Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses constitute the largest health care occupation, with 2.4 million jobs. About 3 out of 5 jobs are in hospitals. The three major educational paths to registered nursing are a bachelors degree, an associate degree, and a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses are projected to create the second largest number of new jobs among all occupations; job opportunities in most specialties and employment settings are expected to be excellent, with some employers reporting difficulty in attracting and retaining enough RNs.
On average, Registered Nurses earn $ 57,280 per year.
Job Opportunities for Health Care Careers are
expected to:
Increase much faster than the average.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Critical Care Nursing
Family Practice Nurse/Nurse Practitioner
Maternal/Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/Nursing
Athletic Trainers
Cardiovascular Technologists and T
Registered nurses (RNs), regardless of specialty or work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients family members. RNs record patients medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.
There are three major educational paths to registered nursinga bachelors of science degree in nursing (BSN), an associate degree in nursing (ADN), and a diploma. BSN programs, offered by colleges and universities, take about 4 years to complete. In 2006, 709 nursing programs offered degrees at the bachelors level. ADN programs, offered by community and junior colleges, take about 2 to 3 years to complete.
As the largest health care occupation, registered nurses held about 2.5 million jobs in 2006. Hospitals employed the majority of RNs, with 59 percent of jobs. Other industries also employed large shares of workers. About 8 percent of jobs were in offices of physicians, 5 percent in home health care services, 5 percent in nursing care facilities, 4 percent in employment services, and 3 percent in outpatient care centers. The remainder worked mostly in government agencies, social assistance agencies, and educational services. About 21 percent of RNs worked part time.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
American Nurses Association
Bureau of Health Professions
Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
National League for Nursing
