care Units
Where can nurses work in the hospital? Hospital nursing careers offer many specialized care units.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
ICU nurses, also called critical care nurses, care for the most critically ill patients. They provide close monitoring, life support, and intensive interventions such as ventilation. They may care for patients recovering from major surgery, heart attack, or sepsis, and some specialize in units like the surgical ICU (SICU) or cardiovascular ICU (CVICU).
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
The NICU is another specialized ICU. Neonatal nurses care for critically ill newborns, including premature infants, babies with congenital conditions, and those needing major surgery.
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
In the PACU, nurses care for patients recovering from anesthesia. They typically monitor one patient at a time. Most patients recover without complications, but when issues occur, PACU nurses must respond quickly.
Labor and Delivery (L&D)
In labor and delivery units, nurses care for patients during labor, childbirth, and the postpartum period. L&D nurses monitor vital signs, manage pain, provide emotional support, and assist with delivery.
Learn about the career and responsibilities of a home health nurse.
Where Do Nurses Work Outside of Hospitals?
Nurses can work in a wide range of environments, from private homes to cruise ships and beyond.
Private Homes
Home health nurses work for home healthcare agencies, traveling to patients’ homes to provide care. They may work with homebound elderly patients, children with developmental disabilities, or patients discharged after surgery.
Hospice nurses, who typically work for hospice agencies, can also work in private homes, where they deliver palliative and end-of-life care; however, some may work in hospitals.
Rehabilitation Centers
Rehabilitation nurses work in rehabilitation centers that provide long-term care and therapy services such as physical and occupational therapy. They may care for patients recovering from spine surgery, major accidents, strokes, or heart attacks.
Nursing Homes
Nursing home registered nurses (RNs) care for elderly patients, many of whom have complex comorbidities. They administer medications, monitor vital signs, and coordinate care. Some facilities have specialized units for residents with advanced dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Law Firms
RNs at law firms serve as legal nurse consultants, applying their expertise to cases involving medical issues such as malpractice or auto accidents. They may also testify in court.
Specialty Locations
Some nurses work in specialized settings such as cruise ships, amusement parks, licensed dispensaries, oil rigs, or temporary positions at summer camps.
Emerging Nursing Careers in Telehealth, Corporate, and Government Roles
The nursing profession is evolving, creating new opportunities in telehealth. Many nurses incorporate telehealth by answering medication questions or offering support remotely, while some practice almost entirely online.
Telehealth nurses need significant bedside experience before transitioning to virtual care, as remote assessment can be challenging. They may help patients manage chronic conditions or evaluate and refer those with acute conditions.
Nurses can also work in corporate settings. Some types of nurses join insurance companies to conduct utilization reviews or handle prior authorization requests. Others work in large organizations such as warehouses, providing on-site care to employees.
In government roles, nurses may work at Veterans Affairs hospitals, public health departments, or as medics in the military.
Explore some of the many roles of a registered nurse.
Nursing Job Outlook and Demand Across Healthcare Settings
Across the country, nurses of all types are in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the number of RN jobs to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all professions, resulting in about 166,100 new nursing positions.
Currently, about 59% of RNs work in state, local, or private hospitals. The BLS reports the following workforce percentages for other settings:
- Ambulatory healthcare services: 19%
- Nursing and residential care facilities: 6%
- Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals: 5%
- Educational services, including state, local, and private: 3%
How an Accelerated BSN Prepares You for Diverse Nursing Careers
Concordia University Texas’s ABSN track provides a foundational nursing education with emphasis on nursing theories, evidence-based practice, and essential skills. Graduates are prepared to tackle modern challenges and pursue careers as different types of nurses.
Students study adult health, maternal/newborn health, pediatrics, and community health. You will complete hundreds of clinical rotation hours at nearby healthcare facilities. Practice areas include:
- Acute care
- Adult health
- Intensive care
- Obstetrics
- Pediatrics
These rotations provide insight into different nursing specialties and help you plan your career pathway.
Start Your Nursing Career at Concordia University Texas
Concordia University Texas prepares students to pursue any nursing role or specialty by providing a foundation for entry-level nursing careers. If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits, you may be eligible for the ABSN track in Dallas or Austin, Texas.
With our ABSN track, you could earn a nursing degree in as few as 16 months after completing any required prerequisites. You’ll benefit from a supported learning experience with Academic Success Coaches.
Request info today and connect with an admissions counselor to learn more about our ABSN track.