[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While many [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]registered nurses[/hen-ui-link] (RNs) work in hospitals, others find fulfilling careers in a variety of exciting work settings. Around 39% of RNs who hold an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) find jobs outside of hospitals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We factored in average salary, accessibility, employment projections, and overall workload to determine the 10 best places to work as a nurse. If you’re interested in a nursing career or considering changing employers, read on to explore some settings where nurses can make a difference in patients’ lives.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]1. Hospitals[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Around 61% of RNs find employment at state, private, and local hospitals. RNs who work in hospitals often perform a variety of tasks and care for different patients each day.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In hospitals, nurses tend to work longer shifts of about 12-15 hours. However, they enjoy more days off than those who work regular 9-5 schedules.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] $81,220[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Key Responsibilities:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Collaborate on patient care with doctors and other nurses[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Care for multiple patients during the day[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Take blood samples and perform labs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]2. Telehealth[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As telecommunication becomes increasingly incorporated into the healthcare industry, some nursing jobs have gone completely remote. [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/telehealth-nurse/”]Telehealth nurses[/hen-ui-link] perform remote patient consultations, freelance writing for medical journals, [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/legal-nurse/”]legal counsel,[/hen-ui-link] and research.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While remote jobs let nurses work from home, RNs must be skilled at time management and motivated to work independently.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Telehealth_Nurse/Salary” target=”_blank”] $70,970[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Key Responsibilities:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schedule telehealth visits and meetings with patients and clients[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Use video technology to assess and treat patients[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Develop and adhere to a consistent work schedule[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]3. Emergency Rooms[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Emergency rooms (ERs) provide patients with urgent care. [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/er-nurse/”]ER nurses[/hen-ui-link] work with doctors and other nurses to stabilize critically ill or injured patients. These RNs need strong [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/the-value-of-critical-thinking-in-nursing//”]critical thinking[/hen-ui-link] skills to handle complicated situations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)%2C_Emergency_Room/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”] $71,594[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Key Responsibilities:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maintain a calm demeanor in high-stress situations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Administer medications and treat injuries[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Stabilize patients in critical condition[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]4. Physicians’ Offices[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs who work in doctors’ offices often enjoy a more structured workday than other nurses. Their patients must make an appointment to be seen and generally do not have life-threatening conditions. These nurses assist the physician, take patients’ vital signs and information, and schedule appointments.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Office_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”] $53,040[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Key Responsibilities:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Gather lab samples[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schedule appointments[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Help physician treat patients[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]5. Secondary Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like RNs, nurse educators are in high demand. [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-educator/”]Nurse educators[/hen-ui-link] teach classes in nursing colleges and training hospitals. Most are expected to hold a master’s degree, and some institutions require instructors to hold a doctorate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Educator/Salary” target=”_blank”] $82,769[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Key Responsibilities:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Develop lessons and plan lectures[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Establish a curriculum[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Share their extensive knowledge of the nursing profession[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]6. Birthing Centers[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-midwife/”]Nurse midwives[/hen-ui-link] help patients at every stage of pregnancy. Working alongside gynecologists and obstetricians, they support pregnant women and their unborn children during the birthing process.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse midwives need an RN license, a graduate degree with a concentration in nurse midwifery, and certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Midwife/Salary” target=”_blank”] $98,306[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Key Responsibilities:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Collaborate with other medical professionals to care for pregnant women[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Collect and assess patients’ health information[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educate patients on healthy practices before, during, and after pregnancy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]7. Public Health Clinics[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/public-health-nurse//”]public health nurse[/hen-ui-link] role is ideal for RNs who want to serve and improve their community. Social services agencies and community centers hire public health nurses to teach citizens about local and national health crises. These nurses also create and implement programs to promote healthy practices and prevent illness.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typically, public health nurses need to hold a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing//”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] or a doctoral degree. Some nursing programs offer accelerated programs that let prospective public health nurses earn an undergraduate and graduate degree simultaneously.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Public_Health_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”] $64,958[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Key Responsibilities:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provide communities with health-related services and education[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Develop and implement programs to improve health locally[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Work in tandem with citizens to address diseases or illnesses affecting the community[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]8. Correctional Facilities[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses who work in [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/correctional-nurse/”]correctional facilities[/hen-ui-link] treat inmates with chronic illnesses and medical emergencies. These nurses must be physically and mentally equipped to handle a variety of challenging and stressful situations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most correctional facilities maintain a 24-hour nursing staff, and nurses may work more than 40 hours a week. A correctional nurse’s daily routine may involve collecting samples from patients, administering medications for chronically ill inmates, and treating injured or sick inmates.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Correctional_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”] $54,940[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Key Responsibilities:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Perform drug screenings and lab tests[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Monitor inmates’ health[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assess and treat health conditions and injuries[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]9. Law Firms[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs who work in law offices use their professional expertise to assist with malpractice suits or legal cases involving healthcare. They help lawyers construct cases, review medical records, and research medical law.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers at law offices typically prefer to hire RNs with some relevant experience and paralegal training. The American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants certifies RNs before they can give legal counsel.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Legal_Nurse_Consultant/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”] $98,880[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Key Responsibilities:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prepare documents and records for court[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Offer medical expertise during legal proceedings[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provide informed testimony in court[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10. Home Healthcare[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/home-healthcare-nurse//”]Home healthcare nurses[/hen-ui-link] improve or maintain patients’ health within the client’s own home. Some work lengthy hours, stationed close to the patient for extended periods of time. These nurses make up a large portion of RNs, with around 12% providing in-home healthcare services.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This role typically involves long hours working with the client. RNs can boost their employment prospects by earning certifications from organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate/1f209ab7/Home-Health-Home-Care” target=”_blank”] $66,394[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Key Responsibilities:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Check patients’ vital signs and general condition[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Administer medications[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provide patients with assistance and companionship[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]FAQs: Places to Work as an RN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What jobs can RNs do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs can find a variety of fulfilling job openings in the healthcare industry. For example, those seeking work in a fast-paced environment where they can save lives can become ER nurses. Others specialize in treating certain populations, like nurse midwives or correctional nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Where can RNs work besides hospitals?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many opportunities for RNs outside of traditional healthcare settings. Nurses who don’t want to work in a high stress environment may enjoy telehealth roles, or positions with insurance companies or law firms. Legal offices and publications need veteran nurses’ insight into the healthcare industry. In-home care is becoming more popular among older Americans, and some nurses excel at positions in correctional facilities, schools, and birthing centers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Where is the best place to work as an RN?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The ideal workplace is different for each RN, and every healthcare setting comes with positives and negatives. Some nurses are more attuned to handling paperwork and documents in a legal office, while others prefer creating interpersonal connections. Aspiring nurses must decide which setting best suits their skills and needs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Resources[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”34437,45650,34431,33977″][/hen-ui-article-row][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ style=”font-size:small; font-style:italic;”]Featured Image: Maskot / Maskot / Getty Images[/hen-ui-text]