Related job titles are: Registered Nurse (RN), Staff RN (Staff Registered Nurse), Staff Nurse, Charge Nurse, Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN), Oncology RN (Oncology Registered Nurse), Relief Charge Nurse, Cardiac Care Unit Nurse (CCU Nurse), Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR), or Coronary Care Unit Nurse (CCU Nurse).
How Much Does a Registered Nurse Make? | Registered Nurse Salary
The median yearly salary for registered nurses was $64,690 in May 2010 (the most recent data available). The median salary is the salary at which half of the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,190 and those employees in the top 10 percent earned greater then $95,130.
Median annual wages for registered nurses in private general medical and surgical hospitals were $66,650 in May 2010 (the most recent data available), highest among those industries employing much of the occupation.
What Does a Registered Nurse Do? | Job Description
Registered Nursing is one of U.S. News and World Report "100 Best Jobs of 2013." Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members. Some registered nurses oversee licensed practical nurses, nursing aides, and home care aides. Registered nurses sometimes work to promote general health by educating the public on warning signs and symptoms of disease. They might also run general health screenings or immunization clinics, blood drives, or other outreach programs.
Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant are three of CNNMoney.com "100 Best Jobs in America."
How to Become a Registered Nurse?
Registered nurses usually take one of three education paths: a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate's degree in nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must also be licensed. In all states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, registered nurses must have a nursing license. To become licensed, nurses must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN.
Registered Nurse Classes and Courses | Degree Programs
In all nursing education programs, students take courses in nursing, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology and other social and behavioral sciences, as well as in liberal arts. BSN programs typically take four years to complete; ADN and diploma programs usually take two to three years to complete.
All programs also include supervised clinical experience in hospital departments such as pediatrics, psychiatry, maternity, and surgery. A number of programs include clinical experience in extended and long-term care facilities, public health departments, home health agencies, or ambulatory (walk-in) clinics.
Registered Nurse Jobs | Who is Hiring?
Employment of registered nurses (RNs) is expected to grow 26 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur primarily because of technological advancements, permitting a greater number of health problems to be treated; an increased emphasis on preventive care; and the large, aging baby boomer population who will demand more healthcare services as they live longer and more active lives than previous generations. Faster than average growth is expected in traditional hospital settings, as well as in non-hospital settings, such as physician’s offices and home healthcare services.
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