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.

SOC: 29-1141.00

Common Job Titles

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

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key 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.
  • KnowledgeAssess patient health problems, needs, and risk factors in diverse clinical settings, synthesizing multiple data sources including vital signs, laboratory results, and patient history.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate clinical information to determine compliance with treatment protocols and safety standards independently, using critical thinking to identify deviations requiring intervention.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze patient data and diagnostic information in acute and ambulatory care environments, collaborating with interdisciplinary medical teams to inform care decisions.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Hands-onCoordinate physical patient care activities including positioning, mobility assistance, and direct nursing interventions efficiently managing multiple patient assignments under time constraints.
  • MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with clinical protocols and therapeutic communication when establishing interpersonal relationships with patients, families, and caregivers across diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • MindsetAdvocate for patient needs, health maintenance, and disease prevention strategies through education and case management across the continuum of care.
  • KnowledgeDocument comprehensive medical records including assessments, interventions, and patient responses using electronic medical record systems in compliance with regulatory and legal requirements.
  • MindsetBalance competing priorities in patient care delivery, team coordination, and resource allocation while maintaining professional standards and ethical practice in high-pressure clinical environments.
  • 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.
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

MetricU.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 SparkEpic SystemsGoogle DocsHenry Schein DentrixKronos Workforce TimekeeperMEDITECH softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordeClinicalWorks EHR software

Technology Skills

Allscripts SunriseAllscripts healthcare automation softwareData entry softwareDatabase softwareDiagnostic and procedural coding softwareDoctorsPartner EMRDrug guide softwareElectronic medical record EMR software

Tools & Equipment

AngiocathsAnti-embolism elastic stockingsApnea monitorsAqua K padsArterial blood gas testing equipmentArterial line cathetersAudiometersAutoclaves