Registered Nurses: What are the Job Options?

The career outlook for registered nurses is bright. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses may look forward to projected job growth of 19% through 2022 -- more than any other profession! Additionally, the national median annual salary for registered nurses is more than $65,000. The top-earning 10% of registered nurses, which largely depends upon geographic location, earn more than $95,000.  In California’s Bay Area, the average salary is approximately $88,000 according to Indeed.com.

With current and continued high demand, registered nurses have many options when it comes to employment, including hospitals, home healthcare services, registered nurse staffing registries, and many more. If you are starting or continuing a career in nursing, read on to learn about employment options and registered nurse staffing opportunities.

Oncology Nursing

Oncology nursing involves working with cancer patients. You may work with adult or pediatric patients, depending on your facility and preference. As an oncology nurse, you may perform patient assessments and administer medications, which could include chemotherapy. You may also help patients manage side effects from chemo treatment and provide education about their illness.

Job opportunities are available at hospitals, home health agencies, outpatient clinics, registered nurse staffing agencies, and infusion centers. A career path could lead to case management, cancer research, and clinical education. As an oncology nurse, you may often work hand in hand with oncologists, occupational and physical therapists, and social workers.

One advantage of oncology nursing is providing ongoing care. You get to know patients and their families. This level of engagement provides many nurses a sense of personal enrichment and that their careers make a difference. As an oncology nurse, you are helping people through some of the most difficult times in their lives. 

Pediatric Nursing

You have many job options and specialties available, if you are considering a career in pediatric nursing. As a pediatric nurse, your duties may vary depending on the department, facility, or assignment. For example, pediatric registered nursing staffing areas include:

• General Pediatrics involves working with children diagnosed with a variety of conditions, including asthma, pneumonia, and post-surgical conditions.
• Pediatric Oncology involves working with children who have been diagnosed with cancer.
• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) involves providing more specialized care for children that may be in critical condition.
• Pediatric Home Care often involves working with children who have chronic conditions, such as children that need to be on a breathing machine.

With pediatric nursing in particular, you will need to weigh the pros and cons. While it is rewarding to work with children, it may also be extremely difficult and stressful to care for children with life-threatening illnesses or conditions. 

Surgical Nurse

Being a surgical nurse has its challenges, but the challenges and opportunities to learn through a variety of unique patient health problems are some of the appealing aspects of this specialization. Many practitioners of surgical nursing enjoy the fact that no two days are alike. So, if you like a variety of activity on the job, surgical nursing may be for you. 

Surgical nurses work in a number of different areas. You may have the opportunity to work in general surgery, day surgery, orthopedics, surgical oncology, and more. As a surgical nurse, you will work with patients pre-op and post-op. You may work long hours, depending on the location and department. However, those who enjoy the field bring passion to the busy environment.


If you would like more information about any of our registered nurse staffing jobs, contact the Nurse Registry at (866) 916-8773  today!  Browse our current openings for registered nurses and start a rewarding career now.