Registered Nurses
Registered nurses assess patient health problems, develop and implement care plans, and administer medical treatment to ill, injured, or disabled patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings, maintaining medical records and advising patients on health maintenance and disease prevention.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against registered nurses and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves direct patient care such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and performing wound care. Nurses document patient information, communicate with doctors and other healthcare staff about patient status, and respond to patient needs throughout shifts. Work may include patient education on managing chronic conditions or preparing for procedures, with schedules often including evenings, nights, and weekends.
Who this work suits
Holland code SCI. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You do well in this work if you prefer structured environments with clear procedures and are motivated by helping others. You likely enjoy organizing information systematically and working within established healthcare protocols while building direct relationships with patients and their families.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- RN Pulmonary ICU · CommonSpirit Health · Stockton, San Joaquin County · $77,811–$77,811
- Data Quality Coordinator RN · CommonSpirit Health · Stockton, San Joaquin County · $46,429–$46,429
- RN Float Pool - Per Diem, Day Shift · Adventist Health · Linda, Yuba County · $82,106–$82,106
- RN Specialty Clinical Educator - Part Time, Day Shift · Adventist Health · Marysville, Yuba County · $98,741–$98,741
- Registered Nurse (RN) - Staff Outpatient Primary Care (PACT) · Veterans Health Administration · Indianapolis, Indiana · $68714–$120511
- Registered Nurse - Patient Safety Manager · Veterans Health Administration · Houston, Texas · $85564–$162157
- Registered Nurse - CLC (Memory Care) · Veterans Health Administration · Tucson, Arizona · $87530–$158422
- Registered Nurse - Mental Health (1 West) · Veterans Health Administration · Tucson, Arizona · $87530–$158422
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $122,440 | $140,270 | $173,170 | 338,940 |
| Hawaii | $101,200 | $136,320 | $144,140 | 12,940 |
| Oregon | $107,220 | $129,010 | $134,420 | 39,730 |
| Washington | $103,100 | $124,200 | $134,240 | 69,260 |
| Alaska | $97,700 | $109,480 | $129,100 | 7,510 |
| New York | $94,840 | $109,440 | $129,660 | 205,810 |
| New Jersey | $99,710 | $106,500 | $127,730 | 92,680 |
| Massachusetts | $87,460 | $104,550 | $136,110 | 88,200 |
| Nevada | $86,850 | $103,670 | $120,270 | 27,070 |
| Connecticut | $86,120 | $102,740 | $121,840 | 40,110 |
| District of Columbia | $85,850 | $102,540 | $127,800 | 11,440 |
| Minnesota | $88,940 | $101,510 | $114,760 | 70,110 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) — American Association of Neuroscience Nurses - American Board of Neuroscience Nursing
- Certified Addictions Registered Nurse - Advanced Practice (CARN-AP) — Addiction Nursing Certification Board
- Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN) — American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses
- Advanced Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse (ACHRN) — National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology
- Advanced AIDS Certified Registered Nurse (AACRN) — HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board
- Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) — Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 42 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against registered nurses and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1141.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.