Salary & Job Description for an RN
There are more than 2.6 million registered nurses (RNs) in the United States, as of 2008, making it the largest health care profession. While, the job description of an RN will vary from one nurse to the next, there are some general similarities. Likewise, the salary of an RN can vary significantly depending on factors such as work experience and industry.
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RN Duties
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The duties of an RN will vary widely depending on her work environment. However, in general, RNs treat and educate medical patients and their families. They evaluate medical conditions using various diagnostic tools and often give advice to the patient on treatment options. RNs are also often responsible for maintaining patients' medical records and working with doctors to develop treatment plans. Some RNs specialize in a particular medical field like ambulatory care, cardiology, pediatrics or hospice care.
Work Environment
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RNs work in a wide range of health care facilities including hospitals, schools, community health care centers, private physicians' offices, nursing homes and other long term care facilities. Generally, the work environment is clean, comfortable and well-lit, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, the work does expose RNs to infectious diseases and hazardous materials, which necessitates the observation of rigid health guidelines. Because patients in hospitals and nursing homes require around-the-clock care, some RNs might work night, weekend and holiday shifts.
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Education
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Aspiring RNs must enroll in an associate's degree, bachelor's degree or diploma education program. Coursework generally focuses on anatomy, the immune system, nutrition, medical terminology and pharmacology. After successfully completing a degree program, graduates must then pass licensure examinations administered by state licensing boards. Each state has a distinct set of requirements for RN licenses. In some states, RNs must take continuing education courses to maintain licensure.
Average Earnings
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According to a May 2008 salary report by the BLS, the average annual salary of RNs in the United States was $65,130. That works out to an hourly wage of $31.31. The middle 50 percent of RNs brought home between $51,640 and $76,570, which equals $24.83 and $36.81 per hour. The lowest-paid tenth earned less than $43,410, or $20.87 each hour. The highest-earning 10 percent made more than $92,240, or $44.35 hourly.
Work Experience
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The earnings of an RN tend to increase along with work experience. According to a May 2010 salary survey by PayScale.com, RNs with less than one year of work experience earn a salary that falls between $38,603 and $53,676. That median expected salary range increases to $40,532 through $59,077 for RNs with between one and four years of work experience. Those with between five and nine years of work experience bring home between $46,845 and $64,870 while those who have been on the job for between 10 and 19 years make between $49,644 and $70,132. RNs with more than 20 years of work experience earn between $50,278 and $72,003, according to the report.
Industry
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Another factor that can impact earnings is the industry in which RNs are employed. The BLS calculated the salaries of RNs in the five industries with the highest levels of employment of the occupation. The report found that RNs working in the employment services industry earned the most. They made $68,160 per year on average. With an average annual salary of $63,880, nurses in general medical and surgical hospitals were the second highest-paid. Those working in the offices of physicians earned $59,210 on average, while those employed in the home health care services industry brought home $58,740. On the low end of the earning spectrum are RNs working in nursing care facilities. They earn $57,060 each year on average.
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