A Registered Nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional responsible for providing and coordinating patient care, educating patients and the public about various health conditions, and offering emotional support to patients and their families. RNs are vital in patient care planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 5.6% (above average)
Annual job openings: 189,100
Direct AI exposure: 19% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 57% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $98K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $69K per year | $80K per year | $98K per year | $112K per year | $137K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $47K above the national average. | ||||
Registered Nurses work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, and community health centers. They may work in fast-paced environments, especially in emergency rooms and intensive care units, and are often required to work shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Registered Nursing is a dynamic and essential profession in the healthcare sector. Nurses are often the first healthcare professionals that patients interact with and are critical in the initial assessment and ongoing care. They must possess a broad knowledge of healthcare, including understanding diseases, health conditions, and medical treatments, as well as skills in administering care and using medical equipment.
RNs play a pivotal role in patient care, working closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure that each patient receives comprehensive care. They must be able to think critically, make quick decisions in emergencies, and provide compassionate care. Their duties are not only technical but also involve significant patient interaction, requiring strong communication skills and emotional intelligence.
The career of a Registered Nurse is marked by lifelong learning. Healthcare is a constantly evolving field, and RNs must stay updated with the latest medical knowledge and technologies. Specialization in a specific area of nursing can provide opportunities for career advancement and a deeper focus on particular patient populations or healthcare settings.
To become a Registered Nurse, one typically needs to complete either a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Following this, passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) is required to obtain a nursing license.
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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.