Registered Nurse Job Description
Overview
Steps to start your career as a Registered Nurse (and similar roles)
- The shortest is an associate degree in nursing (ADN) at 2 years and next a RN diploma at 2-3 years and the longest being a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) at 4 years. All of these programs require a GED or high school diploma. There are also advanced degrees you can earn.
- You need to pass the national nursing licensure exam, NCLEX. Either the PN to become a licensed practical nurse or the RN to become a registered nurse.
- Nurses exist in all areas of healthcare which means there are many different types of environments and work styles to choose from so make sure to do your research to find one that fits your interest and needs. Some of these may require additional training first.
- Finding a nursing job is like any other, networking and job boards are a good start.
Why I choose Nursing:
Hi, I'm Harmony. I'm a registered nurse and I work in an outpatient surgery center. I decided to go to nursing school because I love science and I love helping people.
My Nursing Career:
I've been a nurse for 25 years and I've had various different nursing jobs during my career. I started out working in the hospital at night shift and then I decided to train in the area of critical care and I got a position in the adult intensive care unit where I loved working and I worked for almost 15 years taking care of really critically ill patients.
Nursing Salary:
How much does a nurse make at a day surgery center? Well it varies based on years of experience, possibly what you bargained for, upon hiring, your performance reviews and your raises.
Unique Opportunities:
Being a registered nurse offered me the opportunity to travel to New Zealand and work in a coronary care unit for one year.
Perks of Outpatient Clinic:
One of the main reasons why I like working in an outpatient surgery center is that there are no weekends, no nights, no holidays, Just Monday through Friday, same day procedures. People go home. They go home to their families. You don't have to take care of them overnight. That means more time with my family. So I chose to start working in the outpatient surgery center for more flexibility.
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- registered nurse (rn)Aveanna Healthcarespanish springsPosted: Feb 3, 2026Pay info not listedEstimate:$58k - $92k/yr
- travel nurse rn - icu ...Supplemental Health Carewytheville, VAPosted: Feb 3, 2026Pay info not listedEstimate:$65k - $97k/yr
- travel nurse rn - icu ...Supplemental Health Careoak park heightsPosted: Feb 2, 2026Pay info not listedEstimate:$70k - $103k/yr
- travel nurse rn - med ...Seven Healthcareatlanta, GAPosted: Feb 2, 2026Pay info not listedEstimate:$70k - $102k/yr
- registered nurse (rn) ...Memorial Hermann Health ...conroe, TXPosted: Jan 28, 2026Pay info not listedEstimate:$36k - $60k/yr
- travel nurse rn - icu ...Supplemental Health Carephiladelphia, PAPosted: Jan 23, 2026Pay info not listedEstimate:$72k - $104k/yr
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Find jobs and other location specific info about this role
- 1. Dallas, TX (1026)
- 2. Schertz, TX (1014)
- 3. Saint Louis, MO (965)
- 4. Cibolo, TX (962)
- 5. Kansas City, MO (942)
- 6. Atlanta, GA (915)
- 7. New Braunfels, TX (908)
- 8. Aurora, CO (899)
- 9. New York, NY (865)
- 10. Plano, TX (857)
- 11. Overland Park, KS (848)
- 12. Marietta, GA (829)
- 13. San Antonio, TX (785)
- 14. Cleveland, OH (761)
- 15. New Haven, CT (759)
- 16. Boston, MA (756)
- 17. Los Angeles, CA (702)
- 18. Fort Worth, TX (694)
- 19. Cambridge, MA (683)
- 20. Asheville, NC (663)
What skills do Registered Nurses need?
These are the most commonly mentioned skills in job descriptions for Registered Nurse jobs and are ordered by most to least common.
Employers are increasingly more focused on skill requirements. Make sure you are developing or have some of the most common skills for this role.
Select any that you have to tag them to your career experience. We’ve pre-selected any that are already linked to your profile based on your resume or skills you’ve identified in evaluating other roles.
Education you need to become a Registered Nurse
These are the most common degrees or certificates earned by Jobtrees users prior to becoming a Registered Nurse
There may be other required degrees or certifications needed for this job. The below info shows you the most commonly desired education level from employers when hiring for this job.
- Bachelor Degree in Registered Nurse
- Bachelor of Science (b.sc.) in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science (b.sc.) in Registere...
- Associate Degree in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science (b.sc.) in Nursing S...
Annual Pay Estimate for Registered Nurse and Other Important Info
See how many years Registered Nurse's are in their job, how much they make, how long it took to get there and how available this job is in terms of open positions.
Top Companies Hiring for Registered Nurse
Below are the companies with the highest amount of open jobs for this role right now.
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Career Paths for Registered Nurse
Find data driven insights on the path to get to this role and where it can lead
Jobs to start your career in becoming a Registered Nurse
Show MoreNursing Student
Show MoreMedical AssistantJob posting titleCompany NameMedical Assistant, Transitions of CareEndeavor HealthCertified Medical Assistant Cma (60188)DuPage County Health DepartmentMedical Assistant - Neurosurgery (f/t Days)MercyMedical Assistant Certified Lead - Multi SpecialtyChristus HealthCertified Medical Assistant-certified IMUSC
Show MoreNurse ManagerJob posting titleCompany NameRn Case Manager - Paid Drive TimeProfessional Case ManagementNurse Manager of Critical Care IcuMethodist HospitalNurse Manager of Labor and DeliveryMedical City DallasAssoc Nurse Manager Float PoolUCHealthNurse Manager - Oncology - Ngoc North FultonWellstar Health System- See More
This is the most common and direct path to Registered Nurse based on our users' career history
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