Registered Nurse

Charge Nurse, Emergency Department RN (Emergency Department Registered Nurse), Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN), Staff Nurse
Job Description

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.

Typical Preparation

Education: Bachelor's degree

Years in related career: None

On-the-job training: None

Outlook

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.

What does a Registered Nurse do?

Intro video

(less than 2 minutes)

Duties

  • Assesses and records patients' medical histories and symptoms.
  • Administers medications and treatments.
  • Collaborates with healthcare teams to plan and evaluate patient care.
  • Operates and monitors medical equipment.
  • Educates patients and the public about health conditions.

Work environment

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.

Typical Schedule

Areas of specialization

  • Pediatric Nursing: Specializing in the care of infants, children, and adolescents.
  • Oncology Nursing: Focused on the care of cancer patients.
  • Critical Care Nursing: Working in intensive care units with critically ill or unstable patients.
  • Geriatric Nursing: Specializing in the care of elderly patients.
  • Public Health Nursing: Working in community settings to improve public health.

Description

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.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

You might make a good Registered Nurse if you are...

Pros:

  • High demand and job stability.
  • Opportunities for advancement and specialization.
  • Rewarding work with direct patient impact.

Cons:

  • Emotionally and physically demanding.
  • Irregular hours and possible night shifts.
  • Exposure to health risks and stressful situations.

How to become a Registered Nurse

Typical education

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.

High school preparation

Courses:

  • Biology and Chemistry to understand human physiology and medical principles.
  • Psychology for insight into mental health and patient care.
  • Mathematics for drug dosage calculations and data interpretation.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

  • Volunteer at hospitals or clinics.
  • Join health science or first aid clubs.
  • Participate in community service, especially in health-related roles.

Preparation after high school

  • Complete an ADN or BSN program.
  • Pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain a nursing license.
  • Consider internships or residencies in hospitals for practical experience.
  • Pursue further education or certifications in specialized areas of nursing.

More resources

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