Registered Nurse (RN) Jobs Overview

Registered Nurses aren't just the first line of defense in healthcare, they're also the most prominent. There are nearly 4.2 million registered nurses (RNs) in the United States, and they help make nursing the single largest healthcare profession in the country. RN jobs are in demand in a wide variety of work environments, from hospitals to ambulatory healthcare centers to skilled nursing facilities and beyond.

If you're pursuing an RN job — whether on a full-time, contract, or per diem basis — now is a great time to start looking. RN jobs are projected to grow by 6% over the next decade, an increase of about 195,400 jobs. With a growing focus on preventive care, escalating rates of chronic conditions, and the aging baby boomer population, the healthcare landscape is going to continue to rely heavily on RNs and their expertise to deliver quality care.

RN Education and Skills

An RN is a highly skilled role in the nursing profession requiring the ability to think analytically, retain information, communicate clearly, and give patients the empathy and care they need through their toughest times.

To begin your path to being a registered nurse, you’ll start by earning your associate degree (ADN), bachelor’s degree (BSN), or master’s in nursing (MSN). Next, you will need to become licensed according to the requirements of the state you want to practice in.

Additional credentialing and continuing education can help you increase your skills and your pay. Obtaining continuing education credits is not simply a way to advance your career, but necessary to maintain your nursing license. Check your state board of nursing website for requirements unique to your residency. Nursing is a profession that encourages and even requires lifelong learning. You’ll want to keep taking courses to keep up with the constant changes in the technology, science, and tools nurses use every day.

Nursing Resume/CV

Whether you are looking for your first or your 31st position as an RN, you will need to make sure your resume and cover letter are both up to date and can catch the eye of recruiters, hiring managers, and the software they use to review candidates. Take some time to learn more about the best ways to list your credentials and describe the experience that sets you apart in an engaging cover letter, as well as how to create a resume that shows off your degrees, certifications, and special skills.

Interviewing as a Nurse

Like any other job, nurse interviews can be a bit nerve-racking. But just taking a little time to learn about the latest tips and tricks can help you calm yourself. Focus on listening to not just the question but also the reason behind the question can help you land that new RN job.

RN Salary and Benefits

Salaries for RN jobs vary not just by geography, but by the need in that geography. Make sure you know the common salary ranges and available benefits like health, dental, vision, retirement plans, life insurance, bonuses, discounts and subscriptions, and paid time off before you accept that next RN job.

Ways of Working as a Nurse

There are a lot of ways to work as a registered nurse beyond full time at the hospital bedside. In addition to working as a generalist or a specialist (such as a labor and delivery nurse), you can work part time, on contract, per diem, or as a travel nurse. Nursing has an option for any schedule you have in mind.