Head nurses or nurse supervisors direct nursing activities. They plan work schedules and assign duties to nurses and aides, provide or arrange for training, and visit patients to observe nurses and to insure that care is proper. They may also insure that records are maintained and that equipment and supplies are ordered. At the advanced level, nurse practitioners provide basic health care. They diagnose and treat common acute illnesses and injuries.
Nurse practitioners can prescribe medications in some States.
Other advanced practice nurses include clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse-midwives . Many employers offer flexible work schedules, child care, educational benefits, bonuses, and other incentives. Workers in other occupations with responsibilities and duties related to those of registered nurses are occupational therapists, paramedics, physical therapists, physician assistants, and respiratory therapists. More Info Job prospects in nursing are good. Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005 and, because the occupation is large, many new jobs will result.