| Aspect | Ambulatory Rn | Hospital Rn |
|---|
| Work Environment | Outpatient clinics, physician offices, outpatient surgery centers | Hospital wards, emergency rooms, inpatient units |
| Certifications | Registered Nurse (RN) license, possibly specialty certifications | Registered Nurse (RN) license, possibly specialty certifications |
| Job Focus | Patient education, routine procedures, outpatient care | Acute care, emergency response, inpatient procedures |
| Work Hours | Typically regular daytime hours | Varied shifts, including nights and weekends |
Ambulatory Rns primarily work in outpatient settings focusing on routine and preventive care, while hospital Rns work in inpatient environments handling acute and emergency cases. Both roles require RN licensure and may need specialty certifications, but their work environments and hours differ significantly.