Nurse Work Environments: How an MSN Can Broaden Opportunities

Nursing

Nurse Work Environments: How an MSN Can Broaden Opportunities

Written by: University of Tulsa • Jan 7, 2025

Nurses in Scrubs Talking on a Hospital Floor.

When imagining a nurse’s work environment, many people picture a busy hospital unit where nurses insert IV lines, adjust ventilators, and rush to stabilize patients in distress, all while coordinating with doctors and other medical staff.

However, the opportunities available to nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) extend far beyond the hospital floor. From teaching hands-on clinical skills in university labs to spearheading vaccination campaigns in underserved communities, MSN-prepared nurses can take on leadership roles in any of a range of settings.

Traditional Clinical Work Environments for MSN Degree-Holders

In traditional clinical environments, nurses with an MSN have access to advanced specialized roles and opportunities to provide a higher level of patient care than other nurses provide. MSN-prepared nurses can choose from a range of types of work environments, from busy hospital departments to smaller specialty clinics, which can offer an exciting mix of clinical challenges.

For those registered nurses (RNs) looking to advance as RNs, some of these roles are advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) roles.

Hospital Settings

Fast-paced, high-stakes care is the norm in certain hospital settings, particularly acute care settings. From the bustling emergency department to the quiet intensive care unit, there are many areas in a hospital where MSN-prepared nurses can take on leadership roles and be directly involved in providing critical patient care.

Intensive Care Units

In the intensive care unit (ICU), critically ill patients require close monitoring and specialized care around the clock. The high-pressure environment in an ICU is distinct from that of other clinical settings due to the complexity and severity of the patients’ cases — patients often rely on life-support machines such as ventilators or hemodialysis machines, and even small changes in a patient’s condition can be life-threatening.

Nurses in the ICU must act quickly and with precision, whether they’re adjusting a patient’s medication, performing an emergency procedure, or communicating an urgent update to a doctor. The stakes are high, and every decision a nurse makes can have a profound impact on a patient’s outcome, making it one of the most challenging yet rewarding environments for MSN-prepared nurses.

Key roles for MSN-prepared nurses in ICUs include:

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) in the ICU provide advanced, specialized care to patients with the most complex cases. When patients with severe, multisystem failure require highly detailed, individualized care plans, the CNS steps in. For instance, after a patient has major cardiac surgery, a CNS might develop a protocol to manage the patient’s fluctuating blood pressure as they recover.
Charge nurses must be able to maintain their composure in high-pressure situations. ICU charge nurses often face unpredictable situations that require quick decision-making. When a patient’s condition rapidly worsens, the charge nurse immediately organizes the team; makes sure all necessary supplies, including medications, equipment, and blood products are readily available; and keeps everyone focused as they work to stabilize the patient.

Emergency Departments

The emergency department (ED) is one of the most dynamic and intense areas in a hospital. It typically is an environment that is constantly changing, with multiple patients arriving at once, each presenting a unique challenge. Nurses in the ED work in collaboration with a wide range of medical professionals — from doctors and paramedics to lab techs and radiologists.

ED nurses need to triage patients rapidly, deciding who needs immediate care and who can wait. Nurses often run tests, interpret results quickly, and administer medications to many patients. This nurse work environment requires the ability to handle unpredictable situations, from managing trauma victims arriving from the scene of an accident to treating patients in various stages of distress.

Key roles for MSN-prepared nurses in EDs include:

Nurse managers in the ED oversee department operations, managing staff and resources to ensure a smooth patient flow. They make strategic decisions, such as adjusting staffing during peak times or crises, and ensure the most critical patients are triaged effectively. While charge nurses focus on providing immediate care, nurse managers handle the larger operational picture, working on long-term planning, budgeting, and maintaining the overall efficiency of the department.
Clinical coordinators manage the flow of patients, ensuring patients are seen by the right specialists in the right order. They track patients’ status, coordinate care between teams, and keep the care moving efficiently to avoid delays.

Operating Rooms and Surgical Units

Operating rooms (ORs) and surgical units are fast-paced, high-stakes settings with sterile, controlled environments designed to minimize risk to patients. Inside the operating room, every action is carefully coordinated, with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses working closely and in harmony with each other to ensure the procedure runs smoothly.

In the surgical unit, just outside the operating room, patients recover after their surgery, with nurses monitoring patients’ vital signs, pain levels, and surgical sites to prevent them from experiencing complications and to promote their healing.

Key roles for MSN-prepared nurses in operating rooms and surgical units include:

Perioperative nurse educators teach surgical teams the latest techniques, safety protocols, and emerging technologies in the field. This may involve developing training programs, leading hands-on workshops, and providing ongoing education to ensure OR teams are up-to-date and capable of handling complex procedures with confidence.
Charge nurses in surgical units manage daily operations, ensuring the surgical team is properly staffed and that each procedure is prepared for efficiently. They coordinate the flow of patients, oversee patients’ care before and after their surgeries, and act as a resource for nurses and surgeons throughout the day.

Specialized Clinical Units

Specialized clinical units in hospitals focus on a particular type of patient or medical condition, providing patients with more specific and tailored care. The types of specialty units vary widely and include cardiology, oncology, neurology, and neonatal intensive care, each of which has its own unique nurse work environment and challenges.

For example, cardiology units focus on patients dealing with heart disease or recovering from heart surgeries, while neurology units treat patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, or neurodegenerative diseases. The work for nurses in these units can be intense, but it allows them to form close, long-term relationships with patients and to collaborate closely with members of multidisciplinary teams.

Key roles for MSN-prepared nurses in specialized clinical units include:

Nurse managers in these settings are responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly in the unit. In a cardiology unit, nurse managers coordinate heart procedures, patient transfers, and the use of critical equipment such as electrocardiogram (EKG) machines and pacemakers. In neurology units, they ensure that care plans for patients recovering from stroke or managing chronic neurological disorders are effectively implemented and followed, while also handling specialized treatments and equipment.
Clinical nurse specialists are the go-to experts in their fields. A cardiology CNS might help develop advanced treatment plans for patients with chronic heart conditions or step in to support nurses with particularly complicated cases. In neurology, CNSs help oversee complex care plans for patients with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, providing expertise on the latest treatments, new medication regimens, or advanced therapies. They also support other nurses by providing mentorship and guidance.

Outpatient Care Settings

Outpatient care settings, also called ambulatory care settings, generally offer a more structured and predictable environment compared to the high-intensity atmosphere of acute care departments in hospitals. In these settings, MSN-prepared nurses often focus on providing patients with preventive care, chronic disease management, and education, helping patients manage their health outside of hospital settings.

Outpatient Surgical Centers

Outpatient surgical centers provide same-day procedures for patients who don’t require overnight stays. These centers handle a variety of types of surgeries, from routine procedures such as cataract removal to more complex ones such as laparoscopic surgeries. Nurses in these centers prepare patients for surgery, monitor their condition during procedures, and oversee their postoperative recovery.

Given the quick turnover of patients in these centers, nurses need to skillfully manage both patient care and surgical equipment to ensure that everything is ready for each new patient. Nurses also provide patients with crucial education about what to expect as they recover at home, ensuring that patients are well prepared to be discharged.

Key roles for MSN-prepared nurses in outpatient surgical centers include:

Nurse managers in outpatient surgical centers ensure that every phase of the surgeries performed runs smoothly, from preoperative assessments to postoperative recoveries. They are responsible for coordinating teams of nurses and ensuring the center is fully equipped to handle all procedures.
Clinical nurse specialists in outpatient surgical centers develop and refine procedures for handling outpatient surgeries. They also help educate patients about the recovery process, offering reassurance and guidance to those who may be nervous about their procedures.

Long-Term and Post-Acute Care Settings

Long-term and post-acute care settings focus on providing ongoing care to patients with chronic illnesses, those with disabilities, and those recovering from major surgeries. These nurse work environments allow MSN graduates to foster deeper relationships with patients who have long-term health care needs.

Skilled Nursing Facilities

Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provide 24-hour care to patients who require more assistance than can be offered in an outpatient setting. In these facilities, MSN-prepared nurses often collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to coordinate rehabilitation services, medication management, and specialized care plans for individuals with conditions such as stroke, dementia, and heart disease.

Key roles for MSN-prepared nurses in skilled nursing facilities include:

Nurse managers in skilled nursing facilities oversee patients’ care to ensure that it aligns with clinical standards and regulatory requirements. These nurses manage the day-to-day operations of a unit, including coordinating patients’ care plans and supervising nursing staff to make sure residents receive quality care for their chronic conditions or rehabilitation needs. Nurse managers also handle patients’ transitions to ensure everything runs smoothly as they are discharged to home care or other facilities.
Clinical nurse specialists in skilled nursing facilities apply their expertise in a specific area, such as geriatrics or rehabilitation. A CNS may develop and lead specialized care programs, for example, a fall prevention initiative, or a wound care protocol. They also mentor and support other nurses on staff, helping to ensure that all care provided is up to date and evidence-based.

Home Health Care

Home health care refers to medical and personal care that is provided to patients in the comfort of their own homes, MSN-prepared nurses work one-on-one with patients in their homes. This often allows for a deeper understanding of a patient’s lifestyle and daily challenges. Home health care nurses’ tasks are a blend of clinical care and patient education, as they provide support to patients with chronic conditions and those who are recovering from surgery, and help patients remain healthy and prevent disease.

Key roles for MSN-prepared nurses in home health care include:

Nurse managers in home health care oversee the care delivery process, ensuring that patients receive high-quality care in their homes. They coordinate visits from multiple health care professionals, monitor patients’ progress, and handle the logistical aspects of home health care, including scheduling and documentation.
Clinical nurse specialists in home health care often focus on caring for patients with complex long-term conditions such as heart failure or diabetes. They provide patients with expert guidance on managing these conditions at home, help families understand the importance of sticking to medication regimens, and lead training sessions for other health care staff on best practices for home care.

Nontraditional Nurse Work Environments for MSN Degree-Holders

For MSN degree-holders seeking a change from traditional clinical settings, these environments offer opportunities to work in a role that directly impacts how health care is delivered through education, policy, or community health. These positions allow nurses to apply their expertise to influence systems and populations on a large scale.

Educational Institutions

Educational institutions provide a dynamic environment for nurses passionate about teaching and mentoring. Whether in a university, community college, or nursing school, expert nurses can share their real-world clinical experience with their students, helping them develop the skills they need to succeed in health care.

According to an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) report, more than 65,000 qualified applicants were turned away from nursing programs in the 2023-2024 academic year due to a shortage of faculty. A recent AACN survey also found there were nearly 2,000 full-time nursing faculty vacancies. These striking numbers highlight the employment potential in this critical line of nursing work.

Positions for MSN-prepared nurses in educational institutions include:

Nurse educators work in classrooms and clinical environments, guiding nursing students through their academic and practical training. These settings offer experienced nurses the opportunity to influence the development of future nurses, helping them navigate both the theoretical aspects of nursing and its real-world applications. The work environment is typically structured, with educators handling a blend of lectures, simulations, and clinical placements, allowing for a variety of teaching experiences in a collaborative, student-centered atmosphere.
Directors of nursing education typically work in academic institutions overseeing their nursing education programs. These leaders’ responsibilities include a combination of administrative and academic tasks, ensuring the educational environment supports both educators and students. They collaborate with faculty, interact with accreditation bodies, and focus on maintaining a cutting-edge curriculum that reflects emerging health care practices.

Public Health Organizations

MSN-prepared nurses working in public health organizations focus on improving the health of entire communities. They manage programs aimed at preventing illness, promoting healthy lifestyles, and making health care more accessible.

Nurses in these settings work with local governments, nonprofits, and community groups to help people stay healthy and to address health challenges that affect large groups of people.

Public Health Clinics

In public health clinics, nurses provide essential health services to people who might not have regular access to doctors or hospitals. These clinics often focus on preventive care tasks, such as administering vaccines, conducting health screenings, and offering advice on healthy living.

Nurses in these clinics help educate people about staying healthy and managing their health problems, all while working to improve the overall well-being of their communities.

Positions for MSN-prepared nurses in public health clinics include:

Health program managers lead public health initiatives such as vaccination drives and wellness programs. They coordinate events, recruit participants, and ensure services are accessible. After evaluating the effectiveness of their programs, they may make changes, such as extending clinic hours or targeting specific high-risk populations. Health program managers work closely with public health departments, clinic staff, and community organizations.

Community Health Agencies

Nurses working in governmental health agencies focus on health programs that reach a wide range of people. They often organize activities to help people manage chronic conditions, promote healthy habits, and prevent disease. These agencies work closely with local leaders, schools, and businesses to create health programs that meet the needs of the community, making health services more available and easier to access for everyone.

Positions for MSN-prepared nurses in community health agencies include:

Health policy nurses in community health agencies focus on shaping local health care policies that improve access to care for underserved populations. In these agencies, nurses analyze community health data, engage with local leaders, and collaborate with policymakers to advocate for changes that address specific regional health needs. For example, they may work to influence policies that expand access to preventive care or secure funding for programs that address chronic diseases in low-income areas. Their role involves attending meetings with public health officials, researching policy impacts, and drafting recommendations to ensure the community’s health priorities are reflected in local health initiatives.

Corporate Health Care and Consulting

MSN-prepared nurses working in corporate environments use their clinical expertise to improve health care systems and services. In health care technology companies, nurses may help design software that’s easy for health care workers to use. In insurance companies, they may create personalized care plans that help patients with chronic conditions avoid hospital visits.

Health Care Consulting Firms

Health care consulting firms help hospitals, clinics, and health care systems improve how they operate, manage patients, and maintain compliance with regulations. The nurse work environment in these firms is typically an office setting and involves collaborating with teams of business experts, health care leaders, and analysts to solve specific challenges in the health care system.

Nurses in this environment analyze data, assess workflows, and develop strategies to improve care delivery. For example, they may work on improving patient discharge processes to reduce readmission rates or help streamline communication between care teams to improve patients’ safety. The work is fast-paced and focused on making health care services more efficient and effective.

Positions for MSN-prepared nurses in health care consulting firms include:

Health care consultants work closely with health care organizations to find ways to improve the care they provide to patients and their overall operations. They visit facilities to assess their procedures and recommend changes to make the process more efficient, cost-effective, and patient-friendly. They might suggest ways to better manage staff, improve patients’ safety, or optimize the use of technology.

Pharmaceutical and Biotech Companies

Nurses working at pharmaceutical and biotech companies contribute to developing new treatments, including medicines or medical devices. These companies focus on finding new ways to treat illnesses and improve patients’ health.

Positions for MSN-prepared nurses in pharmaceutical or biotech companies include:

Clinical research nurses manage clinical trials that test new medicines or medical devices. They ensure patients are informed about the trial, monitor their health throughout the process, and make sure the trial is conducted safely. These nurses collect and analyze data to determine how well the treatment worked and report their findings to the team. By overseeing these trials, they help bring new treatments to market, improving care options for patients in the future.

Job Growth Potential for MSN-Prepared Nurses

Nurses are expected to experience solid job growth across both clinical and nonclinical roles in the coming years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% rise in the number of jobs for registered nurses between 2023 and 2033 — one and a half times faster than the average job growth rate projected for all occupations. For registered nurses working as diagnosing and treating practitioners, the BLS anticipates a 9% increase during the same period.

Jobs in health care administration are expected to grow even faster. The BLS projects a 29% increase in the number of positions for medical and health services managers between 2023 and 2033, reflecting the rising demand for leadership and management within health care organizations.

These figures underscore the wide-ranging opportunities available to MSN-prepared nurses, both in traditional patient care settings and in settings where health care services and systems are supported behind the scenes.

Expand Your Opportunities With an MSN

Nurse work environments range from hospitals and other clinical settings to academic institutions and corporate boardrooms. Nurses with an MSN can pursue any of a wide array of leadership roles in the setting of their choice.

The University of Tulsa’s MSN program offers several tracks, each preparing students for different opportunities. The Nurse Educator Track prepares nurses to become instructors, while the Public Health Track trains nurses to address community health challenges. And our Executive Leadership Track equips nurses with management skills to become leaders in health care organizations.

Ready to explore where an MSN can take your career? Discover how The University of Tulsa’s online Master of Science in Nursing program can provide you with a pathway toward a rewarding career.

Recommended Readings

Is an MSN Worth It? Reasons to Pursue This Advanced Degree

10 MSN Specialties: How a Concentration Can Help You Focus Your Degree

10 Nursing Certifications for MSN Graduates

Sources:

Advanced Critical Care, “Clinical Nurse Specialist: A Critical Member of the ICU Team”

American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing, “What Is Ambulatory Care Nursing?”

American Nurses Enterprise, “Charge Nurse vs. Nurse Manager: What’s the Difference?”

American Nurses Enterprise, “Shaping Future Healthcare: The Path to Becoming a Nurse Educator”

British Journal of Nursing, “From Clinical to Corporate: Opportunities for Nurses Away From the Bedside”

Health eCareers, “5 Things You Need to Know About Medical-Surgical Nurses”

Incredible Health, “Pursuing a Career as an ICU Nurse”