Registered Nurse job description template

US format, federal rules as of 30 Oct 2026. State and local rules vary.

A registered nurse (RN) assesses patients, gives care, administers medicine and teaches patients and families. A strong job description names the unit, patient population, shift pattern, staffing ratio practice and the exact state license required, because RN licensure is set state by state.

At a glance

• State the unit, shift length and rotation (days, nights, weekends).
• Name the license required: an RN license in your state, or a multistate license under the Nurse Licensure Compact where your state belongs to it.
• Describe orientation or preceptor support for new hires.

Template

Registered Nurse
[COMPANY] | [CITY, STATE or Remote] | [Full-time / Part-time / Contract]

PAY: $[MIN] to $[MAX] per [hour / year]. Benefits: [LIST].

SUMMARY
A registered nurse (RN) assesses patients, gives care, administers medicine and teaches patients and families. At [COMPANY] you will [OUTCOME FOR THE FIRST YEAR] and report to [TITLE].

RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assess patients, record vital signs and update the plan of care
- Administer medicines and treatments as ordered, following facility protocol
- Monitor patient condition and escalate changes to the physician or provider promptly
- Document care accurately in [EHR SYSTEM]
- Educate patients and families on conditions, medicines and discharge instructions
- Coordinate with physicians, therapists, and nursing assistants on the unit
- Follow infection-control and patient-safety procedures

REQUIREMENTS
- Current RN license valid in [STATE]
- Graduate of an approved nursing program: [ADN / BSN]
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- [N] years in [SPECIALTY], or new-graduate welcome if true
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the unit, with or without reasonable accommodation

NICE TO HAVE
- Specialty certification such as [NAME]
- Experience with [EHR SYSTEM]
- Bilingual patient communication

HOW WE HIRE
[Interview rounds, any test, timeline. Say that applicants never pay a fee.]

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
[COMPANY] considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status. To request an adjustment, contact [EMAIL].

Duties and skills follow the O*NET OnLine summary for Registered Nurses (29-1141.00), the US Department of Labor's occupational database.

How to customize it

• License: verify each license with the state board of nursing before the start date. The primary-source check is your responsibility, not the candidate's.
• Physical demands: list only essential functions (lifting, standing) and add "with or without reasonable accommodation".
• Health screening: immunization or medical requirements must follow ADA rules and be asked only after a conditional offer.
• Shift differentials, sign-on terms and overtime: state them plainly. Hourly nurses are typically overtime-eligible, but confirm under FLSA.
• Level: delete the junior or senior wording that does not apply, and cut every requirement you would not screen for.
• Pay: enter your own approved range. Several states require a range in the posting; see pay transparency laws.

How to post it on LiveRec

1. Open Jobs and choose Post a job.
2. Choose Use a template or a previous job, Describe it with AI, or Create a new job from scratch.
3. Paste the summary, responsibilities and requirements into the Description step, then complete the screening and assessment steps.
4. Use Preview posting to see what candidates see, then choose Post job.

Steps and limits are in Post a job on LiveRec. When the applicants arrive, use the registered nurse interview questions.

FAQ

Do I have to hire a nurse with a license from my state? You need a license that lets the nurse practice where they work. A multistate Nurse Licensure Compact license can cover compact states; others need a license in your state.

Can I hire new graduates? Yes. Say so in the posting and describe orientation, so experienced and new nurses both know what to expect.

Next step

Fill the placeholders, check the finished text against how to write a job description, and post it. Build a scorecard from the requirements list.

Sources

• O*NET OnLine, 29-1141.00 Registered Nurses: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1141.00
• EEOC, Prohibited Employment Policies/Practices: https://www.eeoc.gov/prohibited-employment-policies-practices
• US DOL Wage and Hour Division, FLSA: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Nurse Licensure Compact: https://www.nursecompact.com/

This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.