Nursing can present graduates with a wide range of career paths, all with varying responsibilities - but the best nurses are often those who put their heart into their work, whichever field they choose.

These qualities are exemplified by Janice Hunsberger, a nurse with 30 years' experience who, the Montgomery News reported, was recently given the Outstanding Orthopedic Nurse Practice Award by the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses.

Ms Hunsberger started her career as a staff nurse in a general medical surgery unit. After 2 years, her dedication won her promotion to the position of head nurse.

When the hospital where she worked split its responsibilities, Ms Hunsberger found her "true calling" in the new Orthopedic Unit.

She now works as the coordinator of programs for a joint replacement centre, dealing with surgeons and patients, as well as organizing after-care and helping to teach the next generation of nurses.

According to Department of Labor, Orthopedic nursing involves working with patients suffering from muscular and skeletal conditions, such as arthritis, muscular dystrophy and bone fractures.

Like the majority of America's 2.5 million registered nurses, most orthopedic roles are hospital-based.