What Does a Registered Nurse (RN) Do?
A registered nurse provides direct patient care, coordinates with physicians, and educates patients and families about health conditions and treatments. RNs are responsible for monitoring patient health, administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, and assisting with procedures. They play a central role in promoting recovery and maintaining patient safety.
Registered nurses work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, schools, and community health programs. Their responsibilities vary depending on their specialty, but all RNs must demonstrate strong clinical knowledge, communication skills, and the ability to provide compassionate care under pressure.
Looking to Hire a Registered Nurse (RN)?
Speak with one of our recruiting experts today.
Registered Nurse Core Responsibilities
- Assess patient conditions and develop nursing care plans
- Administer medications, injections, and IV therapies as prescribed
- Monitor and record vital signs and patient progress
- Assist physicians during examinations, procedures, and surgeries
- Educate patients and families about care plans, treatments, and preventative health
- Coordinate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure quality care
- Respond to medical emergencies and provide life-saving interventions
- Maintain accurate patient documentation in compliance with regulations
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in patient assessment, triage, and care planning
- Ability to administer medications and IV therapies
- Knowledge of medical equipment operation and maintenance
- Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems
- Understanding of infection control and patient safety protocols
Soft skills
- Compassion and empathy in patient interactions
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities
- Ability to stay calm and effective under pressure
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Time management and prioritization abilities
Education
- Associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required
Certifications
- NCLEX-RN certification required for state licensure
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) may be required depending on specialty
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred over ADN
- Specialized certifications such as:
- CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse)
- CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse)
- OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse)
- Experience in specialty care areas such as ER, ICU, pediatrics, oncology, or surgery
- Bilingual communication skills to support diverse patient populations
National Average Salary
RN salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Registered Nurse (RN) is:
$87,956
Sample Job Description Templates for RNs
Entry-Level Registered Nurse
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level registered nurse to join our healthcare team and provide compassionate, evidence-based care to patients. This role is designed for newly licensed nurses who are eager to gain hands-on clinical experience while working under the guidance of experienced RNs and physicians.
Responsibilities
- Perform initial patient assessments and record medical histories
- Administer medications and treatments as prescribed
- Monitor and document vital signs and patient progress
- Assist senior nurses and physicians during procedures
- Educate patients and families on care instructions and preventative health practices
- Maintain accurate documentation in electronic health record systems
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of patient assessment and care planning
- Ability to administer oral and intravenous medications
- Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems
- Understanding of infection control and safety protocols
Soft skills
- Compassion and empathy when caring for patients
- Strong communication and listening skills
- Willingness to learn and adapt in a clinical environment
- Teamwork and collaboration with medical staff
Education
- Associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Certifications
- NCLEX-RN certification required for licensure
- Basic Life Support (BLS) required
Preferred Qualifications
- Clinical rotation or internship in a hospital or healthcare facility
- Bilingual communication skills
Mid-Level Registered Nurse
Position Overview
Our hospital is hiring a mid-level registered nurse to provide direct patient care and manage independent caseloads. This role requires prior clinical experience and the ability to perform complex nursing responsibilities with minimal supervision.
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and create individualized care plans
- Administer medications, IV therapies, and injections accurately
- Coordinate with physicians and interdisciplinary teams on treatment plans
- Educate patients and families on chronic condition management and post-care recovery
- Monitor patient progress and adjust care as needed
- Ensure compliance with healthcare policies and safety regulations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in administering medications and IV therapies
- Ability to use diagnostic equipment and interpret results
- Experience managing electronic health records
- Knowledge of medical terminology and procedures
Soft skills
- Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
- Excellent organizational and prioritization abilities
- Effective communication with patients and healthcare teams
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred; ADN considered with experience
Certifications
- NCLEX-RN certification required
- BLS certification required
- ACLS certification recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of nursing experience in a hospital or clinical setting
- Specialty training in areas such as ER, ICU, or oncology
Senior Registered Nurse
Position Overview
We are looking for a senior registered nurse to manage complex patient cases, serve as a clinical resource for staff, and provide advanced nursing care. This role requires significant nursing experience and the ability to mentor junior staff.
Responsibilities
- Manage patient care for complex or high-acuity cases
- Mentor and train junior nurses and nursing students
- Assist physicians with advanced procedures and surgeries
- Develop and update care protocols to improve patient outcomes
- Lead quality improvement initiatives within the department
- Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and accreditation standards
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced clinical knowledge across multiple specialties
- Ability to manage high-acuity patients and emergency situations
- Proficiency in advanced equipment and procedures
- Strong documentation and compliance reporting skills
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Excellent patient advocacy and communication
- Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; master’s degree preferred
Certifications
- NCLEX-RN certification required
- BLS and ACLS certifications required
- Specialty certifications such as CCRN, CEN, or OCN strongly recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of nursing experience in acute or specialty care settings
- Prior mentoring or precepting experience
Charge Nurse
Position Overview
We are hiring a charge nurse to supervise nursing staff during assigned shifts and ensure high-quality patient care. This role combines direct clinical responsibilities with team leadership and requires strong decision-making and organizational skills.
Responsibilities
- Oversee nursing staff assignments and shift operations
- Act as the primary point of contact for physicians and staff during shifts
- Ensure patient care plans are followed and updated as needed
- Monitor compliance with safety standards and hospital policies
- Provide mentorship and guidance to junior nurses
- Handle patient or family escalations with professionalism
Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong clinical nursing skills across multiple units
- Ability to create and manage staff schedules
- Proficiency with EHR systems and reporting tools
- Knowledge of hospital policies and compliance regulations
Soft skills
- Leadership and conflict resolution abilities
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to make quick, sound decisions under pressure
- Team-building and mentoring capabilities
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required
Certifications
- NCLEX-RN certification required
- BLS and ACLS certifications required
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in a supervisory nursing role
- 3+ years of experience in acute care or hospital settings
Nurse Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a nurse manager to oversee daily operations, manage nursing staff performance, and ensure high standards of patient care. This role requires a balance of clinical expertise and leadership skills to lead a nursing unit or department.
Responsibilities
- Manage staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation for nursing units
- Recruit, train, and evaluate nursing staff
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for patient care
- Ensure compliance with state, federal, and accreditation requirements
- Collaborate with physicians and administrators on department goals
- Monitor department budgets and resource utilization
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of nursing administration and healthcare management
- Ability to manage departmental budgets and staffing levels
- Proficiency with compliance, accreditation, and reporting systems
- Strong clinical knowledge in patient care management
Soft skills
- Leadership and staff development abilities
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Strong organizational and time management abilities
- Ability to make strategic decisions under pressure
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; master’s degree in nursing or healthcare administration preferred
Certifications
- NCLEX-RN certification required
- BLS and ACLS certifications required
- Nurse Executive (NE-BC) certification recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of nursing experience, including supervisory roles
- Proven success in managing budgets and improving patient outcomes
Director of Nursing
Position Overview
We are seeking a director of nursing to provide executive leadership over nursing operations and ensure quality patient care across the organization. This role is responsible for strategic planning, compliance, and staff development within the nursing department.
Responsibilities
- Develop and oversee nursing department goals, policies, and procedures
- Manage departmental budgets and staffing plans
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards
- Lead recruitment, training, and retention of nursing staff
- Collaborate with hospital executives on organizational strategy
- Oversee quality improvement initiatives across all nursing units
Requirements
Hard skills
- Extensive knowledge of nursing administration and healthcare operations
- Ability to manage large budgets and multi-unit staffing structures
- Strong understanding of compliance, safety, and accreditation standards
- Proficiency in performance metrics and healthcare reporting
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and communication abilities
- Strategic planning and organizational development skills
- Ability to inspire and lead large, diverse teams
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or MBA strongly preferred
Certifications
- NCLEX-RN certification required
- BLS and ACLS certifications required
- Nurse Executive Advanced (NEA-BC) certification recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of nursing experience with progressive leadership roles
- Proven success leading nursing operations in large healthcare facilities