What Registered Nursing Is and What RNs Do
Registered nursing is a licensed healthcare profession focused on patient care, coordination of treatment plans, and health education. RNs work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health settings, performing assessments, administering medications, and managing care teams. The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes RNs as professionals who typically need an associate or bachelor's degree and state licensure to practice.
Core duties include monitoring patient vital signs, operating medical equipment, documenting care, and collaborating with physicians and specialists. Many RNs specialize in areas such as critical care, oncology, pediatrics, or perioperative nursing. The profession requires clinical competence, adherence to evidence-based protocols, and compliance with state board regulations.
Education, Licensing, and Certification Pathways
Common pathways to becoming an RN include an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), typically completed in two to three years, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), usually a four-year program. Accelerated BSN options exist for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. All programs combine classroom instruction with supervised clinical experience in hospitals and other care settings.
After graduating, candidates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain a state license. Some states require additional exams or background checks. Specialty certifications, such as Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) or Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN), are offered by organizations like the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and can enhance career options and earning potential.
Registered Nurse Salary, Job Outlook, and Top Employers
The median annual wage for RNs in the United States was reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of the latest available survey data, with the top 10 percent earning more than six figures. Pay varies by experience, specialty, education level, and location, with hospitals and government facilities often offering higher compensation than outpatient clinics or nursing homes.
Employment of RNs is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, driven by an aging population, increased chronic disease management needs, and ongoing demand in acute and long-term care settings. Major employers include large hospital systems, home health agencies, and government health departments. For broader industry context on healthcare employment trends, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, and for corporate healthcare operations, see the UnitedHealth Group page on UnitedHealth Group.