Shariq Chaudhry
Expert
If you are searching for rn jobs in the United States, registered nursing offers career opportunities across hospitals, outpatient facilities, physicians’ offices, home healthcare, nursing facilities, schools and other healthcare settings. RN jobs can include staff nursing, emergency care, critical care, medical-surgical nursing, community care and specialty nursing positions. The education and licensing requirements depend on the state where you plan to practice. Registered nurses generally need to complete an approved nursing education program and obtain a state nursing license. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $97,550 for registered nurses in May 2025 and projects 6% employment growth from 2025 to 2035.
What Are RN Jobs in the USA?
RN stands for Registered Nurse. Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, communicate with patients and families, maintain patient records, administer treatments and medications within their scope, and work with other healthcare professionals.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, nursing and residential care facilities, outpatient settings and schools.
Common responsibilities can include:
- Assessing patients’ conditions
- Recording medical histories and observations
- Developing or contributing to care plans
- Administering medications and treatments
- Monitoring medical equipment
- Communicating with healthcare professionals
- Educating patients and families
- Maintaining accurate patient records
The exact duties depend on the specialty, employer, state regulations and individual job description.
Types of RN Jobs in the USA
The United States has many different registered nursing career paths.
Task
Staff Registered Nurse
Staff nurses commonly work in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Their responsibilities depend on the department and patient population.
Medical-Surgical Nurse
Medical-surgical nurses care for patients with a range of medical and surgical conditions. These positions are common in hospital environments.
Emergency Room Nurse
Emergency nursing involves caring for patients who arrive at emergency departments with urgent healthcare needs. The role can require strong clinical and communication skills.
ICU Nurse
Intensive care nurses work with patients who require close monitoring and specialised care. Employers may have additional experience or certification requirements for these positions.
Pediatric Nurse
Pediatric nurses work with children and may be employed in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare settings.
Home Health Nurse
Home health nurses provide care in patients’ homes. BLS identifies home healthcare as one of the settings where registered nurses work.
School Nurse
Some registered nurses work in educational settings, providing health services and supporting students.
RN Education and Licensing Requirements
RN requirements in the USA are not identical in every state. Nursing regulation is handled by state or territorial boards of nursing, and NCSBN explains that licensure requirements can vary by jurisdiction.
BLS states that registered nurses typically enter the profession through one of three education routes:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing
- Associate’s degree in nursing
- Diploma from an approved nursing program
Registered nurses must also be licensed.
Before applying for an RN position, candidates should check the requirements of the state where they intend to practice.
NCSBN’s Nurse Licensure Guidance tool provides state-specific information for people seeking RN licensure, including guidance for applicants educated inside and outside the United States.
NCLEX-RN and State Licensure
The NCLEX-RN is an important part of the U.S. nursing licensure pathway. Applicants should follow the requirements of the nursing regulatory body in the state where they plan to practice.
NCSBN provides state-specific licensure guidance because requirements can differ between jurisdictions. Its guidance also distinguishes between nurses educated in the United States and internationally educated nurses.
Internationally educated nurses may have additional requirements, which can include credential evaluation, English-language requirements or other state-specific documentation depending on the jurisdiction.
Because requirements can change, applicants should verify the latest information directly with the relevant state board of nursing before beginning the licensing process.
Table of Contents
RN Jobs Salary and Pay in the USA
Registered nurse salaries vary by state, employer, specialty, experience and healthcare setting.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for registered nurses was $97,550 in May 2025. The lowest 10% earned less than $68,940, while the highest 10% earned more than $137,470.
BLS also reports different median wages by industry. In May 2025, registered nurses had median annual wages of:
- Government, excluding state/local education and hospitals: $110,780
- Hospitals: $100,220
- Ambulatory healthcare services: $91,230
- Nursing and residential care facilities: $84,300
- Educational services: $78,620
These are national occupational statistics, not guaranteed salaries for an individual vacancy. Actual compensation can vary considerably.
Where Can Registered Nurses Work?
RN careers are available in many healthcare environments across the United States.
BLS reports that hospitals employed the largest share of registered nurses in 2025, followed by ambulatory healthcare services, nursing and residential care facilities, government and educational services.
Potential workplaces include:
- Hospitals
- Outpatient clinics
- Physicians’ offices
- Home healthcare
- Nursing facilities
- Schools
- Community healthcare organisations
- Government healthcare services
- Specialty medical centres
The working environment can influence schedules, responsibilities and patient populations.
RN Job Outlook and Career Opportunities
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects registered nurse employment to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035, which is faster than the average for all occupations. BLS projects approximately 194,700 additional RN jobs over that period and about 180,800 openings per year on average, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.
Career development can involve gaining experience in a particular specialty, obtaining additional education or moving into advanced nursing, leadership, education or management roles.
BLS also lists advanced practice nursing occupations such as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists separately from standard RN roles.
Applicants should distinguish between an RN position and an advanced practice nursing position because the education, certification and licensing requirements can be different.
How to Find and Apply for RN Jobs
Applicants can search for RN vacancies through healthcare employers, hospital career pages and established employment platforms.
Useful search terms include: nursing job cafe
- RN jobs USA
- Registered nurse jobs
- RN hospital jobs
- Staff nurse jobs
- New graduate RN jobs
- ICU RN jobs
- ER RN jobs
- Medical-surgical RN jobs
- Home health RN jobs
- Travel RN jobs
Before applying, check:
- Job location
- Required RN license
- Education requirements
- Clinical experience
- Required certifications
- Work schedule
- Salary information
- Application deadline
A strong application should clearly explain relevant education, clinical experience, professional skills and qualifications.
What type of RN is paid the most?
Advanced practice nurses, such as nurse anesthetists, generally earn more than standard RN roles. Pay varies by specialty, state, experience and employer.
How to make an extra $2,000 a month as a nurse?
Nurses may increase income through overtime, additional shifts, per-diem work, specialty roles or other permitted nursing opportunities. Actual earnings depend on pay rates and available hours.
Can you make $200,000 as a nurse?
It is possible in some nursing careers and locations, particularly advanced practice or highly compensated roles, but $200,000 is not typical for all RNs.
What are the chillest RN jobs?
Some nurses may find outpatient clinics, telephone triage, case management or certain office-based roles less hectic than emergency or critical-care settings. Workload varies by employer and position.
What age do most RNs retire?
There is no single retirement age for RNs in the USA. Retirement timing varies based on personal finances, health, career plans and individual circumstances.
RN Jobs for New Graduates and International Nurses
New graduate nurses can search for positions specifically designed for nurses entering professional practice. Some employers may provide orientation or transition programmes, but requirements differ by organisation.
Internationally educated nurses need to pay particular attention to state licensing requirements. NCSBN’s guidance tool provides information based on the state where an internationally educated nurse plans to live and practice.
Depending on the jurisdiction and individual circumstances, internationally educated applicants may need credential evaluation, English proficiency evidence and other documentation.
Applicants should also separate professional licensure from immigration or visa requirements. NCSBN notes that visa matters are outside the authority of state nursing boards, so immigration questions should be checked with the appropriate U.S. authorities.
Skills Needed for RN Jobs
Registered nurses use a combination of clinical, communication and organisational skills.
Useful skills can include:
- Patient assessment
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Organisation
- Time management
- Documentation
- Clinical knowledge
- Patient education
- Problem-solving
- Professional responsibility
The importance of each skill depends on the position.
For example, an emergency department RN may have different experience requirements from a school nurse or home health nurse. Applicants should therefore match their application to the specific job description.
Tips for Applying for RN Jobs
A well-prepared application should directly address the employer’s requirements.
Review the Job Description
Read every section carefully and identify the essential qualifications and experience.
Confirm Your License
Make sure your RN license meets the requirements for the state where the position is located.
Highlight Relevant Experience
Include clinical areas, patient populations and responsibilities that directly relate to the vacancy.
Prepare Supporting Documents
Keep relevant education, licensing and certification information available when completing applications.
Check the Schedule
Some healthcare settings operate 24 hours a day, which can mean nights, weekends or holidays. BLS notes that nurses working in hospitals and nursing facilities commonly work shifts to provide round-the-clock coverage.
Prepare for Interviews
Review the job description and be ready to discuss your clinical experience, communication skills, teamwork and approach to patient care.
RN Jobs and Career Growth
RN jobs can offer opportunities to develop clinical skills, gain experience, and move into specialized nursing roles.
RN Jobs in Hospitals
Hospitals hire RNs for departments such as emergency care, surgery, medical wards, intensive care, and maternity services.
RN Jobs and Teamwork
Registered nurses work closely with doctors, healthcare assistants, therapists, patients, and other healthcare professionals.
RN Jobs for New Graduates
New graduate nurses can look for entry-level RN positions, residency programs, and hospital training opportunities.
RN Jobs and Professional Skills
Strong communication, organization, clinical knowledge, teamwork, and patient-care skills are important for successful RN careers.
.RN Jobs and Patient Care
RNs provide direct patient care, monitor health conditions, and support treatment plans.
RN Jobs and Work Experience
Experience can help nurses qualify for specialized positions and increased responsibilities.
RN Jobs and Career Opportunities
RNs can explore opportunities in hospitals, clinics, schools, home healthcare, and other healthcare settings.
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