What does a registered nurse do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
A registered nurse (RN) provides and coordinates patient care and teaches patients and the public about health conditions. In the US you need a state license, which requires graduating from an approved nursing program and passing an exam. BLS reports a median pay of $97,550 per year (May 2025).
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 29-1141 (Registered Nurses) |
| O*NET code | 29-1141.00 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree (an associate's degree or diploma can also qualify) |
| Licensing | State license required |
| Median annual wage | $97,550 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 6 percent, 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 3,465,400 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a registered nurse do?
Registered nurses assess patients' conditions, record medical histories and symptoms, and observe and document what they see. They administer medicines and treatments, set up or contribute to care plans, and consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals. They also operate and monitor medical equipment, help with diagnostic tests and analyze results, and teach patients and families how to manage an illness or injury and care for themselves at home.
Many RNs oversee licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants and home health aides. Nurses can specialize, for example in critical care, neonatal, public health, rehabilitation or cardiovascular nursing.
Work environment
BLS counts about 3.5 million RN jobs in 2025. Hospitals employ the largest share (59 percent), followed by ambulatory healthcare services (19 percent), nursing and residential care facilities (6 percent) and government (5 percent). The work involves long periods of walking and standing and carries injury risks such as back strain from lifting patients and exposure to infectious disease. Nurses in hospitals and nursing facilities often work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays. Nurses in offices and schools usually work regular business hours.
Education, training and licensing
There are three common paths: a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN), an associate's degree in nursing (ADN or ASN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program. BLS says bachelor's and associate's programs typically take about 4 years and diploma programs 2 to 3 years, and all include supervised clinical experience. Graduates of any path can qualify for staff nurse jobs, though some hospitals require a bachelor's degree.
RNs must hold a state-issued license. That requires graduating from an approved program and passing a qualifying exam, and other requirements, such as background checks, vary by state. Specialty certifications are voluntary but some employers require them, and many positions ask for CPR, BLS or ACLS certification. Check your state board of nursing for current rules.
Skills that matter
BLS lists critical thinking, communication, compassion, attention to detail, emotional stability, organizational skills and physical stamina as important qualities. O*NET ranks active listening, critical thinking, speaking, reading comprehension and monitoring among the top skills for registered nurses.
How much does a registered nurse make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $97,550 (May 2025) for registered nurses. BLS also prints that the lowest 10 percent earned less than $68,940 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $137,470 (May 2025). Median pay differs by setting: BLS reports $100,220 in hospitals and $84,300 in nursing and residential care facilities (May 2025).
See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your state. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects RN employment to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3 percent average for all occupations, with about 180,800 openings per year on average. Most openings come from replacing nurses who transfer to other occupations or leave the workforce. BLS cites an aging population, chronic conditions and continued demand for home healthcare as drivers.
How to get hired
- Confirm your state board of nursing requirements and exam steps before you apply.
- Keep a clean resume that lists your licenses, certifications such as BLS or ACLS, and clinical settings.
- Prepare for behavioral questions with the interview prep hub.
- Ask clinical instructors and former supervisors to be references, and use networking to learn about openings.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives, respiratory therapists, and dental hygienists.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a registered nurse? BLS says bachelor's and associate's degree programs typically take about 4 years and diploma programs take 2 to 3 years, followed by passing the licensing exam.
Do registered nurses need a license? Yes. BLS says RNs must hold a state-issued license, which requires graduating from an approved program and passing a qualifying exam. Other requirements vary by state.
Do I need a bachelor's degree to work as an RN? Not always. BLS says an associate's degree or diploma can qualify you for staff nurse jobs, but some hospitals require a bachelor's degree.
Is nursing a growing career? BLS projects 6 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average, with about 180,800 openings per year.
Related guides
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered nurses: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 29-1141.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1141.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.