Registered nurses
SOC Code: 29-1141Also known as:
Cardiac Care Unit Nurse (CCU Nurse), Cardiac Nurse Specialist, Central Supply Nurse, Certified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR), Charge Nurse
Median Annual Salary
$93,600
+4.9% growth (2024-2034)
189K
Openings/Year
3.4M
Current Jobs
What Registered nurses Do
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.
💰 Salary
$93,600
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.9%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
189K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
3,391,000
Projected Employment (2034)
3,557,100
Related Careers
Registered nurses
$93,600 •
+4.9% growth
Nurse practitioners
$129,210 •
+40.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
- Administer medications to patients and monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
- Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
- Provide health care, first aid, immunizations, or assistance in convalescence or rehabilitation in locations such as schools, hospitals, or industry.
- Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
- Instruct individuals, families, or other groups on topics such as health education, disease prevention, or childbirth and develop health improvement programs.
- Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patients' responses and conditions.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Registered nurses
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a registered nurses:
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
256,965 degrees awarded •
2,035 colleges offer this program
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing
14,847 degrees awarded •
292 colleges offer this program
Nursing Practice
9,206 degrees awarded •
316 colleges offer this program
Nursing Administration
7,911 degrees awarded •
198 colleges offer this program
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing
4,379 degrees awarded •
163 colleges offer this program
Nursing Science
4,245 degrees awarded •
150 colleges offer this program
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Other
4,125 degrees awarded •
98 colleges offer this program
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing
2,457 degrees awarded •
78 colleges offer this program
Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing
1,505 degrees awarded •
20 colleges offer this program
Geriatric Nurse/Nursing
641 degrees awarded •
45 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Registered nurses
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become registered nurses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make?
The median annual salary for registered nurses is $93,600.
What education do registered nurses need?
Most registered nurses positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Family Practice Nurse/Nursing, Nursing Practice.
Is becoming registered nurses a good career choice?
Registered nurses is projected to see +4.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 189,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for registered nurses?
Top colleges for aspiring registered nurses include
Emory University, New York University, Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University in the City of New York.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to registered nurses?
Registered nurses may also be known as: Cardiac Care Unit Nurse (CCU Nurse), Cardiac Nurse Specialist, Central Supply Nurse, Certified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR), Charge Nurse, Circulating Nurse, Community Health Nurse, Consultant Nurse, Consulting Nurse, Coronary Care Unit Nurse (CCU Nurse), County Nurse, Delivery Nurse, Dialysis Nurse, Dialysis Registered Nurse (Dialysis RN), Discharge Planner, Emergency Department RN (Emergency Department Registered Nurse), Emergency Room Nurse (ER Nurse), Emergency Room Registered Nurse (ER RN), Endoscopy Registered Nurse (Endoscopy RN), Field Nurse.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.