Registered Nurse (RN) job description

What does a Registered Nurse (RN) do?

A Registered Nurse (RN) provides direct patient care, working alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality medical services.

RNs are responsible for assessing patients' health conditions, administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, and developing and implementing patient care plans. They also educate patients and their families about managing health conditions, provide emotional support, and ensure that all care is provided in compliance with healthcare regulations and standards. Registered Nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and outpatient care facilities, playing a critical role in promoting patient recovery and well-being.

Their work is essential in ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and compassionate care, and they are often the primary point of contact for patients and their families during treatment.

Registered Nurse (RN) duties and responsibilities

Typical tasks in a Registered Nurse (RN) job:

• Assess patients' health conditions and document their medical histories
• Administer medications, treatments, and injections as prescribed by physicians
• Perform diagnostic tests and interpret the results to help guide treatment decisions
• Develop and implement individualized patient care plans
• Monitor patients' progress and adjust care plans as necessary
• Educate patients and their families about managing illnesses and injuries
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to provide holistic patient care
• Ensure that all patient care is delivered in accordance with healthcare regulations and safety standards

Qualifications and skills

Education & qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)
• Valid state license to practice as a Registered Nurse
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications may be required
• Clinical experience gained through internships, externships, or previous nursing positions

Skills & requirements

• Strong clinical skills and knowledge of healthcare practices and regulations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach to nursing care
• Ability to work in high-stress environments and handle emergencies calmly and efficiently
• Physical stamina to handle the demands of patient care, including lifting and moving patients

Registered Nurse (RN) salary 2026

The average salary for a Registered Nurse (RN) in the U.S. is about $75,000 per year. Pay depends on experience, employer, industry and region:

• Entry level0-2 years $56,250
• Mid level3-5 years $67,500
• Experienced6-10 years $75,000
• Senior11+ years $82,500
• Top earners20+ years $93,750

Based on public data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale. Career-level figures are estimates derived from the national average.

Registered Nurse (RN) career path

Registered Nurses can advance their careers by pursuing specialized certifications in areas such as critical care, pediatrics, oncology, or emergency nursing. With additional education, they may become Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Nurse Educators, or Nurse Managers. Continuing education and obtaining advanced degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), can lead to leadership roles and higher-paying positions within the healthcare industry.

Work environment

Registered Nurses work in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and outpatient care centers. The role involves direct patient care, often in fast-paced and high-pressure environments. RNs work shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on the needs of the healthcare facility. The job requires physical stamina, emotional resilience, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.