Registered Nurse Career Guide

What Does a Registered Nurse Do?

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families. RNs assess patients' conditions, record medical histories and symptoms, administer medicines and treatments, operate medical equipment, and help perform diagnostic tests. They work as part of a healthcare team alongside physicians and other specialists, often overseeing licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants.

RNs work in diverse settings including hospitals (59%), ambulatory healthcare services like physicians' offices and home healthcare (19%), nursing care facilities (6%), government facilities (5%), and schools (3%). Specializations range from cardiovascular nursing and critical care to oncology, pediatrics, public health, and rehabilitation. Some nurses work in leadership, education, or research rather than direct patient care.

Education & Requirements

• Typical Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN/ASN), or diploma from approved nursing program. BSN increasingly preferred by employers, especially hospitals.
• License Required: All states require RN license. Must graduate from approved program and pass NCLEX-RN exam. License renewal and continuing education requirements vary by state.
• Certifications: Often requires CPR, Basic Life Support (BLS), or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Specialty certifications available in areas like ambulatory care, gerontology, pediatrics, and oncology.
• Key Skills: Critical thinking, communication, compassion, attention to detail, emotional stability, organizational skills, and physical stamina. Must assess patient conditions, coordinate treatment plans, and communicate clearly with patients and healthcare teams.
• Experience: No prior experience required for entry-level staff nurse positions. Most RNs begin in hospitals or community health settings and advance with experience to specialized roles or management.

Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data):

• Median Annual Salary: $93,600/year ($45.00/hour)
• Entry-Level (10th percentile): $66,030/year
• Experienced (90th percentile): $135,320/year
• Top-Paying Settings: Government facilities ($106,480), Hospitals ($97,260), Ambulatory healthcare ($83,780), Nursing care facilities ($81,820), Schools ($74,360)
• Top-Paying States: California, Hawaii, District of Columbia, Oregon, and Alaska typically offer highest wages. (Specific metro area data available through BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics)

Job Outlook & Growth

Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth will create approximately 166,100 new positions, with about 189,100 total job openings per year when including replacement needs from retirement and career changes.

Factors driving growth: The aging Baby Boomer population requires more medical services, as older adults typically have more health problems than younger people. RNs will be needed to educate and care for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity. Job growth is expected across most healthcare settings, including hospitals and outpatient care centers that provide same-day services like chemotherapy, rehabilitation, and surgery. Because many older people prefer home-based care or residential facilities, RNs will be in high demand in those settings as well.

How to Break Into This Field

1. Education: Enroll in an accredited nursing program - BSN (4 years), ADN/ASN (2 years), or diploma program (2-3 years). BSN programs are increasingly preferred. Many community colleges offer affordable ADN programs, while RN-to-BSN programs allow ADN graduates to earn a bachelor's degree while working.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN: After graduating, pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Prepare using review courses, practice exams, and study groups. Each state board of nursing handles licensing.
3. Entry-Level Roles: Most RNs start as staff nurses in hospitals or community health settings. Consider new graduate residency programs that provide mentorship and orientation. Home health and school nursing may require experience.
4. Build Skills: Obtain CPR, BLS, and potentially ACLS certification. Consider specialty certifications after gaining experience. Develop strong communication, critical thinking, and time management skills through clinical rotations.
5. Network: Join professional associations like the American Nurses Association (ANA). Attend nursing conferences, participate in LinkedIn nursing groups, and connect with preceptors from clinical rotations who can provide job leads and references.

Career Path & Advancement

Typical progression: Staff Nurse → Charge Nurse/Head Nurse → Clinical Nurse Manager → Director of Nursing → Vice President of Nursing → Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). Management roles increasingly require a master's degree in nursing or health services administration.

Clinical advancement: Pursue advanced practice roles like Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife, or Clinical Nurse Specialist (all require master's degree). Specialize in high-demand areas like critical care, oncology, perioperative, or emergency nursing.

Alternative paths: Nursing education (requires PhD), healthcare consulting, health policy, quality assurance, or healthcare administration. Nursing experience translates well to roles with insurance companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, medical device companies, and health IT vendors.

Pros & Cons

Related Careers

If you're interested in Registered Nurse, you might also consider:

• Nurse Practitioner: Advanced practice role with prescribing authority; requires master's degree; median pay $129,210
• Physician Assistant: Similar scope but under physician supervision; master's required; median pay $133,260
• Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse: Provides basic medical care; faster entry (1-year certificate); median pay $62,340
• Dental Hygienist: Oral healthcare; associate's degree; better work-life balance; median pay $94,260
• Respiratory Therapist: Treats breathing disorders; associate's degree; median pay $80,450
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer: Ultrasound imaging; associate's degree; median pay $89,340