From hospitals and clinics to schools and research labs, nurses serve as the backbone of health care — delivering care, comfort and advocacy when it matters most.

But nursing isn’t a one-size-fits-all career. It’s a dynamic, ever-evolving field with a wide range of specialties and opportunities. Whether you’re just starting your journey or are a seasoned professional considering your next step, the possibilities in nursing are as diverse as the patients you serve.

The Many Faces of Nursing

• Bedside Nursing (Registered Nurse – R.N.): This is the most visible and traditional role in nursing. R.N.s work in hospitals, long-term care facilities and outpatient clinics. They provide direct patient care, administer medications, collaborate with physicians, and educate patients and families.
• Nurse Practitioner (NP): Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses who often serve as primary care providers. They can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications and manage treatment plans. NPs work in settings ranging from family practice to urgent care to specialty clinics.
• Nurse Educator: Passionate about teaching? Nurse educators shape the next generation of nurses. They work in academic institutions, teaching hospitals, and clinical training programs, combining hands-on experience with evidence-based education.
• Public Health Nurse: Public health nurses focus on community-wide health and prevention. They often work for government agencies, schools, or non-profits, addressing issues like vaccination, nutrition, and disease prevention.
• Nurse Researcher: These professionals push the boundaries of health care by conducting research that shapes policies, procedures and treatments. Their work leads to innovations that improve patient outcomes and systems of care.
• Nurse Informaticist: In a digital world, nurse informaticists bridge the gap between clinical practice and data systems. They help implement electronic health records, improve workflow efficiency, and ensure the safe and effective use of health technologies.
• Nurse Midwife / Nurse Anesthetist (CNM / CRNA): Certified Nurse Midwives provide prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care, while Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists specialize in administering anesthesia and managing pain before, during, and after surgical procedures. Both roles require advanced degrees and offer high levels of autonomy.

A Career in High Demand

Nursing is not just a rewarding career — it’s one that is critically needed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

• Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

• More than 193,000 RN job openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade, due to both growth and the need to replace retiring nurses.

• Nurse Practitioners are in especially high demand, with the BLS forecasting a 45% increase in NP roles from 2022 to 2032—one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country.

• With an aging population and increasing focus on preventive care, the demand for nurses in specialized and community-based roles continues to rise.

These statistics underscore what the health care industry already knows: nurses are essential, and their expertise is more valuable than ever.

Honoring Nurses This Week — and Every Week

During Nurses Week, we honor the tireless commitment of nurses and spotlight the many pathways available within the profession. Whether you’re in scrubs at the bedside, in a classroom, or leading community health efforts, your work matters deeply.

To all nurses: thank you. You are leaders, healers, and heroes in every sense of the word.