Once they are have earned the desired degree, individuals must pass the NCLEX-RN, a national licensing exam. From there, RNs can proactively manage their path through this profession by pursuing subspecialties based on a certain type of patient, a certain category of illnesses, or a specific type of facility, such as an imaging facility, an emergency room or a cancer treatment center. While all nurses are responsible in some form for the care, comfort and well-being of patients, their overall responsibilities will differ widely depending on the direction they choose.