RN Jobs Overview
Nurses aren't just the first line of defense in healthcare, they're also the most prominent. There are nearly 4.3 million actively licensed registered nurses (RNs) in the United States, and they help make nursing the single largest healthcare profession in the country. RN jobs are in demand in a wide variety of work environments, from hospitals to ambulatory healthcare centers to skilled nursing facilities and beyond.
If you're pursuing an RN job, now is a great time to start looking. RN positions are projected to grow by 6% over the next decade, an increase of about 197,200 jobs. With a growing focus on preventive care, escalating rates of chronic conditions, and the aging baby boomer population, the healthcare landscape is going to continue to rely heavily on RNs and their expertise to deliver quality care. Whether you're searching for openings in acute facilities or post-acute facilities, you'll find the latest jobs for registered nurses right here on IntelyCare.
Education and Skills for Registered Nurse Jobs
An RN is a highly skilled role in the nursing profession requiring the ability to think critically, retain information, communicate clearly, and give patients the empathy and care they need through their toughest times.
To begin your path to become a registered nurse, you must earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Note that employers tend to favor candidates with a BSN vs. ADN. Next, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for an RN license with your state board of nursing.
Nursing is a profession that encourages and even requires lifelong learning. Additional credentialing such as specialty RN certifications can help you increase your skills and even your pay. Obtaining continuing education credits is not simply a way to advance your career, but it’s also necessary to maintain your nursing license. Check with your state board of nursing for requirements unique to your license.
For more insight into what an employer might be looking for, check out our sample job template for an RN.
RN Resume and Cover Letter
Whether you are looking for your first or your 31st position as an RN, you will need to make sure your RN resume and cover letter are both up to date. No two registered nurse positions are the same, so take some time to ensure your resume skills and experience reflect the featured requirements in each individual job posting. Then use your cover letter to expound on the value that you’d bring to the role.
Interviewing for Registered Nursing Jobs
Regardless of your profession, interviews can be a bit nerve-racking. But just taking a little time to go over some common RN interview questions can help you feel more at ease. Focus on listening to not just the question but also the reason behind the question.
Salary and Benefits for Registered Nurse Jobs
The average RN salary in the U.S. is $98,430 per year. Your earnings will be affected by a number of factors, including your level of education, facility type, employer, and years of experience. For example, entry-level RN jobs may initially pay below the national annual average.
Where in the country you work also plays a role. RN jobs' salary expectations vary not just by geography, but by the need in that geography. That’s why jobs for registered nurses in Hawaii have higher annual salaries than in Illinois or Texas. These are the highest-paying states for RNs:
Make sure you know the common salary ranges and available job benefits like health, dental, vision, retirement plans, life insurance, bonuses, discounts and subscriptions, and paid time off before you accept your next RN job.
Ways of Working
There are a lot of schedules to choose from when looking for registered nurse jobs. Explore the options for all types of schedules you have in mind:
- Contract RN jobs
- Full-time RN jobs
- Part-time RN jobs
- Per diem RN jobs
- Remote RN jobs
- Temporary RN jobs
- Travel RN jobs
Healthcare Companies
Not only do registered nursing jobs come in a variety of different types, but there is also a variety of employers to consider as well. You can work for major healthcare systems like Cleveland Clinic or Kaiser Permanente; academically driven centers like Yale New Haven Health; a nationwide care system like the VA; or even as a per diem nurse with IntelyCare. As a skilled healthcare professional, you have plenty of job options to choose from.
RN Specialty Areas
If you're certified in a specialty nursing area, you can narrow your search to jobs in that field. Explore RN roles in the following nursing niches:
- Aesthetic RN jobs
- ER RN jobs
- Home health RN jobs
- Hospice RN jobs
- ICU RN jobs
- Infusion RN jobs
- Labor and delivery RN jobs
- Med-surg RN jobs
- Mother-baby RN jobs
- New grad RN jobs
- OB-GYN RN jobs
- Oncology RN jobs
- OR RN jobs
- Outpatient RN jobs
- PACU RN jobs
- PCU RN jobs
- Pediatric RN jobs
- Psych RN jobs
- RN educator jobs
- School RN jobs
- Telehealth RN jobs
- Telemetry RN jobs
- Urgent care RN jobs
- Utilization review RN jobs
- Wound care RN jobs
IntelyCare Is Your Source for the Best-Fitting RN Positions
There are so many types of RN jobs available these days that it can be too time-consuming to sift through them all. Want some help? Find out how IntelyCare can match you with the latest registered nursing jobs in your specialty.