This study described the work content of registered nurses (RNs) employed in municipal health care. Diary notes of three working days from 34 RNs were analysed using content analysis, and a total of 3185 activities were identified. Of these, 2807 were analysed further and grouped by comparing similarities and differences. The content of the RNs' nursing activities consisted of assessing health, giving treatments and conducting check-ups, handling pharmaceuticals and teaching. In the administration category, the content comprised planning and reporting, followed by documentation. The RNs' role in municipal health care is consultative, which reinforces their need for competence in advanced nursing, as well as in leadership and pedagogy. RNs mostly work without colleagues and they are responsible for many seriously ill patients. In order to be confident in providing qualified nursing, specialist nursing education in elderly care is needed.