Though hands-on bedside care will always be an important part of the nursing profession, RN roles are evolving in every setting. Home health agencies, ambulatory care centers, long-term care facilities and even some medical offices are offering orientations, mentorships and residencies to attract new graduates as well as experienced nurses interested in a career move. What also has changed is that hospital hiring, flat since 2009, is not expected to increase any time soon and nurses are not retiring as quickly as predicted, resulting in a larger nursing workforce. Driving the demand for more prevention, care coordination and primary care is healthcare reform, and in this feature, nursing leaders discuss its impact on job opportunities. Nurse leaders, recruiters, administrators and educators share their observations on the developing and often exciting new roles for nurses in hospitals, medical offices, ambulatory surgery, home health and long-term care facilities.
