Registered Nurses Salaries

Within the broad spectrum of healthcare, RNs make up the largest workforce group because of the fundamental role they play in caring for patients and running a healthcare facility. Because of the demand for these openings, job opportunities are in healthy supply and allow RNs to have more specific choices in where they work and, in some cases, what shifts they will work. However, as patient care is required around the clock, shift choice is not always an option.



Registered nurses salaries have increased steadily over the recent past by approximately $10,000 to $15,000 annually; almost a 5% increase from two years prior. Some RNs have more responsibility allowing for even higher increases in salary. Dedicated nurses are often placed in charge of a facility and put in charge of other nursing staff.



RNs pursue their career because of their dedication to helping people and their interest in health and sciences. RNs carry out a number of functions depending upon their area of work. They work to document medical information on a patient including medication regimes, allergies, history of the patient, and health concerns. They also document any new information that is pertinent to maintaining accurate records. Many nurses provide education and advice to their patients, their patients' families, and also to the public. Registered nurses offer support and provide treatment and care to those in need. An RN may operate medical equipment for diagnostic testing or treatment methods, and they often administer medication and immunizations.



The current staffing trends are expected to continue throughout the healthcare system; specifically with registered nursing staff. The employment rate for RNs is expected to grow by over 22% within the next five years. In response to this employment rate many students have made this their study of choice. Those employing registered nurses prefer their nurses to hold, at least, an associate degree; however, they are even more likely to hire a registered nurse holding a bachelor's degree. On average 36% of registered nurses hold an associate's degree, 39% hold a bachelor's degree, 11% hold a master's degree, and 0.6% of RNs hold a doctoral degree. On the lower end of the spectrum for registered nurse's salary is approximately $44,000 which is earned by approximately 10% of all RNs. On the higher end of the spectrum are those RNs earning approximately $94,000, representing about 10% of RNs also. The remaining 80% vary between the two figures.