Registered Nurse
Medical Assistant & Health Sciences
A program that generally prepares individuals in the knowledge, techniques and procedures for promoting health, providing care for sick, disabled, infirmed, or other individuals or groups.
What Registered Nurses Do
A program that generally prepares individuals in the knowledge, techniques and procedures for promoting health, providing care for sick, disabled, infirmed, or other individuals or groups.
Common Tasks
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
- 1Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory and clinic work, assignments, and papers.
- 2Supervise students' laboratory and clinical work.
- 3Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- 4Assess clinical education needs and patient and client teaching needs using a variety of methods.
- 5Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
What You'll Learn
Types of Registered Nurses
Work Environment
Locations
- • Hospitals
- • Outpatient clinics and physician offices
- • Long-term care and nursing facilities
- • Home health agencies
- • Schools and community health programs
Schedule
Many RNs work set shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays, often with moderate time pressure and occasional overtime.
Physical Demands
The job involves a mix of standing, walking, and some sitting, with frequent handling of equipment and assisting patients. Bending and twisting can be moderate, and the work can be physically tiring during busy shifts.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 3,482,600 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
An aging population and higher rates of chronic conditions increase the need for nursing care across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care. Expanded access to healthcare and more outpatient services can also raise demand for RNs and specialized roles.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Strong job availability with many openings each year
- • Competitive pay and benefits in many settings
- • Wide variety of specialties and work environments
- • Clear pathways for advancement and further specialization
- • Meaningful work helping patients and families
Cons
- • High responsibility and emotional stress
- • Shift work can disrupt sleep and work-life balance
- • Risk of exposure to illness and workplace hazards
- • Physically demanding during long or understaffed shifts
- • Licensing requirements and ongoing continuing education
Common Questions About the Registered Nurse Trade
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