Registered Nurses
Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.
Common Job Titles
- Charge Nurse
- Emergency Department RN (Emergency Department Registered Nurse)
- Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN)
- Staff Nurse
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeFormulate individualized nursing care plans based on evidence-based practice guidelines and patient-specific factors across diverse populations.Advanced
- KnowledgeAssess patient health problems, needs, and risk factors in diverse clinical settings, synthesizing multiple data sources including vital signs, laboratory results, and patient history.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate clinical information to determine compliance with treatment protocols and safety standards independently, using critical thinking to identify deviations requiring intervention.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze patient data and diagnostic information in acute and ambulatory care environments, collaborating with interdisciplinary medical teams to inform care decisions.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform clinical nursing procedures including IV insertion, catheterization, wound care, and medication administration following established protocols and safety standards under varying levels of supervision.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate medical equipment including cardiac monitors, infusion pumps, ventilators, and life support devices in critical care and emergency settings, ensuring patient safety and equipment accuracy.Proficient
- Hands-onCoordinate physical patient care activities including positioning, mobility assistance, and direct nursing interventions efficiently managing multiple patient assignments under time constraints.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with clinical protocols and therapeutic communication when establishing interpersonal relationships with patients, families, and caregivers across diverse cultural backgrounds.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for patient needs, health maintenance, and disease prevention strategies through education and case management across the continuum of care.Proficient
- KnowledgeDocument comprehensive medical records including assessments, interventions, and patient responses using electronic medical record systems in compliance with regulatory and legal requirements.Proficient
- MindsetBalance competing priorities in patient care delivery, team coordination, and resource allocation while maintaining professional standards and ethical practice in high-pressure clinical environments.Proficient
- KnowledgeInstruct patients, families, and healthcare team members on health promotion, disease management, and treatment protocols adapting teaching strategies to diverse learning needs and health literacy levels.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Registered Nurses (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
3,282,010
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $66,030. 25th percentile: U.S. $78,610. 50th percentile: U.S. $93,600. 75th percentile: U.S. $107,960. 90th percentile: U.S. $135,320. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $66,030 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $135,320 |
| Workers on average earn | $98,430 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Psychology4.6/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
- Medicine and Dentistry4.4/5
- English Language4.2/5
- Administrative3.5/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Apache Spark
- Epic Systems
- Google Docs
- Henry Schein Dentrix
- Kronos Workforce Timekeeper
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
Technology Skills
- Allscripts Sunrise
- Allscripts healthcare automation software
- Data entry software
- Database software
- Diagnostic and procedural coding software
- DoctorsPartner EMR
- Drug guide software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
Tools & Equipment
- Angiocaths
- Anti-embolism elastic stockings
- Apnea monitors
- Aqua K pads
- Arterial blood gas testing equipment
- Arterial line catheters
- Audiometers
- Autoclaves