Registered Nurse

Your Fit

Income

$94K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

5.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Registered Nurse?

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.

Sample job titles:

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

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Registered Nurse.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Registered Nurse earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$66K per year	$79K per year	$94K per year	$108K per year	$135K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $44K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Registered Nurse do?

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.

Quick task list

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.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

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

Making a significant difference in patients' lives and health outcomes.
Diverse working environments and opportunities for specialization.
Being part of a respected and essential profession in the healthcare system.

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

Compassionate and empathetic, with a desire to help others.
Able to think critically and make decisions under pressure.
Interested in healthcare and medicine.
A good communicator, capable of working effectively with diverse individuals.
Willing to commit to lifelong learning in the field of healthcare.

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:

Volunteering at hospitals or clinics.
Joining health science or first aid clubs.
Participating in community service, especially in health-related roles.

Preparation after high school

Completing an ADN or BSN program.
Passing the NCLEX-RN to obtain a nursing license.
Considering internships or residencies in hospitals for practical experience.
Pursuing further education or certifications in specialized areas of nursing.

More resources

American Nurses Association (ANA) - Offers resources and information for nurses.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) - Provides information on the NCLEX-RN and nursing licensure.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) - Resource for nursing education and BSN programs.
Nurse.com - Provides continuing education, job listings, and news for nurses

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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.